Facelift to remove effects from hyaluronic acid filler?

Question

I tried not once but ten times ti remove 4.5 syringes of restylane refyne. High dose too like two to three vials per area. Until I gave up. The dr who performed it is a board certified plastic surgeon in nyc( not a talented one obviously). It gets worse not better and ruined my skin. Can a facelift fix this mess? It was placed superficially. I can still feel this thing. The bottom and front of my cheeks are problematic and now my skin has become mushy.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. There are some options to remove fillers, hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm,Restylane for example) can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Fillers that are more permanent like collagen fillers usually resolve with time but if they may need to be excised. Permanent fillers will have to be excised. Some fillers such as sculptra  respond to steroid injections. Of note, fillers near the lower eyelid can sometimes be removed without a scar through an approach through the inside of the eye. I recommend you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine the procedure that is best for you.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear ihatemyinjectionsThank you for your questions and photo! It is difficult to assess your concerns without an in person consult .  If you have the notes for the filler injections and the notes for removal - as well as before photos - this will aid in what can be done about your concerns.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Fillers cannot be effectively removed by a facelift. The best solution is to use Hyaluronidase injection to completely dissolve the existing filler. Sometimes it can take a lot of repeated injections. RegardsDr.J

Elizabeth Whitaker, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Ihatemyinjections, Thank you for sharing your image and your concerns.  I would recommend waiting for the filler to fully dissolve before pursuing another procedure.  An in person consultation with a board certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon would be the best avenue to discuss your options.  I hope that is helpful.All my best!  Dr. Elizabeth

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Most fillers go away with time. I recommend waiting at least six months. After that you could be re-evaluated for a possible facelift. DO NOT have fat injected in your face as it will just cause more problems and waste more time and money.

Luiz Victor Carneiro, Jr., MD · Answer

In case the filler is hyaluronic acid we have to wait the absortion; you can do lymphatic drainage, massages. In areas of harder areas you can inject hyaluronidase. But surgery is not a good option; when we try to remove the product we can damage the tissue close to it.

J. Joseph Danyo, MD · Answer

If you don't like your filler fortunately you did not inject anything that's permanent like silicone. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic gel usually very efficiently when injected into the filler. Perhaps you need more hyaluronidase. The best option is to do nothing and let it resolve to normal over the next year. Surgery or liposuction can't remove it.

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos. Facelifts in general are not used to fix or change fillers. One option is to wait for the filler to completely dissolve, then assess. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon who can assess your skin and filler situation in person. Good luck!

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

The numbers do not add up. 2-3 vials each area doesn’t add up to 4.5 syringes.   You do not have indications for a facelift.  The filler will continue to dissipate over time and then an evaluation can be made.

FACELIFT PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Facelift to remove effects from hyaluronic acid filler?

Answers (9)

FACELIFT PROVIDERS NEAR YOU