Can lip filler be accidentally manipulated during tonsillectomy? And what can be done about it? (photo)

Question

Hi, I have received juviderm lip injections once a year for the past 3 years and have never had any issues. The most recent injection was about 5 months ago. Yesterday I had a tonsillectomy and now it it appears that on one side of my lip the filler has been manipulated and pushed down creating a lump at the corner of that side of my mouth. What do I do about this? Should I have it dissolved and redone on that side? My surgeon said he never seen this happen.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.You are one day post-op from surgery, this may be swelling from them manipulating your mouth. I would wait a few weeks to see if this resolves. It is very unlikely that after 5 months, filler could be moved.

Selena Lantry, MD · Answer

After 5 months, it is extremely unlikely that your tonsillectomy caused any migration or manipulation to your filler.  Most likely the swelling is due to the tonsillectomy you just underwent.  Wait a few days for the swelling to go down, and if there is still an issue, I would recommend scheduling a follow up visit with your provider to discuss the lump and potentially dissolving your filler.

WISH MedSpa - Nashville · Answer

Thank you so much for your question regarding lip augmentation.  I
recommend dermal fillers, specifically hyaluronic acid based fillers. 
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your body and HA based fillers are also
reversible.  It is highly unlikely that your filler would be manipulated that much 5 months after treatment.  It is more likely that the HA is holding on to fluid and you are seeing residual swelling.  I would wait two weeks and let the swelling subside.  Worse case scenario you could always have it dissolved.
I recommend an in person consultation with your provider. 
Hope this helps. 
Best of luck!

Wm. Randall Cone, Jr., DMD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question and concern.  It is very unlikely that the your filler would be distorted 5 months after injection. Based on your pictures it’s much more likely that you have some post-op swelling of the lip after the tonsillectomy.  Cheek retractors are used during the tonsillectomy procedure that can press on the lip and result in temporary post op swelling or “fat lip.”  This should resolve without intervention within a few days.  If it is not resolving on its own, I recommend following up with your surgeon for evaluation to see if steroids or hyaluronidase is indicated.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Five months after injection it would be unlikely that the filler would be able to be manipulated to the point of moving it.  If filler is still present you can consider having the product dissolved with hyaluronidase.

Can lip filler be accidentally manipulated during tonsillectomy? And what can be done about it? (photo)

Answers (5)

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