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The classification of filler complications to the lips can be divided according to severity (mild, moderate, severe), nature (ischemic complications and nonischemic), or by time of onset (immediate, early, or late).
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Immediate (up to 24 hours after injection) and early (24 hours to 4 weeks after injections) complications of filler injections to the lips include ecchymosis, swelling, infections, herpetic outbreak, nodules, and vascular compromise.
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Late and delayed (greater than 4 weeks after
Management of Lip Complications
Section snippets
Key points
Filler complications
The use of soft tissue fillers is becoming increasingly prevalent and is commonly requested by patients who desire fuller lips with more definition. Though filler injections are associated with satisfactory results in many patients, the number of complications is increasing owing to the increased use of these injectable compounds. Fortunately, the incidence of complications is low and most adverse events are mild.6, 7 It is important to note that the proper selection and placement of product
Surgical correction
The senior author’s surgical solution for nodular formation or hypertrophy of the lips due to prior permanent filler involves the following maneuvers:
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With the patient in front of the mirror, and with their lips relaxed, a marking pen is used to draw a line where the upper and lower lip touch each other. This is accomplished with a simple glide of a marking pen across the lips that will paint the upper and lower lip simultaneously. The lips are then patted dry to remove all excess ink.
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The
Summary
Recently, the use of soft tissue fillers, especially those with HA formulations, has significantly increased. A thorough understanding of the complications and sequelae of this treatment is paramount to safe and effective injection practices and postprocedure management. This article outlined the nonvascular complications associated with soft tissue filler injections to the lips, including those that are immediate and early, as well as those that present in a late or delayed fashion.
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