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Do Fillers Really Ruin Your Face?
Yolanda Hadid, Courteney Cox, and Kylie Jenner are among the celebrities opting to dissolve their fillers.Dermal fillers have become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for enhancing facial features and restoring lost volume. However, without proper technique, patients can experience swelling, migration, an overfilled face, or lumps/bumps. Read on to learn how this happens and what you can do to correct these issues.
What Are The Long-Term Side Effects of Fillers?
Some patients have reported unexpected changes over time, including:
- Migration of filler to unintended areas
- Prolonged swelling or puffiness
- Changes in facial shape or proportions
- Visible lumps or irregularities under the skin
- “Pillow face” appearance from overfilling
These issues often stem from factors such as improper placement, excessive amounts of filler, or choosing the wrong type of filler for specific areas.
Why Do Fillers Fail?
Filler failures can occur for two primary reasons:
- Filler Migration: Product moves from its intended location, creating unwanted fullness or asymmetry when placed too superficially or in excessive amounts.
- Filler Fatigue: Repeated treatments stretch the skin and potentially accelerate aging by continuously adding volume without considering long-term tissue effects.
The Impact of Poor Technique
The success of filler treatments largely depends on the injector’s expertise and understanding of facial anatomy. Inexperienced practitioners might inadvertently place filler in the wrong tissue plane or use inappropriate products for specific areas. This can result in:
- A heavy, unnatural appearance
- Visible lumps beneath the skin
- Vascular complications
- Tissue damage
How Dissolving Filler Can Help
When dissolving filler, hyaluronidase, a naturally occurring enzyme, breaks down hyaluronic acid-based fillers. The treatment can effectively address various issues, from minor asymmetries to more significant complications like migration or overcorrection.
The dissolving process works by breaking down the hyaluronic acid molecules into smaller components that your body can naturally process and eliminate. This makes it an excellent option for patients experiencing:
- Excessive fullness or puffiness from previous treatments
- Filler migration to unintended areas
- Asymmetry or irregular contours
- Prolonged swelling or inflammatory responses
- Need to start fresh with their aesthetic journey
The Dissolution Treatment Process
If you have had a negative experience with fillers, the first step is a comprehensive facial assessment to map out areas of concern and develop an appropriate treatment strategy. During the procedure, you’ll have hyaluronidase injected into the trouble areas to reduce the effects of fillers while preserving your natural appearance.
You’ll likely notice changes within hours of treatment, though the full effects develop over several days as swelling subsides. The treatment may cause temporary redness or minor swelling, but these effects are usually mild and short-lived. Some patients might require follow-up treatments, mainly if dealing with older fillers or multiple layers of product. Consult your provider to learn what is right for you.
Are There Treatment Alternatives to Traditional Fillers?
There are several treatment alternatives to fillers that offer additional benefits. Sculptra®, for instance, not only creates the same effects as you would get with traditional methods, but it also functions as a biostimulator. By triggering collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin fiber production, Sculptra restores volume to your face over time for longer-lasting results.
Recovery and Results
After dissolution treatment, you can expect a relatively straightforward recovery process. While some swelling is normal in the first 24-48 hours, most people return to their regular activities immediately. The dissolved filler naturally processes through the body’s lymphatic system over the following days.
Results typically include:
- Restoration of natural facial contours
- Resolution of overcorrected areas
- Improvement in symmetry
- Reduction in puffiness or excessive volume
- Return to a more natural facial appearance
If you are considering future treatments, waiting at least two weeks after dissolution is recommended before receiving new fillers. This allows time for any swelling to resolve and ensures the most accurate assessment of your natural facial contours.
Trust Our Experts in Charlotte, NC, for Your Filler Dissolution Treatment
While fillers are generally safe to use and rarely cause severe damage, they must be approached with careful consideration and the right professional guidance.
If you’re unhappy with your current fillers or concerned about their long-term effects, trust Carolina Facial Plastics to help you achieve the natural, refreshed look you desire. All of our injectors are personally trained by facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh, so you can rest assured you’re in the best hands.
Here’s why we’re your top choice:
- Voted in the BOB Awards as the #1 facial plastic surgery and medspa in Charlotte, NC
- 20+ years of experience in dermal filler application
- Several innovative filler options like Juvéderm, Restylane, and RHA fillers, as well as Sculptra
Contact Carolina Facial Plastics today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our filler dissolution services. Let our expert team guide you toward restoring your natural beauty with safe, effective treatment options tailored to your unique needs.
