Lumps after dermal filler is a common issue and can be normal and temporary, or it may need to be reviewed. It is very common to have temporary lumpiness in the skin in the first few weeks after dermal filler. What usually happens is that it will integrate into the skin by about week 4.
It's completely normal for cheek fillers to feel firm, swollen, and slightly lumpy for the first few weeks after injections as your skin heals. But if the hardness persists past 4 weeks or is accompanied by pain, redness, or visible bumps, contact your doctor to ensure your fillers are healing properly.
Lumps/Bumps: Feeling some small lumps or bumps under the skin where the filler has been injected is normal. These typically result from the filler settling and should smooth out naturally within one to two weeks.
Massaging your cheeks to remove lumps won't cause serious complications or significantly ruin your appearance after the dermal filler procedure. However, doing it excessively could change the shape or move the HA filler out of place, resulting in unwanted results.
What Causes Hard, Ball-Like Lumps After Cheek Filler Treatment? Hard, ball-like lumps after cheek filler treatment are commonly caused by improper injection technique, overfilling the area, inflammatory reactions like swelling or bruising, or delayed allergic responses to the filler material.
After one to two weeks, the swelling from the cheek filler treatment should have subsided entirely. The filler material will have settled, revealing the final, natural-looking results. Patients can now fully enjoy their rejuvenated appearance.
Some fillers may feel firmer than others. Injectors do tend to use firmer fillers for the cheeks, especially if accentuating the cheekbones. Over the next week or two, the fillers should begin to soften. Your injector may recommend occasional massages to help your fillers settle and soften.
About 24 hours post-treatment, avoid saunas and hot showers. Heat can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to swelling, bruising, and faster breakdown of the hyaluronic acid in the fillers, compromising their longevity and efficacy. This is especially true for intense heat.
Hyaluronidase (Hylase)
Hyaluronidase is a powerful enzyme used to dissolve hyaluronic acid-based fillers. If a lump doesn't resolve on its own, hyaluronidase can be injected into the area to safely break down the filler and smooth the skin. This is a quick and effective solution for many types of filler-related lumps.
Best Sleeping Positions After Dermal Filler Injections
After any cosmetic treatment, sleeping on your back is the most secure posture. Sleep with your head elevated the night following your treatment to help avoid and reduce swelling.
Cheek Filler Gone Wrong
But rarely, people may experience the following results of cheek fillers gone wrong: “Pillow cheeks” “Sunset eyes” Injection site redness and swelling.
When administered correctly, they can dramatically transform your appearance. By adding volume to the cheeks, fillers can lift the entire face, lessening the appearance of jowls and sagging skin.
Fillers remain moldable for 1-2 weeks, and pressure can deform your filler. The most common culprits? The face cradle on massage tables, tight ski goggles and swim goggles. Normal activities like washing your face or putting on make-up do not have enough force to mold your filler.
Uneven cheeks are often a result of the initial swelling from the injections. Its appearance should improve and you should see the full effects of your cheek fillers once the swelling completely subsides within 24 to 72 hours.
The major cause for your cheek fillers to feel hard or lumpy after the surgery is because of minor bruising that may have happened during the procedure. This kind of bruising or swelling is quite normal and can last up to a week or so.
This can last 2-4 weeks, and generally resolves on its own as the lip filler integrates with your natural tissue beneath the skin. If you notice firm lumps that either don't improve, or are still bothersome 4 weeks after your treatment then you may need a review appointment to assess your lips.
Generally, within the first two weeks following the injections, there will be some bumps. However, your injector will either instruct you to massage them or they will simply go away on their own. This is normal. However, if lumps harden or do not go away after two weeks, then it may warrant dissolving the filler.
For most patients, consistent massage resolves any lumpiness resulting from lip fillers. However, some cases of persistent, painful lumps and nodules may require medical treatment.
Cold compresses and OTC pain medications can help relieve pain, redness, and swelling. But if your symptoms don't go away or get worse after this time period, be sure to contact a healthcare professional.
Signs to look for include pain at the injection site and discolouration of skin (pale or deep red) for up to a few hours after filler injection.
This type of injection creates a “plumping” effect that boosts cheek volume, restores your natural cheekbone structure, and provides a lift to your mid and lower face. So how long does cheek filler take to settle in the skin? It takes 14 days at most for cheek filler injections to settle.
Dermal Filler Post-Operative Instructions
AVOID: Aspirin, Motrin, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A., Vitamin E, or other essential fatty acids at least 3 days after treatment.
So, essentially, there is a "sweet spot" time frame, usually a few weeks to a few months after treatment, when dermal fillers usually look their best. During this time, any initial swelling or bruising has healed and the filler has time to return to its most natural state.
“Pillow face” occurs when too much filler is injected into areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth), lips, and under-eye area. This repeated overfilling can result in a bloated, round appearance that looks far from natural.