I Just Had Restylane on Both Cheeks and Only One Side of my Face is Swollen. Normal?

Question

I just had restylane on both sides of my face and only one side of my face is swollen. And it obvious that one side is fuller than the other. Is this normal and how long should I wait before I call the doctor?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Windy

	I get called for all sorts of things.  Honestly, I would rather see someone for something that turns out to be nothing than miss something important.  Most likely your injector feels the same way.  Having said that, swelling after a service is very common and it does not have to be the same on each side.  While we docs like to think that the service is zero down time, that is not really true.  I often use 40 hours for normal swelling provided there is no bruise.  With a bruise, swelling can persist much longer.  Give it a few days, if things have not settled, please call your doctor.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Swelling is normal and can be asymmetric. You can expect swelling to last for one to two weeks, depending on the area treated and how your body reacts to the treatment. Keep your head elevated to help ease swelling, particularly when sleeping. You can use a few pillows to prop your head up.If it doesn't improve after a week or so, please see your injector for an assessment.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Windy.  Not very many patients are completely symmetrical.  But if your face was relatively symmetrical before the injections then it's very possible to have had more swelling one one side than another.  Typically we see bruising more often than swelling with Restylane, but it depends on the injection technique and the amount of product used.

	We have our patients come to a 2 week checkup after their initial visit just to make sure everything turned out as we both expected.  Give your injector a call and schedule a checkup for something around the 2 week mark.  Good luck.

Paul Carniol, MD · Answer

Asymmetry can occur after injection of fillers.  This could be due to baseline asymmetry prior to injection, swelling, bruising, or a need for additional filler injection.  You should see your doctor about this to rule out the unlikely possibility of a problem. Most of the time this is not a significant issue.

Assuming it turns out not to be due to a significant issue before you speak with the doctor you should decide which side you like better.  If you like the larger side better you may want to treat this by having additional filler placed in the smaller side.  If you have significant pre-existing asymmetry it may not be possible to achieve complete symmetry.  Most people have some asymmetry.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

First, everyone has asymmetry. Unless there is a large discrepancy or you think you have a hematoma, then there is not much else to do at this point. If you are concerned, then you should contact your doctor. Usually it is a good idea to wait a few weeks before getting touch-ups to allow the swelling to settle.

I Just Had Restylane on Both Cheeks and Only One Side of my Face is Swollen. Normal?

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I Just Had Restylane on Both Cheeks and Only One Side of my Face is Swollen. Normal?

Answers (9)

Answer: Restylane

Answer: Restylane

Answer: Asymmetry after filler

Answer: Asymmetry after filler

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Restylane

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