I get a lump or bump after filler injection. should I be concerned?

Nabi
Jul 18
4 min read

Filler injections are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures because they can help fill and adjust the facial shape to look naturally proportionate. However, after filler injections, some people may notice small bumps or lumps in the injection area, which may cause concern as to whether this is abnormal.

In fact, this symptom is normal after filler injection and will usually improve as the filler sets. Today, Pure Clinic will explain the cause of the bump, the guidelines for after filler injection, and the time period that should be waited for the filler to settle completely.

Causes of lumps or bumps after filler injections

After filler injection, small bumps or lumps may appear at the injection site. This symptom can be caused by several factors, such as:

Swelling from needles and injection procedures
- Fillers are injected into the skin using a needle or blunt cannula, which can cause temporary swelling, especially in areas with blood vessels and soft tissue.
Distribution of filler that has not yet settled
- Freshly injected fillers are still in the process of adapting to the skin tissue. It usually takes at least 14 days for the filler to spread and blend into the skin better.
Characteristics of fillers and amounts used
- High cohesive fillers, such as those used for facial contouring, may feel more chunky than softer fillers used for under-eye or lip fillers.
The body's reaction to fillers
- In some cases, the body may respond to fillers by experiencing slight swelling or fluid retention in the injected area, which will gradually subside as the filler settles.
Grabbing or massaging the injection site too quickly
- After filler injection, avoid touching, pressing, or kneading the injected area for the first 48 hours, as this may cause the filler to move or spread unevenly.

Time it takes for the filler to set and settle in

In general, fillers take about 2-4 weeks to fully set in, which is divided into 3 main stages:

The first 1-3 days : You may experience swelling, tightness, or a feeling that the filler is still lumpy.
7-14 days : Swelling begins to decrease and the filler begins to blend better with the tissue.
14-30 days : The filler sets and disperses completely, giving the skin a smooth and natural look.

If after 2 weeks the swelling and lumps do not improve, or if there are abnormal symptoms such as unusually severe pain, redness, or the filler is a hard, uneven lump, you should see a doctor for evaluation and correction.

What kind of lumps are worrisome after filler injections?

Although it is normal to develop small bumps or lumps after filler injections, in some cases they can be a sign of complications that should be checked by a doctor. Lumps to watch out for include:

Hard lumps that do not subside after 2-4 weeks. If after more than 1 month there are still abnormally hard lumps, it may be due to the filler clumping or being injected into an inappropriate layer of skin.
A lump that is red, hot, and extremely painful may be a sign of inflammation or infection, and you should see a doctor immediately for examination and treatment.
A lump along with severe bruising or unusual pale skin may be a sign of vascular occlusion, which is an emergency that requires immediate treatment.
A lump that continues to swell for several weeks after injection may be a delayed onset nodules, which are often caused by the immune system or a latent infection. You should be evaluated by a doctor.

If you experience any of these abnormalities, you should see a doctor immediately for proper examination and correction. Proper filler injection by an expert doctor and using quality, authentic fillers will help reduce the risk of hard lumps or complications.

Example case of lump after filler injection under in the eye areas. Credit: Michael K Yoon, MD

Guidelines for after filler injections to reduce swelling and help the filler settle faster

✅ Avoid touching or pressing the injection area.

During the first 48 hours, avoid touching the injection area to reduce the risk of filler migration.

✅ Sleep with your head elevated on the first night.

You should sleep on your back with a pillow slightly elevated to reduce swelling caused by gravity.

✅ Avoid heat and activities that cause excessive blood pumping.

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, heavy exercise, or drinking alcohol for the first 48 hours, as these can cause the filler to spread out and misalign.

✅ Drink plenty of water and avoid salty foods.

Drinking water helps hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers hold water and adhere better to the skin, while salty foods can increase swelling.

✅ Can apply cold compresses within the first 24 hours.

If there is severe swelling, a cold gel pack can be applied to the surrounding area (but not directly to the injection site) to reduce swelling and inflammation.

✅ See a doctor for follow-up.

If you have any concerns about the results or any unusual symptoms, you should come back to check with a specialist for further assessment and advice.

summarize

It is normal for small bumps or lumps to form after filler injections and will usually improve once the filler sets within 14-30 days. Therefore, do not worry if the filler does not feel smooth at first. If you want the filler to settle faster, follow your doctor's advice, avoid touching the injected area, drink enough water, and take care of yourself according to the guidelines mentioned above.

But if after 2-4 weeks the lump has not subsided or if there is unusual pain or swelling, you should see a doctor for further diagnosis.

For those who need further consultation or are concerned about the results after filler injections, Pure Clinic has a team of expert doctors ready to provide advice and take care of you closely.

📌 For more information or to make an appointment, please contact 📍 Pure Clinic Bangna 📞