Why do I have chipmunk cheeks a month after Restylane? And will water pills help to remove?

Question

I had restylane injected (nasolabial folds and jowls), however, as of two days ago one cheek (upper) looks like there's a golf ball when i smile, just wondering if water pills (for example) can help in diminishing that?

Giancarlo Zuliani, MD · Answer

Hello and sorry to hear about this swelling. A golf ball size swelling isn't normal after such a procedure and as others have mentioned may be due to an infection. Diuertuics will not help with such a situaiton. If the material need to be removed luckily it can be dissolved with another injection of a material called hyaluronidase. A visit back to your injector should help figure out what is occurring.

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

At this point, there should not be that much swelling and I suggest you return to your treating plastic surgeon to have the area examined.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Restylane is a wonderful facial filler and I use it every day with my patients.  Without a photo it is impossible to know what the "golf ball" means but it does not sound normal.  It could be from too much filler or improper placement or infection.  Please return to your treating physician for examination and let me know what happens.

Vicki J. Levine, MD · Answer

See the doc who did the procedure. It could be an infection. Please do not take  a water pill.Do you sleep on that side?

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At one month out from restylane injections you should not have swelling.  Best to be seen in person to determine what is going on.

Why do I have chipmunk cheeks a month after Restylane? And will water pills help to remove?

Answers (7)