Volbella lip injections or Angioedema? (Photo)

Question

I received volbella lip injections exactly one month ago today. This morning I woke up with swollen upper lip that got worse throughout the day. I went to emergency room and they told me I may have (idiopathic) Angioedema but they are not sure what may have caused it or why it happened. The doctor who injected my lips with volbella is facial plastic surgeon in manhattan- he is saying it can not be a reaction to volbella one month later...

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph and I am sorry to hear of your upper lip swelling.  Angioedema due to the filler a month after treatment would be very unusual and I would try and review other possibilities for this reaction.  Certainly treatment can be started with oral steroid use but the key will be to identify the offending agent that caused this.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question jackie3185. I am sorry to hear about your situation. Volbella is a hyaluronic acid filler designed to enhance the lips. Angioedema is normally a result of an allergic reaction. If there is an allergy to a component of the product the reaction would be seen in the first few days. There may be a different cause. Angioedema is typically treated with steroids and antihistamines. 
Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Volbella lip injections or Angioedema? (Photo)

Answers (2)