Hard lumps after lip filler done in May - could this be scarring?

Question

Hello, I had lip filler done at the end of May by an esthetician I otherwise trusted and had great results from before. Unfortunately she was in a rush this time I try to massage but at this point it feels like I have frozen peas or marbles in all parts of my lip. It’s been over 3 months and while I usually get bumps they go away in the following two weeks maximum. Could this be scarring? Thanks.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @tourmaline.  This appears to be a capsular contracture. This is when a large bolus of filler has been injected and a capsule develops around the surface. This capsule contracts creating a nodule or a lump. This can be reversed with Hyaluronidase.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos and questions. This is most likely nodules from the filler treatment.  They typically resolve on their own within a few weeks of treatment.  You can consider hyaluronidase to dissolve them if HA fillers were used.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! Depending on the product used, it could be nodules which are inflammatory reactions to the filler. At 3 months, we would often expect these to have softened or improved. Dissolving with hyaluronidase would be a starting point. Steroids can be added if needed if the reaction is more likely to be inflammation rather than filler. I would have your injector re-evaluate to see what is going on. Hope this helps.

Geeta Yadav, MD · Answer

Hi there! Those pea-sized bumps are mostly likely nodules caused by the lip filler injections. Since you were treated months ago, your best course of action is to dissolve the nodules with hyaluronidase (this only works if you were treated with a hyaluronic acid-based filler like Juvéderm, Restylane, or Belotero). Hope this helps!

Hard lumps after lip filler done in May - could this be scarring?

Answers (4)