Restylane in Smile Lines - I Look Like a Chipmunk. Is This Swelling?

Swelling after the heavier hyaluronic acid fillers are definitely common.  Usually by about a week most of the acute swelling is gone and you can make an accurate assessment of how things look.

One thing experienced injectors have learned is not to expect too much from fillers.  Fillers can overcome focal volume loss, but they cannot reverse drooping.

One very common cause of swelling that persists beyond that point is when we try to do too much with the filler.  For example if too much filler is placed in the nasolabial area in an attempt to overcome the nasolabial folds completely, the corners of the lips swell downward, causing an unusual appearance of the mouth.

Hi Washington.  Being that it is only 3 days since your injection, it is quite possible that the chipmunk appearance you are referring to is related to swelling from the procedure.  

Give it a week and then call back your injector if you are still concerned about your results.  Good luck.

There may be swelling from not only the product, Juvederm or Restylane, the hyaluronic acids which attract water, but there can be swelling from the trauma of the procedure. If there is no reduction in a week, you should see your doctor to determine if there is overcorrection which can be addressed.

I personally find that swelling is minimal after Restylane injections, but it can happen. Everyone swells a little differently and it can be at its worst in the first 48-72 hours.  After this, it will go down.  If the swelling persists after a week, you should see your doctor so he/she can take a look at you.  Avoid salt, heavy exercise, medicines that make you bleed (aspirin/ibuprofen), and apply ice - these may help resolve the swelling faster.

Dear Washington in DC

Swelling after these services is pretty typical.  For most swelling lasts about a day and a half.  Having said that it can also persist much longer.  If the swelling that is bothering you has not settled in the next day or so, I would immediately call your injecting physician and be seen.  These services are highly technique dependent and not all injectors are created equally.