How come I still see fillers on my foreheads and eyelid after 8 years?

Question

I have had fillers on my forehead, upper eyelid and under-eyes 8 years ago. I still see the volume (especially the bump that left me under eyes), is that even possible? I'm prepping for a facial fat graft and was told to dissolve the fillers or it can cause infection , nor I can find any information on that.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

You may still have fillers and some of those fillers may be non-dissolvable from an anatomic perspective. In some cases, I have seen resistant filler lasting over 5 years.

Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to speak to the surgeon performing the facial fat graft about your concerns.  If HA fillers were used in the past treatment then hyaluronidase can be used to dissolve them.  Most HA fillers are completely metabolized before 8 years.  An examination by your surgeon may determine if any filler is still present.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello !

It's worth noting that the position of the filler plays a crucial role in determining its solubility. When the filler is located farther from the direct blood supply than other areas, the cells that produce hyaluronidase will not be able to access the hyaluronic acid gel, resulting in its inability to dissolve. Also, hyaluronic acid is utilized for both medical and cosmetic purposes, and is processed to increase its shelf life and form a hydrogel suitable for injection into the body. The alterations made to the hyaluronic acid prior to injection can influence its solubility and make it harder to dissolve as well. It can be removed surgically.

However, fillers don’t always need to be dissolved before fat transfer and in good hands, shouldn’t result in an infection.

hope this helps, best of luck !

How come I still see fillers on my foreheads and eyelid after 8 years?

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How come I still see fillers on my foreheads and eyelid after 8 years?

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Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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