Restylane injected in nasolabial folds: whole face - especially in cheeks - looks puffy/bloated/swollen, help? (photo)

Question

Why would my cheeks and entire mid face swell up like this if I just got my nasal labial folds filled w/Restylane? I know they say it attracts water when you use Restylane- could it be bloating from too much water absorption to the face? When will it go away? Could it be swelling that has spread out from just injecting an area near the cheeks? It's been 4 days since injected & swelling is still obvious and it hurts even - like I can feel the filler in the folds... advice? Too much filler?

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello Christine.Thanks for sharing your concerns. I would suggest you speak with your injector and share your concerns. I use Arnica and Bromelain on my patients with fairly good success.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question and photo. Based on the pictures and information, you may just be experiencing heightened swelling. With that being said. You may want to let your physician know, if it's still very painful or tender you may want to make sure you didn't get a slight infection. Try to avoid salt, alcohol, and exercise for now, as these things can increase swelling. Good luck!

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for submitting your photos. It's not uncommon to experience swelling for up to 2 weeks after any filler injections.  Restylane can also feel firm under the skin immediately after injection - over the course of several weeks, it gradually absorbs water and softens, blending into the skin and the underlying tissue.  While it's possible that you may have been overfilled, It's difficult to assess what your final results will be until your swelling have fully subsided.  
For now, I would suggest gently applying ice or cool compresses to your lips.  I also find that taking over-the-counter antihistamines like Zyrtec or Benadryl can help with swelling after fillers.  If you are still concerned about the appearance of your lips after 2 weeks or so, it would be worthwhile to follow-up with your injector to discuss your concerns.  If necessary, Restylane can easily be dissolved with hyaluronidase.  Best of luck!

Jill C. Fichtel, MD · Answer

Restylane certainly can cause facial swelling due to skin trauma caused by the needle used for injections.  This is normal, and can vary based on injection technique and experience of your physician.  I recommend you call the Dermatologist that did your injections and inquire about their recommendations to treat facial swelling.  Sometimes physicians will recommend anti-inflammatory medication or light icing to help with swelling.I'd say give it at least a few more days -- the swelling may reduce significantly.  If you've had too much injected, then you can have excess filler dissolved with hyaluronidase, which your injector should be able to provide.

Vicki J. Levine, MD · Answer

You only have this procedure done 4 days ago so the swelling may come down over the next two weeks .  If it does not then I would go back and see the person that gave you the injections .

Restylane injected in nasolabial folds: whole face - especially in cheeks - looks puffy/bloated/swollen, help? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Swelling after Restylane injections - a relatively common side effect

Answer: Swelling after Restylane injections - a relatively common side effect

Answer: Too early to say

Answer: Too early to say

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Everything you need to know about Restylane

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Restylane injected in nasolabial folds: whole face - especially in cheeks - looks puffy/bloated/swollen, help? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Swelling after Restylane injections - a relatively common side effect

Answer: Swelling after Restylane injections - a relatively common side effect

Answer: Too early to say

Answer: Too early to say

Browse related questions

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.