Severe swelling after Volbella lip filler. Can I have some advice? (Photo)

Question

Hi I've had fillers before and always experienced a small amount of swelling, but 5 hours after 1 vial of Volbella ( the first time I have had this filler) and my top lip feels like it's about to pop. The swelling is severe and very uncomfortable. If this continues I honestly think my lips will start to split. I've iced them and taken arnica (for the week leading up to the injections) but this swelling is really quite scary. I could use some advice on this please...

Adelle Quintana, MD · Answer

Swelling is customary after Volbella Lip Injection. I recommend icing your lip throughout the day to reduce the swelling. Most patients see swelling go down after 3 days but if your lips continue to swell as severely as you mentioned, then it would be best to see your provider to make sure that there are no complications.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about swelling after Volbella injections. Some swelling is expected after injections, depending on the amount of trauma that occurred to the tissues and the amount of product used. From my experience, that appears to be a bit more swelling than usual. I would recommend following up with your injector in person for her to evaluate. Sometimes steroids can be prescribed to help with the swelling.

To be sure, see two or more experienced, licensed and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment.

I hope this helps.

To be sure, see two or more experienced, licensed and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment.
 
 I hope this helps.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

Since Volbella comes in a less than 1 ml syringe it is uncommon to see this type of swelling from one syringe. It does not appear to be a hematoma since there is no bruising. Swelling from HA fillers usually resolves in 48 hrs, however, I would recommend an oral steroid since this has you concerned. Be sure to contact your injector so they can see you as soon as possible. You should not have any long term consequences as a result of this swelling.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

In addition to ice and elevation, you might consider taking a mild steroid such as a medrol dose pack or low dose prednisone.  For future treatments, you should ask to have your injections done with a microcannula which is less traumatic.  I'd also suggest going back to Juvederm or Restylane.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Swelling, redness, discomfort and bruising is common during the first few days following an injection treatment, however this appears quite severe. I suggest you see your injector. In the meantime, you can use cool, soft, flexible ice packs (or small packs of frozen peas) to keep the swelling down. Place the ice pack on the treated area(s) for 15-20 minutes at a time, 3 or 4 times per day. Do not keep it on for too long to minimize the risk of frostbite (since your lips may be numb you won't be able to feel the cold as much). Keep your head elevated.

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

While it’s very unusual for Volbella to produce this much swelling, it’s still possible for someone to develop so much inflammation. I would recommend taking NSAIDs like Advil and also talking to your doctor about this issue as soon as you can. Make sure you are getting treatment from a board-certified physician or other experienced health care professional.

Al Cohn, MD · Answer

Hello.  I have a patient who had a similar reaction to Volbella injections today.  I performed identical lip injections on 7 people using Volbella and everyone did totally fine except for one individual who had extreme lip swelling similar to yours that occurred around 5-6 hours after injection was performed.she has had fillers in the past but had never had this particular filler. There is no hematoma.  I have placed her on steroids.  How long did it take for your swelling to improve and did you ever find out the cause of your swelling?  Thanks for any help or guidance you might have.

Sameer Bashey, MD · Answer

The lip is a very very sensitive area. It can swell quite a bit after filler is placed. Always contact your doctor and let them know. You can apply ice and in some cases oral steroids are needed to control the swelling. I use a lot of volbella but I personally do not see this much swelling after lips are done. h

Julie Edween, DO · Answer

siany1974,I am sorry your experienced such swelling with your Vobella injection.  Your reaction to Vobella is very unusual since the technology in the product is specifically designed to have less water absorption, and therefore less swelling than the other fillers on the market.  Your injecting physician should be notified immediately of your reaction, and if necessary start you on a course of oral steroids to decrease the swelling quickly.  Best of luck!Dr. Edween

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