Dear Dr. Seckel, A year ago February, I had collagen fillers in my nasal-labial fold lines. I believe that the procedure was not done deep enough in the dermis, leaving to this day bumps and irregular shaped lumping. Looking like long worms! They appear sporadically and even with massaging take days to disappear. Can you explain why this might have taken place and what can be done about it? My friend, Cindy whom I am visiting in Fla, recommended I contact you. Judy, Hyannis, MA
Dear Judy,
I suspect your diagnosis is correct. When Collagen or any soft tissue filler is placed too superficial in the upper dermis of the nasal labial fold line it can create unsightly bumps and lumps.
I would recommend the massages you are doing. Gently massage directly on the bumps in the nasal labial fold line. I am surprised that the material is still present at a year-usually collagen is gone after 3-4 months. If the material is Zyderm® or Zyplast® it should dissolve eventually. However, since it is still a problem at a year I would write http://www.inamed.com/contact/product_complaints.cgi and ask them what they think.
Is there any chance that the doctor injected Silicone into the nasal labial fold line? Silicone is a permanent soft tissue filler.
I would not recommend trying to remove the lumps surgically-the scars would be unacceptable.
For more information about fillers and non-surgical facial rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.
Boston, Massachusetts