What can I do before getting lip injections (Juvederm) to be sure I'm not allergic to it? What am I looking for in a doctor?

Question

I'm scared to get lip injections bc I don't want to have a reaction. Can it be tested somewhere else on my body to be sure I won't have a negative reaction? I had about 25 units of Botox last year in my forehead & had red dots at every injection sight like mosquito bites but they went away about an hour & a half after the injections. Also, what do I look for in a Doctor ? I don't really know who to go to ? My dermatologist or a plastic surgeon ? Thank you !!

Jonathan Pontell, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question.  Juvederm is made from hyaluronic acid which is a sugar that you and every other person has in their body already.  While the gel that is injected has some other minor components in it, and it is theoretically possible to be allergic to these other components, I have done literally thousands of these injections and I have never seen any allergic reaction.  Testing in other parts of your body can be done, but this is not recommended by the company or the FDA as there is almost no risk of an allergic reaction. As far as who to go to for lip injections, you should see a doctor who has a great amount of experience.  I have treated thousands of patients with Juvederm with excellent results.  Good luck.  Dr. Pontell

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Injecting the lips or any other part of the face with the hyaluronic acid-based (HA) fillers (e.g. Juvederm, Restylane etc) very very rarely results in a true allergic reaction. It is common though to have 2-3 days of lip swelling, and sometimes a bruise that lasts around 1 week. If you're particularly concerned, you can inject the filler into any part of the body's skin to assess for a reaction. I have never had an allergic reaction to an HA based filler in over 10 years of practice and I have treated thousands of patients.

Morgan Rabach, MD · Answer

Dear Bigbootyjudy,Thank you for your question about lip filler. Allergic reactions from hyaluronic acid fillers, which are the type of filler we most commonly use in the lip, are extremely extremely rare. So rare that testing is not routinely done. If you really would feel the most comfortable with a skin test it is easy enough to test the product under the skin first.I would look for a doctor with whom you feel comfortable. I am a dermatologist and my sister is a facial plastic surgeon and we both do a ton of lip filler. Our approach is the minimize any discomfort of the actual lip injection and for you to leave looking natural. We have all seen patients that have had too much lip filler. Don't be afraid to ask tons of questions during your consultation and explain exactly how you want your lip to look. Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The Hyaluronic acid fillers do not commonly cause allergies and normally we do not skin test for them.. You certainly can have that done in advance if you desire.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

If you are very concerned about Juvederm and an allergic reaction you can definitely have a skin test before you are injected with it. Although it is generally not performed, you could opt for the skin test to be done.  Best, Dr. Green

What can I do before getting lip injections (Juvederm) to be sure I'm not allergic to it? What am I looking for in a doctor?

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What can I do before getting lip injections (Juvederm) to be sure I'm not allergic to it? What am I looking for in a doctor?

Answers (7)

Answer: Filler and allergy

Answer: Filler and allergy

Answer: Juvederm and Allergy NYC

Answer: Juvederm and Allergy NYC

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

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