Swelling after harmonization: what it is and how long it lasts

Edema is the buildup of fluid in tissue, which the patient perceives as swelling. After an injectable procedure, it is an expected response to the trauma of the needle or cannula and to the presence of the product. In most cases it is mild, temporary and resolves on its own.

Some factors tend to increase swelling: areas of loose, highly vascular tissue, such as the lips and the periorbital area; larger volumes; multiple punctures; and hyaluronic acid products that absorb water after being placed. The patient's own tendency also counts.

What types of swelling are there?

• Immediate swelling, in the first hours, tied to the trauma of the procedure.
• Swelling in the first days, common afterward and gradually going down.
• Late or persistent swelling, which appears weeks later or does not go away. This one deserves assessment, because it can have causes such as an inflammatory reaction, infection or product accumulation. In the tear trough, persistent swelling is a known complaint.

When should swelling raise concern?

Swelling accompanied by severe pain, pallor or purplish patches on the skin, a change in local temperature or progressive worsening is not the expected picture and may indicate a vascular occlusion, which needs immediate care. Swelling with redness, warmth and fever also calls for assessment.

Telling the patient what is expected and what is a warning sign is part of aftercare, as is taking photos to follow the progress.

In Harmy

The projection shows the planned result, without swelling. It is worth warning the patient that, in the first few days, the area may look larger than the simulation.

Also called: puffiness.