Despite the ominous sounding name, a granuloma is a noncancerous condition where certain tissues get inflamed. Usually there are no signs or symptoms - an xray is often the only way to spot a granuloma, where it can be mistaken for cancer.

The most common type of granuloma contains deposits of calcium and is called histoplasmosis. It is caused by a fungal infection in the lungs and take some time to develop.

Another type of granuloma is Inguinale, a bacterial infection of the genitals which often affects people living in tropical and subtropical regions. They take 80 years to develop and can be treated with antibiotics.

Injectable fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane® have also been found to contribute to the formation of granulomas, specifically when the filler is injected by someone who lacks qualifications and experience. Hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in both Restylane and Juvederm, and since this is a substance which is found naturally in the human body, any kind of adverse reaction to these injectable fillers is extremely rare.

In many cases, what may at first appear to be a granuloma after injection might not be one at all. Rather, what appears to be a granuloma may actually be something else:

1. Too much filler settling in one area under the skin. Massaging the area can often smooth out the spot.

2. A reaction around the injection site. Here, redness and swelling may actually be your body's reaction to the procedure and product. Treatment is unnecessary and the reaction usually goes away in a few days.

In the event a granuloma forms from the injection of Juvederm or Restylane, treatment depends on the extent of the complication. For minor granulomas, injection of an anti-inflammatory may suffice. Larger granulomas may require surgery.

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