Possible (delayed) reaction to lip filler? (Photo)

Question

I had the marionette lines of my mouth (along the top outline of my top lip) injected with juvaderm (which I have been doing for over a year with no reaction) my last injection was a month ago and tonight my top lip (first affecting the right side, but now beginning to affect the left side) started to swell. It isn't painful, just swollen. What on earth is happening and what should I do? Should I just wait and hope it goes away?

Daniel Levy, MD · Answer

Delayed swelling after Juvederm is uncommon and should be checked out by your physician.  Swelling after a Juvederm treatment typically goes away within a few days, a week at most.  Swelling such as seen in your photo may be a type of angioedema which can be triggered by ingesting new foods or medication.  A complete history and physical exam is needed to clarify what is triggering this type of swelling.Good luck!

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question. It is rare but swelling in the perioral region and face 4-6 weeks after lip injections may occur.  This is due to touching the treated area post procedure can lead to mild infection. This easily treated with course of antibiotics. Steroids will also help with the swelling.  I use betadyne for prep. prior to all my lip injections.  Please see your physician for an examination.  Best Wishes.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is common to get swelling after fillers into the lips.  It is not normal to have irregularities or severe swelling.  If you are unhappy you should speak to your physician and have the area injected with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that reverses the hyaluronic acid filler.  For the next injections, consider Restylane Silk with cannula injection, this technique will limit the pain, swelling or bruising after the filler placement.  It often takes up to two weeks for swelling to subside on its own.  Find an expert in filler injections for your future treatments.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

It looks like you are having a reaction to the filler. See your doc for his or her advise. 1% hydrocortisone cream may be helpful applied to your lips BID. If the lips are hot, warm than infection needs to be ruled out. Good luck....

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It is unusual to have swelling of the lips when marionette lines are injected with filler. There is also asymmetry of the upper lips. I recommend also dissolution of the injected filler with Vitrase.

Possible (delayed) reaction to lip filler? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Edema of lip

Answer: Edema of lip

Answer: Marionette lines and facial fillers

Answer: Marionette lines and facial fillers

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Everything you need to know about Juvederm

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Possible (delayed) reaction to lip filler? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Edema of lip

Answer: Edema of lip

Answer: Marionette lines and facial fillers

Answer: Marionette lines and facial fillers

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.