A complication of Restylane in the lips???

Dr. Irwin, I had Restylane injected into my lips. The effects have been horrible. I have hard lumps in my lips that are extremely noticeable. The plastic surgeon that did the injections recommended that I have them cut out. I am 37 years old and have been afraid to do anything else. I have lived with this horrible life altering mistake now for 7 years. I am not reading about Hyaluronidase Injections to dissolve the lumps. Do you think this could work after all the time that has passed since the injections? Do I need to go to another plastic surgeon or is it better to seek the counsel of a Dermatologist? Thank you in advance for any information that you may provide to help remedy my situation. I look forward to your reply. Dawn

Dear Dawn,  I’m so sad that you had to suffer through this and I am wondering if, in fact, it wasn’t Restylane injected into your lips.   The only substances in the U.S. that would last that long (7 years) are permanent products…….for example, Artefill/Artecoll (tiny plastic beads) and silicone.

The plastic surgeon would have offered the hyaluronidase (I hope) long ago if the product used had been Restylane which is hyaluronic acid based. Something doesn’t make sense here.  And suggesting a surgery to remove them only makes sense if the product that he/she used was permanent.  

Can you request the records from the surgeon to find out what was actually used?  There is a removable sticker on each Restylane or Juvederm syringe.   That sticker is peeled off when a syringe is used and put on the chart note so that the doctor or you can see the exact product and even the Lot # of that particular syringe.

Definately get a second opinion also from a board certified, aesthetically focused dermatologist in your area or nearby.         Good luck to you,   Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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