How Do I Treat Granulomas / Scar Tissue Caused by Restylane in my Lips?

Question

I had restylane injected 5 months ago, there is a small lump where the needle went in and several lumps that can be felt from inside my mouth,there is an ridge above my lipline that is bumpy on one side. My new plastic surgeon says the product is gone and it is my own scar tissue and we can reinject juvaderm to even out the irregularities I am afraid to inject anything after this rare response what can I do to restore my lip steroid injections? Will the scar tissue need to be cut out?

James C. Marotta, MD · Answer

It is pretty rare to develop granulomas or scar tissue following restylane injections in the lips just 5 months ago. I would advise strongly against any surgical correction. Most likely the restylane is still present and if you don't like it, it can be dissolved with vitrase. Seek a physician who can offer you this correction and perhaps give you better smoother, softer results with improved injection technique. Best wishes!

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Hypertrophic scarring is rare in the lip after Restylane or Juvederm injections. The chance of a granuloma is also rare. Is there an infection? Was a product different from Restylane or Juvederm used? Was it Restylane or Juvederm sold by the manufacturer in this country? There are many variables to consider before undergoing surgery. Hyaluronidase injections may dissolve the overcorrected lump of filler but if there is scar, corticosteroid injections, which can have side effects and you should discuss the risks with your doctor, can minimize scar tissue if there truly is scar tissue, but shouldn't be injected if there is an infection. It may be worth getting a second opinion.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

As you know from my answer yesterday, I do not agree with your new plastic surgeon. This filler persists for a long time and is not associated with scar formation. I would not recommend Juvederm for this application because of its tendency to spread. Also injecting the lip with steroids can cause volume loss because the steroids damage fat cells. Much of the lip is plump due to localized fat that is present there. Please be careful.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you had restylane injected 5 months ago, it is likely to still be present and it can be dissolved with hyaluronidase.

Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

Please get your records. I doubt this was caused by Restylane. It sounds like bad technique at the very least, but perhaps you did not get the real thing. Scar tissue this early is highly unlikely and granulomas have not been seen with Restylane in many years. I would proceed with caution.

How Do I Treat Granulomas / Scar Tissue Caused by Restylane in my Lips?

Answers (5)