How Do I Remove Restylane Irregularities in Lips 5 Months After Injection?

Definitely at 5 months you could have an isolated "lump" of the injected filler and for that the best and quickest solution is to "lance" it with a #18 needle and manually compress out the excess filler. This could be strongly supported if the lump was there from the beginning. Hyaluronidase works well for diffuse overinjection in the lips or other areas

If you see or feel lumps, hyaluronidase injections may take care of your problem.  If they are inflamed, they can sometimes be due to a low-lying infection and may require more aggressive treatment.  You need to have an examination performed by an experienced injector to determine the best course of action.  Typically, Restylane lasts about a year in the lips but this is variable.  Best of luck.

I do not have the benefit to examine you and feel the structure and firmness of your lip compared with the surgeon who saw you in consultation, but your photograph demonstrates a lip that has lost its definition and this is consistent with persistent filler. Many of my patients show Restylane or Juvederm volume effect for more than one year after treatment, but the majority have it for about 8 to 10 months.  At five months and with the appearance of your photograph, I would suggest you see a doctor and ask about the safety and appropriateness of dissolving the Restylane with hyaluronidase.

I would personally inject hyaluronidase into the concerning areas as Restylane can definitely last longer than 5 months in the lips. If the fullness does not resolve, then I would consider an injection of dilute steroid and aggressive massage. More than likely, your lip will return to it's pre-injection state. I have never seen "scarring" in the lip due to injections of Restylane, no matter what the technique is.

Andrew C. Campbell, M.D.

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

It is possible that you still have residual restylane in the lips, which can be causing you problem.  It is not uncommon for the product to last that long in some individuals.  If this is the case, injections of Hyaluronidase will help to dissolve the remaining Restylane.  If scar tissue is present, this may pose a more difficult dilemma.  Good Luck, Dr. Corrado