Voluma in cheek area -- could it be causing sinus issues?

Question

I had Voluma injected a few months back and have been having issues with my sinuses ever since. Is this an unusual occurrence? Could it be pressure on my sinus cavity? I have had headaches, neck aches, ear aches, toothaches and all due to sinus infection/pressure (according to my doc). I am a little confused because I have lost and gained weight in my cheek area with no sinus issues. Isn't this the same? Could I be allergic to the Voluma? I am worried! I have never had sinus issues before!

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

While it is difficult to make a specific call on your situation over the internet like this, I can offer some general thoughts.  I think it is doubtful that Voluma injected into your cheeks could be causing ACTUAL sinus symptoms or pathology.  That is, an actual infection involving the internal linings of your sinus cavities would not be expected as a result of injection of Voluma into the superficial fatty tissues, or even the deeper tissues above the bone, in your cheeks where Voluma is typically injected.  If you are having drainage, blood tinged mucus, fevers, and nasal congestion - all typical symptoms of sinus problems, then it is likely that you have a true sinus infection, and the injection of Voluma is just a coincidence.  However, I think it is possible that you can have symptoms that can mimic those of a sinus infection, like headache, toothache, earache, pressure in the cheeks, and the like, without an actual sinus problem.  I think it is also possible that things like headaches and pressure sensations in the cheeks can happen from Voluma injection, especially if the filler wound up close to nerves and put pressure on them.  I don't think this is very common, but I believe it could happen.  As for the question of allergy to Voluma, again, while anyone can have a reaction to anything that might be injected into him/her, it is highly unlikely that you would form a true allergic response to Voluma, especially without other signs like swelling or discoloration in the area.  The best thing to do in this setting is first have your sinuses evaluated by a sinus specialist, including x-ray studies like sinus series and/or CT scan.  If there is true pathology to explain your symptoms, it will show up there, and it can be appropriately treated.  On the other hand, if the sinus evaluation doesn't pan out, then you should follow up with your doctor who injected the Voluma for evaluation.  If it can be determined that the Voluma is a likely cause or contributor to your symptoms, consideration could be given to dissolving it with hyaluronidase.  That should settle the issue for once and for all.  Good luck.

Alexander Blinski, MD · Answer

As someone that an advocate of Voluma (one of my favorite products) I can say that this is a relatively uncommon complication. The injection itself (needle trauma / bruising / inflammation) can cause sinus issues as well as the product itself (voluma). I usually stay away from injecting areas if there is a history of concomitant infection at the time of treatment, although this is not always easy to avoid. 
I recommend a course of antibiotics to treat an underlying sinus infection and possibly anti-inflammatory medication but would need to know more about your medical history and injection history to make a more accurate decision.  
If the issue persists I would dissolve the product. 
Either way please contact your injector for more specific info, physical exam to rule out other possible issues, and follow up as this is just my opinion based on experience and the information given. 
Best, 
Dr. Blinski in NYC

Sachin S. Pawar, MD · Answer

Hello:Symptoms such as headaches, ear aches, dental pain, etc. are often inappropriately attributed to sinus infections or sinusitis. Anatomically, there is no reason why Voluma injections in the cheek area would cause sinus issues. Although injection close to the infraorbital nerve could conceivably result in some pain or abnormal sensation over the cheek, I think this would be relatively unlikely overall. An allergic reaction also seems unlikely and would not manifest with the symptoms you are describing. If you continue to have symptoms, I would recommend seeing your primary care provider or a board-certified Otolaryngologist for further evaluation.

Voluma in cheek area -- could it be causing sinus issues?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Voluma

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

Voluma in cheek area -- could it be causing sinus issues?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Voluma

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