Cheek filler caused malar edema - still there after dissolving, what next? (Photos)

Question

Hi Doctors, Please can you help advise? I had 2ml of cheek filler across 4 months and at first it looked fine. However I noticed a lot of unusual swelling and fluid build up which I’d never had before around my eye socket. I had the filler dissolved and have had 2 sessions but I am still suffering with fluid. I feel so conscious as my eyes feel so heavy with fluid and people have commented that it looks like I have been ‘hit in the face’. What can try next? More dissolve or other treatments?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

First for "filler dissolver" to work, your filler must be a hyaluronic acid filler. The precise filler used is important to determine is physical characteristics. Low G prime fillers are very runny. High G prime fillers.  Assuming you had a hyaluronic acid filler, you need a sufficient dose of enzyme to actually break down the filler. This is harder than many injectors realize. There are not precise guidelines for dosing the hyaluronidase. Many employ a "squirt" of enzyme. Enzyme is measured in units. You are likely to need approximately 300 units of enzyme and this dose may need to be repeated if there is persistent swelling. Do not get talked into surgery. You need more enzyme. You do not need an MRI or ultrasound to identify where the filler is located. You have filler where you are swollen. Hope this helps.

Keera Kang, MD · Answer

Hi Vixie89.First of all I am so sorry to hear that you're suffering from malar edema after cheek fillers. I know how you feel bc some patients come to me with the same problem after getting injected at chain clinics here in Korea. So what I usually do with these patients is dissolve a couple of times especially the filler that I can palpate with my hands. Then do a follow up every week or so and check. Also if the malar edema persists even after the follow ups, I do an ultrasound examination on their face to search for remnant filler. I recommend you to go see a physician that has an ultrasound so he/she can visually check for any remaining filler. I am assuming there is some left. I hope this helped. Good luck!

Cheek filler caused malar edema - still there after dissolving, what next? (Photos)

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Cheek filler caused malar edema - still there after dissolving, what next? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hyaluronidase

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.