In my New York City plastic surgery practice, patients are very discerning and attuned to the small details of their faces. For lip augmentation with Juvederm or Restylane, precise technique and an individualized approach to each patient allow me to achieve excellent, reproducible results.
However, sometimes lip augmentation is not perfect, even in the best hands. Swelling and bruising can take two weeks or more to come down. Lumps and bumps are possible. Asymmetry and contour deficits can occur.
When patients come to see me because they are unhappy with their existing lip filler (often performed by other doctors, nurses, PAs, or injectors), there are a few things I offer them:
Options to Fix Lip Augmentation If You Are Not Happy with Your Lip Filler
1. Dissolve the filler
If you are unhappy with lumps, bumps, or irregularities in lip filler, dissolving it with Hyaluronidase is the fastest option. Hyaluronidase (also called Vitrase or Hylenex) is an enzyme that is injected into the tissue to dissolve any hyaluronic acid based filler, including Juvederm, Restylane, and Voluma. It begins to work within 5 minutes, and with gentle massage and some patience, all of the injected filler can be completely dissolved within 1-3 days.
2. Add more filler
If there is an area with a volume deficit in the lips, or an area that is relatively small compared to the contralateral side, adding additional filler is always an option. This is a relatively quick and easy process that can smooth out any irregularities and even out an uneven area.
3. Wait
Hyaluronic acid based fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are not permanent, and they are absorbed by the body slowly over time. The exact duration depends on your body's metabolic rate, as well as how much you move your lips. Typically lip filler will last between 9 and 12 months. If you are not interested in pursuing an invasive approach like dissolving the filler or adding more filler, you can always wait for it to go away on its own.
For questions about lip filler or to see me as a patient, please call 212-452-2400 or email office@LaraDevganMD.com.
This actual patient of Dr. Devgan had previously experimented with lip filler that left her lips looking too large and unnatural. Dr. Devgan added volume to her upper lip to give her a more voluptuous, full appearance, while maintaining a natural look (bottom photo).
