Filler complications. Are there any other ways of naturally fixing this problem?

Question

I had filler in my nasal labial fold and cheek area last September. It has added unwanted bulk and now looks heavy in this area. The injector was a young nurse and I think it was places superficial. I had one session of dissolving several months ago and did not see improvement. Now the area looks puffy and gives my face an odd appearance that I did not have previously. Are there any other ways if naturally fixing this problem or less invasive than dissolving?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Based on your concerns, I recommend continuing treatment with dissolving the filler. Dissolving filler, particularly hyaluronic acid fillers, may require several treatments to achieve optimal results. Hyaluronidase, an enzyme used for dissolving hyaluronic acid fillers, breaks down the filler material over time. The number of treatments required depends on factors such as the type and amount of filler used, as well as individual metabolism. While some individuals may see noticeable improvement after one treatment, others may require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. This allows for gradual adjustment and refinement of the treated area. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the complications you're experiencing with your filler treatment. Managing filler complications can be challenging, but there are several approaches you might consider, both natural and less invasive. Here are some potential options:

1. **Massage and Manual Manipulation**
   - **Gentle Massage**: Sometimes, gentle massage can help redistribute the filler slightly, although this is generally more effective shortly after the filler is placed.
   - **Lymphatic Drainage Massage**: This specialized form of massage can help reduce swelling and improve circulation in the area, potentially reducing puffiness.

2. **Lifestyle and Home Remedies**
   - **Hydration**: Ensuring you are well-hydrated can help your skin look its best and may help reduce puffiness.
   - **Diet**: Reducing salt intake can help minimize water retention, which might help with the puffiness.
   - **Cold Compresses**: Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and puffiness.
   - **Sleeping Position**: Sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce puffiness in the face.

3. **Non-Invasive Treatments**
   - **Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy**: RF treatments can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of bulkiness by stimulating collagen production.
   - **Ultrasound Therapy**: Similar to RF, ultrasound treatments can help tighten the skin and may help with redistribution of the filler.
   - **Microneedling**: This can help improve skin texture and may assist in the integration of the filler with your natural tissue.

4. **Minimally Invasive Procedures**
   - **Additional Hyaluronidase Injections**: If the filler used was hyaluronic acid-based, further sessions with hyaluronidase (the enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid) might be necessary. It's possible that the previous session did not completely dissolve the filler.
   - **Steroid Injections**: In some cases, a small amount of steroid can help reduce inflammation and swelling.

5. **Consultation with Experienced Professionals**
   - **Seek a Second Opinion**: Consulting with a more experienced injector, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, can provide you with a more tailored approach to managing the issue.
   - **Facial Plastic Surgeon**: They can offer a comprehensive assessment and suggest solutions that might not have been considered.

6. **Time and Patience**
   - **Natural Degradation**: Fillers, especially hyaluronic acid-based ones, will naturally degrade over time. This process can take several months to over a year, depending on the type of filler used.

Important Considerations
- **Avoid Over-Treatment**: Sometimes, less is more. Be cautious about undergoing too many treatments in a short period as this can exacerbate the problem.
- **Proper Assessment**: Ensure that a thorough assessment is done to understand the exact nature of the problem, including whether the filler is causing inflammation, is incorrectly placed, or if there is another underlying issue.

While natural and less invasive methods can help, the effectiveness varies from person to person. It is crucial to consult with a qualified and experienced medical professional who can assess your specific situation and recommend the best course of action. They can guide you through the pros and cons of each option based on your individual needs and the characteristics of the filler used.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you were unhappy with your filler treatment.  Though you stated you had a session to dissolve the unwanted filler, it can take multiple treatments for the desired result.  Dissolving the unwanted product is the most reliable and quickest solution for your concern.  Depending on the filler used the product naturally will be metabolized over 1 to 2 years.

Filler complications. Are there any other ways of naturally fixing this problem?

Answers (3)

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