The appearance of small, pale bumps on the lips after a cosmetic procedure can be concerning, but these bumps are often pre-existing Fordyce spots that have become more visible. This phenomenon is a common consequence of changes in lip volume and texture following a dermal filler treatment. Understanding the nature of these spots and the reason for their post-procedure prominence is the first step toward managing their appearance effectively.
Understanding Fordyce Spots on the Lips
Fordyce spots are small, benign, white or yellowish bumps that are essentially ectopic sebaceous glands. These are oil-producing glands that naturally occur on hairless areas of the body, including the lips. They are harmless and not contagious.
They may appear as single spots or small clusters. While usually present since birth, they often become more noticeable after puberty due to hormonal changes that can enlarge the sebaceous glands.
The Link Between Lip Filler and Spot Visibility
Lip filler injections do not create Fordyce spots; rather, they make the pre-existing glands more visually distinct. The primary mechanism for this increased visibility is the volumetric expansion provided by the filler. When the lip tissue is plumped, the skin stretches taut, pushing the underlying sebaceous glands closer to the surface.
This stretching makes the small, pale, oil-filled granules more superficial, highlighting them against the smoother lip surface. Temporary swelling, or edema, during the post-injection healing process can also exaggerate the spots’ appearance in the first few days or weeks.
As swelling subsides, the permanent volume increase often means the spots remain more visible than they were before the procedure. This change is a physical effect of the volume change, not an adverse reaction to the filler material.
Effective Treatment Options for Reduction
While Fordyce spots are harmless, several methods exist to reduce their cosmetic appearance. Professional treatments target the sebaceous gland itself to shrink or remove it.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is one of the most common and effective approaches. Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers precisely vaporize the raised spots by removing thin layers of skin, often with minimal heat damage to the surrounding structure. Pulsed-dye lasers are another option used to target the spots.
Excision and Electrodessication
For more precise removal, micro-punch excision uses a small instrument to physically cut out the spots. This method is highly targeted but may require sutures and has a longer healing time compared to non-ablative lasers. Electrodessication, which uses an electric needle to burn away the tissue, is also a viable option for spot removal.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments offer a less invasive approach. Prescription-strength retinoids, such as tretinoin, work by increasing cellular turnover and regulating oil production within the sebaceous glands. Results from topical treatments can take several weeks to appear.
Considerations Before Future Lip Procedures
Before undergoing any subsequent lip enhancement procedures, a consultation with the aesthetic provider is highly recommended, especially if Fordyce spots are present. This discussion allows for setting realistic expectations regarding the spots’ visibility post-procedure. The provider can assess the spots and discuss techniques that might minimize their future exacerbation.
The type of filler used, such as one with lower viscosity, and the specific injection technique may influence the degree of post-procedure prominence. Injecting the filler deeper into the lip tissue, rather than superficially, may help to avoid further stretching the surface layer where the spots reside.
Actively treating the spots with one of the reduction methods before a new filler appointment can also be a proactive strategy for management. Transparency about any pre-existing spots ensures the injector can tailor the procedure to achieve the desired cosmetic outcome while accounting for the natural lip anatomy.