Did filler between nose and upper lip ruin my face shape? Or just swelling? (photo)

Question

I recently went to a new doctor for restylane in my lips. I had only done juvederm in the past. I hadn't had any fillers in my lips for over a year so was just looking for a fill up. To my surprise the doctor put no filler in my lip but in my face instead, she added it below my lips and then added the rest right under my nose and above upper lip in the middle.She claims that would lift my upper lip but all it has done is make my mouth look almost monkey like and added length between nose &mouth

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Unfortunately without knowing how the injections were performed and without knowing how your tissues feel it is difficult to offer definite advice.  My first inclination is to allow any swelling to resolve over the next 10-14 days.  It often takes up to 2 weeks for fillers to soften and the tissues to appear more natural.  You can accelerate the process by using cold compresses to your lips and elevating your head at night with a couple of extra pillows behind your back.  You may want to also consider using Arnica Montana and bromelain as supplements.  Once at two weeks you should have a better idea as to your outcome and the potential need for dissolving of product.  Hope this helps.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

It is hard to judge the photos because they are taken at very different angles and it is not clear which is the "before" and which is the "after" photo. Also the timeline needs to be specified, how long before and how long after. If 2 -3 weeks have gone by and you are still not satisfied, it is important for you to visit with your treating physician and specify exactly what bothers you. Then the filler can either be dissolved with hyaluronidase if necessary, or more filler added to build around it. Perhaps you could also consult with a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon if you are still not satisfied, since lip anatomy is complex and pre-requisite knowledge and experience is always helpful to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result !
Best of Luck,
Dr. Anna Petropoulos
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Center fro Classic Beauty
Boston's North Shore

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It can take 1-2 weeks for final results. I would wait a full 2 weeks before judging the results. If it is after the two week wait, you can have the filler reversed with hyaluronidase.
I hope this helps!

Marek Kacki, MD · Answer

If you had filler injection within the last several days than part of the changes are related to swelling.If the photos are taken past that time, I agree with you that the results are questionable. If your initial intention was to have a natural looking lips than the lips on these photos are distorted. Never assume your doctor's aesthetic perception is any better than yours! Frequently, this is not the case. Injecting lips requires several conditions to make them natural, proportional, and beautiful for your particular face. Replacing volume is only a small part of the procedure. Remain natural and ask to maintain it. Always start with a small dose/volume; if needed, you ma have more later on. If you are not satisfied and perceive your results to be un-natural than you will know it's not a filler's fault. Your best bet is to find a Plastic Surgeon through the word of mouth. Good luck!

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

What the patient perceives as being done may be exactly the opposite of what the physician is doing. You have to give your lips a chance to settle down and that may take a couple of weeks. If you're not happy with the results, then I would most definitely speak to your treating physician. Good luck from New York City

Did filler between nose and upper lip ruin my face shape? Or just swelling? (photo)

Answers (5)