Can I get filler again? (Photo)

Question

I got lip filler for the first time in February. I was injected with Restylane Defyne, everything went well, and I loved the results. Five months later they started to become tender, swollen, hard and bumpy. After a couple visits with my injector, she told me that I had late onset inflammatory reaction, which I kind of already figured. She told me it was the worst case she has ever seen and that my body had turned the filler into hard nodules in order to protect itself from the "foreign body"...

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

lip fillers can be reversed then you can try another product type. if there is scar tissue its ill need injections steroid/5fu, oral medrol, and lasers.

lip fillers and lift will not help the corners of your mouth, that needs botox, threads or a lip corner lift.  sometimes an early face/neck lift helps. accutite can be a non invasive alternative. I would use daily hydration and plumping (see emeragecosmetics.com lip essentials kit).  everyone can do a little filler when done well really gives nice hydration and plumping.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Charles Cheng, MD · Answer

Late onset inflammatory nodules are uncommon (0.25%) with hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Belatero...etc. Your injector is describing granulomas as you may read in other posts. A true granuloma is essentially scar tissue formed to surround a foreign body or infection. It is only diagnosed by a biopsy so until you have "histological" proof, it should never be called a granuloma. 
The management of late onset inflammatory nodules are still in debate. I would highly recommend going back to your injector or another physician experienced in treating these nodules. In majority of cases we have managed, these nodules are a result of recent infections such as colds and bladder infection, allergic reaction due to food or seasonal allergy, excessive alcohol intake, or other inflammatory diseases. Initially, an antihistamine or oral steroids would be recommended. Some physicians use antibiotics (with anti-inflammatory action). If that do not work, an adequate dose of enzyme (hyaluronidase) can be injected to quickly breakdown the hyaluronic acid filler material. In majority of the cases, this should work. The next step up would be to inject corticoid steroids into these nodules. There are other treatments available beyond this such as 5-FU. However, if none of these work, the likely diagnosis is a granuloma which will require surgical excision if the injectable treatments do not work.
We have successfully treated many nodules and majority of these patients have received further hyaluronic acid filler injection without changing brands and no further issues.
It is also very important that an aseptic technique is used by the injectors to avoid potential contamination of the filler material or equipment used in your treatments.
Hope you found the above helpful and you will have the opportunity to seek out appropriate care by an experienced physician to manage your needs.

Alain Michon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Late-onset modules or granuloma formation after dermal filler injections is a rare but possible complications with fillers. It is often triggered when the immune system is compromised due to a viral or bacterial infection, and more prevalent in patients with multiple allergies. However, in some cases there are no causes found. Dissolving the nodules with hyaluronidase is possible. And yes, you may get filler in the future once the nodules have resolved. However, I recommend first a Dermal filler skin test on the inner forearm. If there is no reaction after 2 weeks, it is safe to proceed with the dermal filler treatment. All the best, Dr.Michon

Rita Rakus, MBBS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. Its rare but can happen with all fillers- sometimes this is triggered by other viral illnesses but its not well understood. You could have filler again - I would try another brand - but I would wait for this to be completely treated and settled before starting using filler again.  Always go to a qualified and experienced practitioner for any injectable treatment, best wishes

Can I get filler again? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Delayed onset nodule

Answer: Delayed onset nodule

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Can I get filler again? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Delayed onset nodule

Answer: Delayed onset nodule

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.