Can IPL, skin tightning or radio frequency melt face fillers?

In general, yes, these procedures can be done as the depths of the laser treatments are usually more superficial than the depths of the filler placement. I suggest patients wait at least 2 weeks after the fillers before proceeding with the tightening lasers, to allow time for swelling and the fillers to settle 

The best skin tightening is Thermage FLX which is the newest skin tightening machine on the market.  I always recommend doing Thermage first followed by injections and V-Beam or IPL for the skin.  There have been reports of Ulthera melting fat but it is not clear if the wrong transducers were used.  For the best cosmetic results please consult a board certified dermatologist who is an expert in lasers.  Best, Dr. Green

Great question. The answer is that most of those devices do not melt fillers, but some can and it depends on where the filler was placed. Filler placed in many areas like the cheeks is deep to the skin  (against the bone) and will not be affected at all. But filler placed within the skin itself (close to the surface) can be affected if the device penetrates deep into the dermis.
1. IPL works on the surface of the skin and will not affect fillers
2. RF devices that work by heating the skin (Thermage, Exilis Ultra etc) will not significantly damage the fillers, but filler in the dermis will be heated up. This should not destroy it.
3. Lasers that penetrate into the dermis (some fractional lasers like Fraxel Dual 1550nm) and Infini RF (that has needles that penetrate deep into the dermis) will blast away at the filler there. It will not harm you, but will destroy filler in this location which you paid good money for. Again-- this is only the filler that is in the skin itself-- often the filler we place is deep to the skin. So, if you are considering skin tightening with a microneedling RF device (those are the best in my opinion) I would take that into consideration.

You are safe using any of the above lasers after facial fillers. In my practice I advise my patients to have any radio frequency treatments two weeks after injections. IPL can be done immediately before or right after the fillers. The only time someone has to be concerned with radio frequency is if silicone was injected.

Hi Britneyjen4321,Having skin tightening procedures can be done two weeks after fillers. You may also consider microneedling with PRP. Like lasers, it helps induce collagen growth and does not melt face fillers.All the best, Justin Harper, M.D.