Question: I had Voluma injected six months ago. I got the flu – now I have a lump over the Voluma injection. Can this be treated?
Answer:
Yes, this is rare, but it can happen. How rare? One study estimates it as once in every 500 injections.
What happens? The tissue around a filler becomes inflamed, usually because you develop an inflammatory condition such as flu or some other infection. The swelling is usually temporary, and subsides in 6 weeks. If the swelling is severe or it does not subside, it can be treated.
What are the treatments used to fix this? Either an injection of hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler or an injection of steroid to stop the inflammation are the usual treatments. Steroid pills are also effective, they have significant risks and side effects – including making some people feel paranoid and intensely anxious. In our opinion, steroid pill treatment is best only for truly extreme reactions.
If you have a post-injection inflammation after Voluma or another filler and you want to be checked or think you need treatment, just give us a call. We’d be happy to help you.