Wavy, Bumpy Bottom of Top Lip After Filler - What Has Gone Wrong? (photo)

Question

Have had 0.5 Juvederm Ultra smile injected (first time) 2.5 weeks ago (body not border). After the intial swelling had gone down I was happy with the overall volume but not happy with all the bumps along the bottom of the top lip which is also lopsided (to my right). I massaged for about a week starting 48 h after the injection but have stopped now as I have seen only v slight fading of bumps. What should I do??? have more filler to correct gaps? Hyaluronidase may cause more damage than good...

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Wavy lips might need filler along the stomal portion of the lips.  Lip filler bumps is fairly common after filler.  The bumps can occur early on and many settle down.  Although massage after filler is considered a mainstay, beware that massage can drive the filler into another location if done too early.  
Reasons for bumps after filler:
Technique- Filler may have been used too superficially or wrong type of filler
Mouth movements- In some patients their movements can promote the accumulation of bumps and an alternative technique can be advocated.
Treating lip filler bumps:
Observation +/- massage-  Should be done for almost all lip filler bumps for 2 weeks.  For our patients we usually advocated massage after 48-72 hours to let the filler settle into place.
Reversal- A reversal agent can be used such as Vitrase to dissolve the filler if there is a large obvious persistent bump
Additional filler- An expert filler injector can used improved technique to mask the lip bumps.
The application of lip filler is very technical and should be done by an expert injector.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, it looks like your Juvederm was injected unevenly or too superficially and this caused the lumps to show.  The choices are only inject Hyaluronidase into the lumpy spots or allow the Juvederm to dissolve over time. My hunch is that you will be happier if you dissolve the unevenness sooner than later. Your provider should be able to do this for you at no charge. You may require a Juvederm touch up but if injected deeper or by a more experienced injector your appearance could be greatly improved.  Good Luck!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is common to have some swelling after fillers for lip augmentation which can take up to 2 weeks to resolve. You can apply cold compresses to the area to help reduce swelling and bruising. It is also advisable to avoid any NSAID’s before and after treatment as they tend to thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising and swelling. If you have any other concerns please contact your treating physician. Best of Luck!

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Hello AlexUKice,Thank you for posting your question. I suggest returning to your provider to discuss your concerns. Over time the Juvederm will diminish but that can take months. If you are looking for a quicker result, then hyaluronidase may be your answer. Just make sure you are injected by a board certified plastic surgeon or someone skilled in these injections. Hope this helps!Best wishes,Dr. Michael J. BrownNorthern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

Gail Nield, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Uneven swelling can occur for up to 2 weeks following lip injections. Certainly your injector may have injected incorrecly, but in addition, I would never advise anyone to massage their lips after filler has been injected, as distortions may occur from inadvertently moving the fileer around. Filler may be somwhat mobile for up to two weeks, and therefore, Never massage filler! Unless you have had Sculptra, but this is not for the lips.

Wavy, Bumpy Bottom of Top Lip After Filler - What Has Gone Wrong? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Wavy, Bumpy lip after Filler

Answer: Wavy, Bumpy lip after Filler

Answer: Post filler bumps

Answer: Post filler bumps

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

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

Wavy, Bumpy Bottom of Top Lip After Filler - What Has Gone Wrong? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Wavy, Bumpy lip after Filler

Answer: Wavy, Bumpy lip after Filler

Answer: Post filler bumps

Answer: Post filler bumps

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

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