is this swelling normal after Volbella? (Photos)

Question

I got 1 syringe (.5ml I believe) of Volbella injected today @noon for my vertical lines above lip and what remained was used in my upper and lower lip. Swelling started 4-5 hrs after. 1. Is this swelling normal? 2. Will the duck lip go away once swelling is gone? 3. Will I be able to smile normally once swelling is gone? I can't show my teeth right now because my upper lip hangs down in the middle.

Kaveh Alizadeh, MD, MSc, FACS · Answer

Swelling of the lips after any lip injection is very common. Most of the swelling after Volbella injection usually lasts 24-48 hours, and final the result is usually seen after 7 days. 
Volbella is a very soft, malleable product, and will give you a very natural, fuller look when settled. The “duck lip look” can be related to too much material placed in one place but if a result of swelling alone should resolve within 3-7 days. The same thing is true for your smile, once swelling is gone your smile will return to normal. 
However, it is very important to have an experienced injector since symmetry of the lip is essential for an even, beautiful smile.
There are a few tricks to try and prevent lip swelling in the future;
Make sure your lips are numb either with topical or injections as pain can cause increased reaction in the area.Apply cool packs to lips on/off for fifteen minutes right before injection.Avoid manipulation of lips after lip injectionAvoid exercise for 24 hours after lip injectionStart taking Arnica supplements one day before injectable treatment along with eating pineapples(bromelain) can be helpful.Avoid any medication that will cause bruising, (Aleve, Aspirin, Motrin etc.) for 7-10 days before injection.Avoid alcoholic beverages 24 hour prior to treatmentSleep with head slightly elevated

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Due to the thin nature of the lip tissues they are prone to swelling.  This typically will resolve in 2-3 days after treatment while the augmentation results will soften and appears more natural over the next 2-3 weeks.  In the meantime, I would recommend cold compresses to your lips, sleeping with your head slightly elevated, and using oral/topical arnica and bromelain to help speed your healing.  Hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, swelling is typical after lip fillers and can last 1-2 weeks after your injections. If you're unhappy with your final results, you can have it reversed with hyaluronidase and try a different technique next time. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

From the photos, it appears that you have a normal degree of swelling following placement of Volbella.  To help manage this, you might want to take an OTC non-sedating antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Allegra from the next few days.  That generally keeps swelling at a minimum.  You should also reach out to your injector and let them know your concerns.I hope that helps and wish you the very best!Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Tonya Boudreaux, MD · Answer

Hello - thank you for your photos and question. Don't worry, a good amount of swelling is completely normal post injections in the lips/ around the mouth area. .5ml of Volbella is a very small amount of filler - the size of your lips will go down drastically. If after 2 weeks your lips are still not to your liking, you can always go back to your provider and have the filler dissolved.
Best of luck!

Janet M. Neigel, MD · Answer

1. Yes, your swelling is completely normal.  It is very uncommon for there to be no swelling after any injection.  Arnica pellets, eating pineapples (bromelain) and using ice will help decrease the swelling and possible bruising.2. The "duck lip" will definitely go away.  Maximum swelling is evident the day after an injection.  Try to be patient.    3. Yes, you will be able to smile normally once the swelling is gone.  Every patient is different, but swelling seems to completely subside after 3-4 days.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

Yes. Your swelling is normal. Lips are particularly sensitive. The swelling should completely resolve over the next couple of weeks so, for now, be patient.

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