1 day post Restylane injections to my lips with swelling. My lips are enourmous- when should I panic? (photos)

Question

I got restylane injections in my lips yesterday and the doctor told me the swelling would only be noticeable to me and that I could go to work. That is definitely not the case.  When can I expect this to subside? I'm freaking out.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

We routinely prescribe a medrol dose pack when patients have a hyaluronic acid filler (Juvederm and Restylane), because flash swelling can occur (albeit infrequently).  This can be dealt with fairly expeditiously by calling your Doctor.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is very common for the lips to look 
over corrected or fake the next day.  This is due to all the swelling 
that ensues.  I often tell my patients that this
 is the "oh my gosh" day.  It can be 'oh my gosh' my lips are so 
swollen!  It could also be 'oh my gosh' I love my lips even more than 
yesterday.  Either way, the swelling may last a few days with every day 
showing a decrease 
in swelling. The more you ice the first day or two, the less swelling 
you will have.   I would wait a few days to a week and then return to 
your injector if you still have concerns after that.  If you like the 
look of the lips at some point during the swelling reduction, then take a
 picture.  This way you know what volume you like in the lips for the 
future.

Richard Parfitt, MD · Answer

You need to be evaluated at the clinic where you had the procedure.  If it is determined you have no allergy and the lips remain too large after a period of time, you can have the filler broken down with hyaluronidase.  It is best to have a hyaluronidase allergy test before treatment.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I would definitely discuss this with your doctor.  This might be angioedema, which would require steroids to subdue.  You didn't say how much and if this was Silk.  If 2 syringes were used and this is Silk, this still might be within the realm of exected swelling.  In any case, steroids should be given.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

From your photos I can see a considerable lip swelling.  I would return immediately to your treating physician for evaluation.  How many cc's were injected?  You may need to be injected with Vitrase to dissolve the Restylane.

Eric Desman, MD · Answer

Never panic. I recommend contacting your doctor's office and letting them know that you may have a problem and that you will continue with ice for a couple of more days before going in to be seen. They may offer to see you right away. If there is an issue of too much Restylane, this can be addressed with hyaluronidase. Good luck.

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

Although swelling after fillers into the lips is not uncommon, I would suggest you discuss with your surgeon. I would recommend you discuss with a Board Certified Dermatologist with expertise with Restylane

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

There is no question this is more swelling than normal but the degree of swelling will vary from one patient to the next.I would keep icing it and it 3 to 4 days the swelling should go down significantly.Be patient.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I have seen this swelling reaction infrequently following HA filler injection to the lips. It is an allergic reaction to the cleaning agents or the preservatives in the fillers. Please seek medical attention if this continues in the form of a steroid injection and a Medrol dose pack by mouth...

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

Everyones lips are different when it come to swelling after a procedure. Most do not swell this much but I will assure that mine certainly do. My lips swelled tremendously after Restylane, more than I have ever seen in any of my patients. The swelling took a few days to go down. Be patient, apply cool compresses and take some Ibuprofen(unless some reason why you can not).

1 day post Restylane injections to my lips with swelling. My lips are enourmous- when should I panic? (photos)

Answers (12)

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