Uneven lips after filler? Clear lumpy pockets. What should I do? (Photo)

Question

I had my lips injected for the first time exactly one week ago. I immediately expressed my concern at the lumps that were apparent on the inside of my top lips. They look like clear pockets and when I smile they almost hang down giving my top lip an uneven and unnatural, was advised its swelling and that it would subside in a few days. I called her 2 days later and advised to massage and wait until the end of the week. Also advised it could be tissue displacement. 7 days later no change

George Yang, MD · Answer

Hi Britgirl79,The filler was either injected too close to the inside of the lip or it migrated back into the inside of the lip.  I will explain more how this may happen.  Hopefully your injector used Restylane/Juvederm or other hyaluronic acid filler which are temporary and can be dissolved.  If this is medical grade silicone, it will be a more difficult problem to resolve.Assuming this is a hyaluronic acid filler, it will eventually go away without any treatment or if it really bothers you, you can ask the injector (doctor, nurse, or physicians assistant) to dissolve it or use a needle to squeeze out the filler after poking a small hole with a needle over the bubbles.To avoid this problem, the injector can keep the needle or microcannula closer to the front of the lip and away from the inside portion of the lip.  In some cases, the patient wants a lot of filler in their lips and the patient has smaller thinner lips, which cannot hold very much filler.  In these cases, the filler does not want to stay in place and can leak into other areas such as the inside of the lip.  To avoid this problem, the injector needs to know that the lip can not hold any additional filler and let the patient know that they need to stop.  Sometimes this is easier said than done, especially if the patient want their lips bigger and bigger.However your injector deals with it, time and patience or injections or squeezing out the filler, the problem is minor and will eventually be resolved. Good luck.Best,Dr. YangP.S. There is a new feature on Realself, which is the "Follow" button. It is similar to the "Like" button on Facebook. If you like my response or any of the doctor responses while you research on Realself, you should "Follow" them. You will get email updates, when the doctors you follow post any new answers to questions, post new photos, or have any new reviews.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I would suggest going back to your physician and asking for the material to be reversed with hyaluronidase.  It is likely you have clumping of the filler and/or excessive swelling.   This is easily reversible and can be reinjected again later without a problem. and  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

Kristin M. Baird, MD · Answer

I do see your concern from the your photos. The swelling should be resolved after 2 weeks so the filler may have been placed too superficial and/or too much filler on one side of the lip. This can be corrected by dissolving the filler in those areas where it is superficial. More filler may be needed to address the asymmetry. I would follow up with your injector for evaluation and treatment. Make sure your injector is a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is very experienced in fillers. Best wishes.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Britgirl. Some of the lumpiness may still be swelling or trauma at the injection sites. If it is not better in another week then you should follow up with your injector. You may need additional filler to help even things out. In the event that you are still not happy with your result them you can have the filler dissolved with some hyaluronidase. Good luck!

Uneven lips after filler? Clear lumpy pockets. What should I do? (Photo)

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Answer: Uneven lips after fillers

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Uneven lips after filler? Clear lumpy pockets. What should I do? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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