Why is this vein enlarged after Juvederm? (Photos)

Question

A vein that was not there before became visible after I had juvederm lip augmentation. It leads down to my upper lip. It is raised and looks like smokers lines but it is a vein, not wrinkles. Not coming through in photos well but obvious in person. Why is this happening and what can be done to fix it? Did the injector hit a vessel?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Due to the swelling that accompanies injections, as well as the propensity for Juvederm to attract water, the superficial veins can become temporarily enlarged.  As your injection results mature over 2-3 days you should see improvement.  Hang in there!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This lump above the lip is not a vein. It is Juvederm which has been misplace. I see this sometimes as I am injecting that there is a channel that the fillers spreads to during injection. I can easily be dissolved with hyaluronidase. You might try massage to the area but it probably won't work.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Swelling is common after lip injections and can persist up to two weeks.  The area you mentioned may be more pronounced due to swelling in the tissues.  If you still have concerns after two weeks, return to your injector for an evaluation.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

You are right, I can't really see the vein in the photo. However, filler treatment can lead to swelling around the injection site(s) and this can cause nearby veins to appear engorged. This should resolve as the filler settles in. If it does not resolve over the next few days, I would followup with your injector for an in person examination.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Jocelyn,Thanks for the question and photos.  You're right, the photo does not do it justice.  Juvederm is very thick and draws water into itself for the first several days.  This can effect the smaller veins around the injection site.  Most commonly, these effects dissipate over the first 3-5 days.Worst case scenario is that it remains and you may have your injector dissolve the Juvederm in a week or two.Good luck.Dr T

Sara A. Kaltreider, MD (retired) · Answer

Doubt your injector hit a vessel or you would notice bruising. Veins do not typically follow a course down to the vermilion border, but it could be an anomaly. It almost appears as though you have had a remote injury to the lip with a narrow scar leading down to the lip. See your injector for an examination and suggestions. Best wishes.

Why is this vein enlarged after Juvederm? (Photos)

Answers (6)