Can encapsulated Restylane filler stay in your body forever?

Question

I got Restylane injections two and a half years ago in my tear troughs that wouldn’t dissolve. Even after three tries with hyalase, I have hard lumps I can feel moving around when I press in underneath my eyes. Do encapsulated fillers eventually dissolve on their own? Is it safe to keep some amount of old filler in my face or will it cause me problems down the road, like inflammation or infections? I’d like to limit more hyalase, my under eye skin is so damaged from filler and repeated swelling.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The filler does not last forever. However I have now seen patients with issues related to filler treatments performed more than 8 years ago. These products persist much, much longer than the manufactures first informed physicians regarding the persistence of the hyaluronic acid fillers. Just like the fact that the placement of product requires a high level of skill, its removal also requires skill. Occasionally I do see an individual who it certain that they had a hyaluronic acid filler but it turns out (on biopsy) that they actually had a different type of filler.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Keep in mind, it takes a series of treatments to fully dissolve filler and it's difficult to determine how many treatments you would need. However, it should not cause problems long-term. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Keep in mind, it takes a series of treatments to fully dissolve filler and it's difficult to determine how many treatments you would need. However, it should not cause problems long-term.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is possible this occurs and is related to collagen reaction to the filler. There is no side effects from it staying there. Surgery would easily remove it. Hyaluronidase should have no negative effects on the skin.

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Can encapsulated Restylane filler stay in your body forever?

Answers (4)

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