Paresthesia after harmonization: what it is and how long it lasts
Paresthesia is a change in sensation: the patient describes tingling, numbness, a pins-and-needles feeling or "sleepy skin" in an area. It happens when a sensory nerve is irritated, compressed or injured. It is different from paralysis, which is loss of movement and involves motor nerves.
Why can it happen in HOF?
On the face, several sensory nerves emerge through bony foramina close to treated areas, such as the infraorbital area, the chin and the lips. The causes described include:
- Anesthetic effect: expected, temporary numbness that fades within hours.
- Direct trauma from the needle or cannula on a nerve branch.
- Compression by the product or by swelling in a tight space.
- Hematoma pressing on the nerve.
How long does paresthesia usually last?
Most cases are transient and improve in days to weeks, as the swelling subsides or the nerve recovers. Longer-lasting cases are less common and need follow-up. If the cause is compression by hyaluronic acid, the professional may consider using hyaluronidase.
How is it managed?
Record in the patient record the area, the characteristics and the course of the complaint. Tell it apart from other conditions: paresthesia accompanied by severe pain, pallor or a change in color calls for ruling out a vascular complication. Informing the patient about this risk in the consent, especially in areas close to foramina, is part of good practice. Management is the decision of the qualified professional.
Also known as: tingling, numbness, change in sensation.
Frequently asked questions
Is numbness in the lip after filler normal?
In the first hours, yes, if an anesthetic was used. Numbness or tingling that persists after the anesthetic wears off deserves assessment by the professional.