Headaches caused by Hyaluronic Acid in the temples
Sophia · · Last reply 🌐 繁中
Dear Dr. Liu,
I had 1cc of Juvederm injected into my temples in Korea three weeks ago. Shortly after, I began experiencing pain radiating from my temples to the back of my head. I have already had two sessions of Ultrasound-guided hyaluronidase injections at the clinic where I received the treatment, but the pain persists. Externally, there are no visible signs of swelling or redness. However, I am still relying on painkillers every day, and even then, the headache does not stop. Please, I am begging you to help me with an examination. Thank you.
1 Replies
Dr. Ta-Ju Liu · Board-certified dermatologist🌐 繁中 Doctor
Hello, I am Dr. Ta-Ju Liu.
Direct Answer: Three weeks after temporal filler placement, experiencing daily pain that radiates to the back of the head and requires painkillers for control is no longer a typical, temporary post-injection soreness. It is strongly recommended to schedule an in-person consultation for an examination. Do not simply rely on painkillers to push through, nor should you blindly undergo repeated dissolving procedures.
Potential Possibilities to Differentiate
The absence of visible redness, swelling, or discoloration on the surface does not mean there are no issues underneath. The temple region involves complex anatomical layers of blood vessels, nerves, and fascia. If the filler was placed too deeply, too close to neurovascular structures, or if there is localized compression, an inflammatory response, hematoma, or residual Hyaluronic Acid (HA), persistent pain can occur. If the pain persists despite undergoing Ultrasound-guided Hyaluronic Acid dissolving twice, a reassessment is needed to determine:
1. Whether any Hyaluronic Acid remains.
2. Whether the remaining product was actually reached by the dissolving agent.
3. Whether the pain points correspond with the location of the filler.
4. Whether there is nerve compression, localized inflammation, or other causes of headaches.
5. Whether more precise Ultrasound-guided management is needed, or if an evaluation combining other pain management or neurological assessments is required.
General Treatment Direction
- The safer approach is to use ultrasound to map out the filler placement, vascular pathways, and pain points simultaneously. This helps determine whether the issue stems from residual Hyaluronic Acid, localized compression, or requires a referral to another specialty.
- During your consultation—regardless of the clinic—please bring or prepare the following details: date of injection, product name, total volume, injection site, dates of dissolving treatments, doses of dissolving agent used, and the progression of your pain locations over the past three weeks.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you experience any of the following symptoms, do not wait for an outpatient appointment; go directly to the emergency room: blurred vision, eye pain, darkening of vision, skin turning pale or purplish, reticulated discoloration, sudden worsening of severe headache, nausea and vomiting, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, or drooping eyelids.
Try not to panic, but this situation certainly warrants an in-person examination and cannot be diagnosed solely online.
*Online responses are for general health education purposes only and do not constitute a formal diagnosis, nor can they replace an in-person consultation and ultrasound examination.*