Could migrated filler or previous thread lift be the cause of the line that is running down my cheek? (photos)

Question

I’ve noticed a visible line crossing down my right cheek, and I’m uncertain if it’s due to migrated filler (from a treatment in 2021) or a remnant of a thread lift (April 2022). I would greatly appreciate feedback on this as I am looking to have it addressed--whether through dissolution or removal. What treatment do you believe this resulted from?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Fillers do not typically cause this and it looks like a thread that might have been placed across the cheek.  Maybe it was placed too superficially.

Keera Kang, MD · Answer

Hi sandcastleinthesky!
First of all I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing this. I am sure there will be a way to address this issue if you go see an experienced physician. 
I am sorry I cannot give you a precise answer to your question since i have not seen you in person. But if you were to come visit me I would do a thorough examination of your face and also an ultrasound ( to look for remnant threads / fillers). Also since I do not know the exact kind of filler / threads you used in the past it is hard to say if that is what is causing the bulkiness on your face. It may be both ( if you got fillers below the zygomatic arch where patients of mine get theirs done for hollowness.) or I am assuming threads bc the bulkiness is in a linear fashion. (yet I don't know where your physician inserted the threads since nowadays I do a reverse thread lift so the threads don't touch the face in that direction.) If it is a HA filler that you can dissolve, you can use hyaluronidase to dissolve it bc sometimes the fillers don't dissolve on its own when there is adhesion with the surrounding tissue or sometimes there are chances of granuloma formation after HA fillers so you may need to rule that out also. Now if they are threads you may need to remove it with ultrasound guidance. So please visit an experienced physician and get a consultation in person. 
I hope my answer helped. Good luck!

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

It is likely a thread is bunching the tissue, or, you are having a reaction to it.    You could try massaging the area to see if it breaks up.  Or, you may need to come see me or another facial plastic surgeon to get it resolved.
Was this a permanent thread?  It may seem like it was.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on the nicely posted Photos better to do with a virtual consultation, but most likely a sideburn facelift with Endo Callais treatment and possible nano fat grafting or HA filler injection combination is indicated fee from $8000-$12,000. Best of virtual consult

Could migrated filler or previous thread lift be the cause of the line that is running down my cheek? (photos)

Answers (4)