Small lump and bruising on upper lip after lip fillers. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

Painless swollen bump on upper lip surrounded by bruising. Showed up immediately after injections were done 2 days ago. Really worried that the bump will not go away. Is this normal? Injector said to massage the lump.

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and I appreciate your concern. Bruising and small lumps are actually quite common after lip filler, since this is a rather sensitive area of skin. I would advise you to use ice or cool compresses on the area to reduce swelling. You can also take Arnica for the bruising. If you don’t see significant improvement within two weeks, I would schedule a follow-up visit with your injector. However, I think it is likely these side effects will subside very soon.

Rupert Critchley, MD, MRCGP · Answer

Hi there!
Thank you for your question. Small lumps and slight bruising is very common following lip filler treatment. You should allow up to 2 weeks for this to go down and after this time if you are still concerned then I would suggest revisiting your original practitioner. In the meantime you can use ice and take arnica tablets to help reduce swelling.
Hope this helps!
Best Wishes,
Dr Rupert

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you're feeling pain, you should follow up with your injector / physician. Or see an experienced cosmetic dermatologist to get a formal evaluation, resolve the issue, and develop a new treatment plan to address your acne scars. Best of luck, Dr. Emer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear scxcvi,
Juvederm has significant swelling post injection. I would follow up with you plastic surgeon but typically I tell all my patients to wait a full two weeks.  Generally at 2 weeks they are happy and glad they didn't dissolve.  Dissolving is unpredictable as well.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Vilma Di Maria, MBBS · Answer

Thankyou for your question.you can try massaging the lump but if the lump is there in 1 weeks then the filler was injected a little too superficially and your injected can fix it my dissolving a little of the filler .good luck

Mira Kaga, MD · Answer

Most people who decide to take the plunge and get their lips done- whether it’s because you don’t love the shape of what ya mama gave ya, or you’ve lost some of that youthful volume that you’ve always loved- often times don’t realize that those Kylie Jenner lips weren’t created overnight. All of those pouty lips that you see in the magazines or pop up on your phone as you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed weren’t created from one trip to their favorite injector. Often times, it takes a trip or two to the doctor to work up to the volume you’re looking for after the swelling has subsided. Minor to medium swelling, bruising, and lumps are completely normal post-lip augmentation. Some patients swell or bruise more than others just purely based on their body’s natural response, that doesn’t mean that their lips won’t be just as perfect as the others. It’s important to touch base with the doctor you went to and if you’re still experiencing any of these symptoms more than 2 weeks after the visit, to make a follow-up appointment to be seen by the doctor so that they can see what’s going on in person. From your picture, what you’re experiencing looks absolutely normal but if you’re experiencing pain, call your doctor and let them know about your discomfort.

P. Alexander Ataii, MD- Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, small lumps and bruising is quite common after a lip augmentation. However, this should subside within 7-14 days after your procedure. After that time frame, if you don't see much improvement it would be best to contact your provider. Best of luck!