Is there swelling immediately after hyaluronic acid injection?

Jan 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

After receiving hyaluronic acid injections, I noticed some swelling at the injection site. I would like to know if it is normal to experience swelling immediately after hyaluronic acid injections.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Lu

Swelling may occur after hyaluronic acid injection. This is a normal phenomenon.

As a filler, hyaluronic acid enters the body tissues through injection, which may cause some degree of tissue damage and subsequently trigger an edema response. This type of swelling typically begins to appear within 24 hours after the injection, peaks at 2-3 days, and then gradually subsides. Generally, the swelling resolves mostly within 7-10 days. The severity and duration of the swelling may be influenced by individual differences, injection volume and location, the patient's age, metabolic rate, and other factors.

If swelling occurs after the injection, there is no need to be overly concerned. Maintain adequate rest and avoid strenuous exercise and excessive fatigue to prevent exacerbating the local inflammatory response. Follow a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and reduce alcohol consumption, which can help alleviate swelling. Apply cold compresses using an ice pack or cold compress pad gently on the swollen area for 15-20 minutes at a time, multiple times daily, which can effectively relieve local inflammation and swelling. If the swelling is severe and accompanied by intense pain, fever, infection, or other symptoms, seek timely medical attention to rule out possible complications.