What To Do When Lip Fillers Go Wrong

Dr Edward Robinson
By Dr Edward Robinson

Dr Robinson is a Cosmetic Aesthetics Doctor and associate member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine. He has 7 years medical experience based in Altrincham, Cheshire.


Lip filler injections have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it's no surprise why. They offer a range of benefits that contribute to a more youthful appearance. Fillers can achieve both lip augmentation and lip enhancement which improves lip size and shape.

Is Lip Filler Safe?

When administered by an experienced injector, lip fillers are a safe and reversible treatment.
 
The fillers are hyaluronic acid-based which occurs naturally in the body and side effects are rare.
 
Lip fillers are not suitable for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Is Lip Filler Safe?

How Long Should Side Effects of Lip Filler Last

The usual symptoms of bruising, tenderness, and temporary bumps typically last no longer than 5 days, with proper care ideally reducing them to 2 days. 

The lips will be at their most swollen for 24-48 hours after the treatment, and mild swelling will completely settle within 2 weeks. These side effects are expected and are no cause for concern.
 

Can Lip Filler Go Wrong? What Are the Warning Signs?

While lip filler injections are a very safe procedure when performed by a professional, it’s important to be aware of the potential warning signs. Ongoing discomfort can act as an indicator that something has gone wrong. If treatments aren’t delivered in sanitary conditions, infections can happen.
Increased redness, pain, swelling and heat around the lips hint at an infection. The presence of pus is also very worrying, and a professional must be consulted as quickly as possible. They can prescribe an antibiotic treatment and drain the abscess if necessary.
In the most severe cases, when filler is injected in the wrong location, blood flow can be restricted to other areas of the face. These occlusions can lead to tissue damage, and even tissue death (skin necrosis) as a worst-case scenario. Symptoms include pale skin, numbness or a sudden, sharp pain where the occlusion has occurred. Immediate medical attention is required.
 

Is It Normal to Have Lumps After Lip Filler Injections?

You may notice small lumps for a few days following treatment. This is completely normal, and they should disappear once the swelling goes down.  However,
If the lumps are still visible in the following weeks, a professional can help to dissolve them.
 

Can You Remedy Bad Lip Filler?

Patients can leave feeling very underwhelmed or insecure after lip injections, complaining of ‘duck lips’, asymmetry, small lumps, or restricted facial movement. Luckily, lip filler is reversible. Botched lips can be easily resolved with further treatment.
Additional filler can be injected to create a more even appearance, or a hyaluronidase injection will dissolve any filler in unwanted areas of the face. If the lip filler has migrated from the lips to another area of the face, professionals can offer corrective treatments.
What Is the Best Lip Filler to Get?

What Is the Best Lip Filler to Get?

There are many options available for lip fillers. Check with your practitioner that the fillers are a premium brand and sourced from a reputable pharmacy.
Not all products are created equally and it’s important to pick the right product for the right patient. It must be bespoke to individual patient anatomy.
With all filler options, it is best to have no more than 1 ml of lip filler injected at a time. In this way, the results can remain natural.
Filler can be built up over several appointments to ensure that the change is not too drastic.

What Is the Lip Filler Treatment Process?

Qualified professionals will conduct a facial assessment to establish the perfect amount of filler for your face. 0.5ml of lip filler will produce very natural results, but some people desire more for lip augmentation.
A topical numbing cream is applied before the small injection of filler. The procedure may be slightly uncomfortable, but pain-free, and only lasts between 30 minutes- 1 hour.
Dr Robinson can perform a nerve block with local anaesthetic to make treatment entirely painless.
 

How Long Does Lip Filler Last?

Lip Filler usually lasts for 6-9 months, but it can last longer.
Results will vary depending on the individual. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use and sun exposure will have an impact on the lip filler duration.
 

How Much Does Lip Filler Cost?

At Dr. Ed Robinson Aesthetics, lip filler prices start from £280.
 

Lip Filler Aftercare

Lip filler does not have a long recovery process. That being said, it is best to avoid certain things for 24-48 hours after treatment:
 
  • Applying active lip ingredients (plumping lip gloss, lip peels etc.)
  • Consuming alcohol
  • Strenuous activity
  • Saunas and steam rooms
  • Drinking or eating extremely hot or cold foods and drinks
  • Smoking
  • Applying excessive pressure to the area.
 
In summary, any symptoms post lip filler should only last a few days. Any longer and it is best to seek medical attention. For individuals who are unhappy with the results, don’t be concerned! Professionals offer a range of solutions.
 

If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together some Lip filler and Lip Volumising and Shaping FAQs just for you. 

If you have more questions, you can use the Lip filler and Lip Volumising and Shaping questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts. 

If you're keen to get started with any of these treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited Lip fillers and Lip Volumising and Shaping clinics in your area.

Dr Robinson is a Cosmetic Aesthetics Doctor and an associate member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine. He has 7 years of medical experience based in Altrincham, Cheshire.

Specialising in non-surgical approaches to achieve natural results boosting confidence, appearance, beauty and overall well-being.

Dr Robinson’s clinic has over 250 5-star reviews.

Thanks to the author

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