Did Filler in the Cheeks Worsen Nasolabial Folds?

Question

I recently had radiesse in my mid-cheek area to replace a bit of early fat loss (I'm only 31). I also had a little juvederm on either side of my nose just below the eye hollows at the top of my cheeks where I had slight horizontal indentations. However, I feel like my cheek folds, which I've had since I was a kid, have gotten much worse. Is it possible that the filler is pressing down to deepen the fold? My face looks puffy in the cheeks but saggy in the middle after the filler . . .

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Hi LA,

	Radiesse should help the nasolabial (melolabial) folds and not cause worsening of them!  How long ago was the injection?  It could be that you are simply swollen after the injections, if it was done within the last couple of weeks.  The other, more worrisome, possibility could mean that the injection was placed incorrectly and that instead of filling in the fold, the filler may have wound up above the fold, which is causing increased fold prominence.

	I recommend that you discuss this with your physician, but would advocate patience and waiting.  For most patients with a problem like yours, the concerns will resolve with time.

	Good luck!

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi LA.  We agree with Dr. Mitchell that Radiesse, when properly injected will actually create a lifting affect to the nasolabial folds, making them appear less dramatic.

	With that said, depending where on the face your injector was trying to fill and how much product was used, it is possible that the injections caused your nasolabial folds to appear worse.  If you have not gone back to your injector, we would suggest you do so to look at the before pictures and compare the results with your concerns.  Good luck.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

You will need to have a consultation to be seen in person so that the areas are visualized and seen. Possibly there was not enough filler in the needed area or too much in a different area, or there is too much swelling to tell soon after the procedure.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi LA,

	Best to be evaluated by an experienced physician for your best answer.  As Dr. Lupo stated, a filler is only as good as the physician injecting the material.  Choose your injecting physician most carefully.  Good luck and be well.

	 

	Dr. P

	LA, Calif

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

The final results of injections with any filler are very dependent on the experience of the injector, their comfort with the product and their 'eye' and also a clear understanding of the results you are hoping to obtain.  It's always important that patient and injector agree what the goal is.   It is not unlikely to imagine that your nasolabial fold can appear heavier or deeper if too much product is placed above the fold.  If Juvederm was injected under the eyes there can be some swelling not only in the treated area but swelling may descend and cause lower parts of the face to look temporarily distorted.  Give it some time for the swelling to resolve before you make any decisions and if it is still bothering you go back to your provider for follow up and discuss the results and what you would like to see.

	 

	Dr. Grant Stevens

Did Filler in the Cheeks Worsen Nasolabial Folds?

Answers (10)

Answer: Filler Didn't Worsen Nasolabial Folds, Injector Did

Answer: Filler Didn't Worsen Nasolabial Folds, Injector Did

Answer: Nasolabial folds look worse after Radiesse injections

Answer: Nasolabial folds look worse after Radiesse injections

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Did Filler in the Cheeks Worsen Nasolabial Folds?

Answers (10)

Answer: Filler Didn't Worsen Nasolabial Folds, Injector Did

Answer: Filler Didn't Worsen Nasolabial Folds, Injector Did

Answer: Nasolabial folds look worse after Radiesse injections

Answer: Nasolabial folds look worse after Radiesse injections

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Radiesse

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