Terrified about what has happened to my face after filler & dissolving, is face permanently damaged? (Photos)

Question

I had 3mls of Juvederm Voluma spread over cheeks/marionette lines/nasolabial folds and was overwhelmed by the overfilled response. After physically and aesthetically feeling awful my injector attempted to dissolve it. It did not work, despite him saying no filler could remain. I had a second opinion who said my face had lots of filler remaining. She dissolved it and now I look both gaunt and still heavy at my jaw. Is my face permanently damaged? Last photos are only 4 days post dissolve 2

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hello Cassandra,
It appears that the hyaluronidase used to dissolve your filler has caused excessive facial volume loss.  I would recommend letting things settle for a few weeks then re-evaluating your face.  I would then likely used Sculptra to restore your face back to it's natural shape and volume.  Most importantly make sure to choose an expert physician injector.  Feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns. Good luck and be well.
Michael A. Persky, MD
Encino, CA

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through. It's understandable to be concerned about changes to your appearance following cosmetic procedures. Here are some general points to consider regarding your situation:

1. **Immediate Post-Dissolution Appearance**: It's important to note that the appearance of your face just a few days after the dissolution process may not be indicative of the final result. Swelling and inflammation from both the filler and the dissolving agent (hyaluronidase) can affect the way your face looks temporarily.

2. **Healing Time**: The full effects of hyaluronidase can take some time to manifest. It’s not uncommon for it to take several weeks for the swelling to subside completely and for your face to settle into its new appearance.

3. **Temporary Changes**: Both the filler and the dissolving process can cause temporary changes to your facial tissues. These changes often resolve with time as the tissues heal and any residual swelling diminishes.

4. **Consultation with an Experienced Professional**: If you haven’t already, consider seeking advice from a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with extensive experience in fillers and their reversal. They can provide a thorough assessment and reassure you about the healing process.

5. **Potential for Recovery**: In most cases, the changes caused by fillers and their dissolution are not permanent. The body can often return to its baseline state over time, especially if the filler used was hyaluronic acid-based like Juvederm, which is designed to be temporary.

6. **Supportive Treatments**: There may be additional treatments that can help improve your appearance and support healing. For instance, treatments that promote skin health and elasticity, such as microneedling, laser therapy, or specific skincare regimens, could be beneficial.

7. **Patience and Monitoring**: Give your face some time to recover. Monitor the changes over the next few weeks and document any concerns or improvements. This information will be useful for follow-up consultations.

8. **Emotional Support**: It’s also important to address the emotional impact of this experience. Consider speaking with a mental health professional if you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or distress related to your appearance.

Remember, each person's response to fillers and dissolvers can vary, and while it may be a distressing experience, many people do see improvement over time. Your healthcare provider will be the best resource for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You are naturally thin to begin with, but adding volume with Sculptra would be helpful and is for overall volume, not in just one area. It is also done in series, not just one time, and does last longer than other fillers.

Terrified about what has happened to my face after filler & dissolving, is face permanently damaged? (Photos)

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Terrified about what has happened to my face after filler & dissolving, is face permanently damaged? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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