Lumps After Cosmetic Treatments are a common concern and are often temporary during the early healing phase. In many cases, lumpiness relates to swelling, bruising, or tissue response and settles over the first few weeks. This page explains potential causes, prevention strategies, and when review by a medical practitioner is recommended.
With cosmetic Treatments lumpiness may occur. Lumps are common issue and can be normal and temporary, or it may need to be reviewed.
It is very common to have temporary lumpiness in the skin in the first few weeks after treatment. What usually happens is that it will resolve by about week 4.
Causes of temporary lumpiness in first few weeks after treatment
- Lumpiness may be due to bruises, this will resolve
- Lumpiness may be due to swelling at the treatment site which will resolve
- Lumpiness may be felt during the first few weeks while the product is smoothing and integrating with the tissue
Lumpiness is very common to feel in your skin in the days after treatment, including in the upper lip body and the cheeks and the chin area and along wrinkles and folds when treated in those areas. It will usually resolve within a couple of weeks.
How to Prevent Lumpiness Following Treatment
Bruising prevention is important
- Ice may be used prior to treatment.
- The practitioner can prevent bruising by using a cannula for treatments. Cannula can be used for some treatments, but not with very superficial treatment. Safety is an issue which also determines whether your practitioner will choose to use needle or cannula.
- The practitioner should make sure with each treatment site that pressure is applied to the area as quickly as possible and for as long as necessary to stop the bleeding. Ice should the be reapplied to the area that was bleeding
- If given the OK from their prescribing doctor, the patient can make sure they have stopped any blood thinning drugs (including vitamins) 2 weeks prior to the appointment.
Medications / Vitamins associated with increased bruising (ie blood thinners)
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) eg aspirin, Naprosyn, Ibuprofen
- Herbal supplements including ginko, garlic and ginseng, St.John’s wort, danshen, don quai and feverfew
- Many other medications / herbs are included, please discuss with doctor
Treatment technique is important for preventing lumpiness
What do I do if I notice lumps after my treatment?
First, rule out infection (this will be a combination of the following: redness, tenderness, swelling, pain and pus) This is rare, but can occur. Contact the clinic in this circumstance as antibiotics and other treatments may be required
The main thing about lumpiness is, do not panic, it is very common in the first few days up to a couple of weeks after treatment.
If you can only feel the lumps and not see them, then panic even less, because this isn’t usually a problem.
If you can see the lumps. Keep your eye on them. Perform gentle massage (only if recommended by your practitioner) and if you can still see a lump at 4 weeks, contact your doctor.
Treatment of lumps
- Massage: This is very effective, but often needs to be stronger in pressure than patients realise
- Manual removal of product by the practitioner
- Dissolving treatment; The practitioner can treat the lump to remove the product. Please see an article where we dissolved
Lumps after Cosmetic Treatments Tips
When you’re having your treatments, always remind your practitioner where you have had a big bruise in the past, as the practitioner may be able to be more careful or avoid that area when possible. Often patients will get bruises in the same area.
Also let your practitioner know if you have had a history or lumps from prior treatments in the past that did not resolve for over 4 weeks
Also, come a little early to your appointment and ask if you can sit somewhere quietly for a few minutes before the appointment with ice on your face.
Lumpiness is extremely common in the body of the upper lip. Even with perfect technique this can occur. This area needs extra and strong massage. Have your doctor demonstrate how to massage the area.
When to review a lump?
Lumps after cosmetic treatments should be reviewed as an emergency if there are any signs of infection.
If there are not signs of infection, it is typical to review your results at 4 weeks when the swelling and bruising is resolved and the product has integrated.
Examples of lumps after Cosmetic Treatments
Examples of lumps due to infection after Cosmetic Treatments
FAQ Lumps After Cosmetic Treatments
1. Are lumps common after cosmetic treatments?
Yes. Temporary lumpiness is common in the early weeks after treatment and often relates to swelling, bruising, or tissue response.
2. How long do lumps usually last?
In many cases, lumpiness improves gradually and resolves by around four weeks as swelling reduces and the tissue settles.
3. What causes lumpiness shortly after treatment?
Common causes include bruising, localised swelling, and temporary changes within the treated tissue as it adjusts.
4. Which areas are more prone to feeling lumpy?
Areas such as the lips, cheeks, chin, and along natural folds may feel uneven during early healing.
5. What should I do if I notice lumps after treatment?
Monitor the area and follow your practitioner’s aftercare advice. Gentle massage may be recommended in some cases.
6. When should I contact the clinic urgently?
If there are signs of infection such as increasing redness, pain, swelling, tenderness, or discharge, medical review is required.
7. When is routine review recommended?
If lumpiness remains visible or unchanged at four weeks, a review appointment is generally advised.