My Face Has Melted After Excessive Use!

I too have had a hyaluronidase disaster so I know how you feel. You poor thing! I also believe that hyaluronidase damages natural tissue. Which filler did you have dissolved? Was it Voluma by Allergan? I ask because Voluma seems to be a big cause of 'pillow face'. It is a fairly new addition to the Allergan family of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers and it is generally used on large parts of the face. It is the ‘big sister’ of Juvederm. Some of the marketing here in Australia promotes Voluma as a better alternative to say Sculptra because it is possible to dissolve Voluma with hyaluronidase if you don’t like the result, while collagen stimulators like Sculptra cannot be dissolved. While this claim is true, I believe that there is too little information given and too little known about the dangers of hyaluronidase (allergic/hypersensitivity reaction and possible damage to natural tissue) when it is injected directly into the skin. It is IRRESPONSIBLE and UNETHICAL for doctors to give people confidence to use Juvederm/Voluma/Restylane etc by promoting hyaluronidase as a ‘quick fix’ to any problems with these products. Please read my long (and somewhat angry) rant about how cavalier doctors are with hyaluronidase . It is posted to the review below yours entitled “If you can live with your filler results, don’t go for hyaluronidase” by EyesChicago. The version in brief of my post is: THERE IS NO WAY FOR ANY DOCTOR TO BE COMPLETELY CERTAIN THAT HYALURONIDASE CANNOT CAUSE DAMAGE TO NATURAL HYALURONIC ACID, NATURAL TISSUE AND/OR NATURAL COLLAGEN. In my experience, hyaluronidase does cause damage like volume loss and skin laxity especially when it is used around the eyes (as in my case) or used in large portions of the face (as in your case). What are you considering to try to fix the damage done to your face? You report that additional filler after the hyaluronidase won’t ‘take’ now. How long did you wait after having the hyaluronidase before having more filler? Which filler did you have put back in? Have you considered Radiesse or Sculptra, which are collagen builders instead of more filler? Personally, I have doubts about both of these products – read some of the disaster reviews on RealSelf and you will see why – but maybe collagen stimulation is what is required to correct damage from hyaluronidase? I don't know. I wish I could help you more but there is so little information available and these ‘top doctors’ are just GUESSING. Please let us know what you decide to do. Hang in there and I hope things improve for you. K x

yes it was voluma ... this practioner pioneered it in the uk but i think i was having restylane previously with NO problems...they won't admit any liabilty..but i have massive amounts of fluid retention which i can't get rid of ? i had the hylase around the temples and aged 10 years in a few days..i am doing everything possible to stimulate collagen .. eating huge amount of protein, taking loads of supplements, caci facials to get my muscles stronger to 'lift' my face. my face is still really imblanced and the botox they injected to try and restore balance has left me with a wonky 'joker' smile. i am absolutely never having another injection .. i was fine with caci and acupunture now my looks are ruined.

I thought it might be Voluma. Poor you! I know how distressing a face disaster is so I really feel for you. I am assuming this is all quite recent for you? When did all this happen? Voluma was only launched in 2008 so basically everyone receiving it now is somewhat of a test subject. No doctor, regardless of their qualifications, can claim to be an expert with Voluma. It is simply too new. I am therefore assuming that RealSelf will soon receive more reviews about the Voluma 'pillow face' and then more hyaluronidase reviews like yours because of attempts to reverse this effect. This makes me feel sad in advance. Maybe you should also consider writing a separate review about your experience with Voluma? There isn't a seperate section for Voluma on RealSelf yet, but I guess you could put it under the Juvederm section considering they are related products. I know it doesn't help you now but it could warn somebody else about the possible bad aesthetic outcome of Voluma and to be careful about believing that it is 'easily reversible' with hyaluronidase. As to fixing your situation, I think you need a professional opinon from a doctor who is NOT in the injectables industry. Maybe from a surgeon? Maybe the collagen and tissue comes back by itself? I tried to do some research for you on why the replacement filler won't take but I can't find any information. Please let us know what you decide to do and if it gets better. Wishing you the best. K

Sorry - I'm tired and my post was a bit unclear. I didn't mean to suggest that you should have surgery! I just meant that the doctors in the injectables industry have a vested interest in saying that hyaluronidase causes no damage, so it might be worthwhile to seek the opinion of a doctor outside this field. I don't know if it will help, but it couldn't hurt. Acupuncture, caci and a good diet seem like a good start too. Have you looked into the dermaroller? I don't have one but I have looked on the website and it claims to stimulate collagen. Just a thought. Again, best of luck in a speedy recovery.

Meltyface - I was doing a bit of research for you today and maybe you could try a silica supplement? Google it and see what you think. I am going to give it a try for a few months and see if it makes any difference to my poor face. Let us know if you make any progress.