Do fillers cause you to look older in the long term?

Question

I've read conflicting answers. I'm specifically interested in fillers for under-eye hallows and cheeks. I recently had my first treatment at age 40, with a touch up two weeks later. I am happy with the mild improvement. Between both treatments, 3 total syringes were used. ( Restylane regular and lift) Is it better to continue a maintenance like this especially if I'm not interested in invasive procedures in the future? Or will fillers make my wrinkles or my face age faster in the long term.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

No, fillers will not make you prematurely age. As a matter of fact, I recommend patients start anti-aging treatments earlier rather than later. Fillers are a great choice to temporarily improve tear troughs. Hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

These fillers (Belotero, Volbella, Restylane Silk) are good for improving under the eyes, but keep in mind, a combination approach will give the most improvement. Fillers, lasers, and microneedling/PRP can improve under the eyes. My patients try to get non surgical treatments to avoid surgery. We use PRP and stem cells there often. I suggest consulting with an expert to develop a treatment plan best suited for your short and long term goals. Best, Dr. Emer

Carlton Scroggins, MD · Answer

Hello. The answer to your question is no.  Fillers do not cause individuals to look older or age faster.  They in fact, give support to the structures of the face and help prevent sagging.  Nontheless, we have all seen individuals that have that "done" look, where over time there face can appear different, and in many cases distorted because of the over use and misuse of fillers.  Care should be taken to find an injector who will be honest with you and not over inject when not indicated.  Fillers delay the effects of aging; emphasis on the word "delay".  At some point you may become a candidate for more aggressive treatment modalities.

Joelle Rogal, MD · Answer

Fillers should not make your wrinkles or your face age faster.  Filler simply add volume to areas that are volume depleted.  Continuing with maintenance is a good idea, but make sure you find an injector that you trust and who will be honest with you.  The injector should be able to say "no" when you are not in need of filler, or if the addition of filler would look strange.  It is most important to find a physician who will analyze your face to determine where volume is needed.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Fillers absolutely do not cause you to age in the long term in fact the opposite is true. Many patients actually wrap their own collagen around filler which supports the face in an upright position and keeps them looking more youthful in the long run. I would maintain the results especially if you want to avoid surgery.

Selena Lantry, MD · Answer

No, fillers will not make you look older in the long term.  If they are injected properly, fillers will actually help you maintain a youthful appearance in both the short and long term, removing wrinkles and lines while adding volume to treated areas.  There is evidence that Restylane and other hyaluronic fillers stimulate your own new natural collagen production. Working with your provider to create a treatment plan that fits your goals will absolutely help you maintain a more youthful appearance.

Esta Kronberg, MD · Answer

Using fillers will not make you look older. They will do the opposite. This is a great way to maintain your youthful  appearance. It is much better to start young...just make sure you and your doctor don't over do you.

Deborah Kessler Hudak, MD, MHA · Answer

Because the mechanism of action is that of a sponge, hyaluronic acid fillers/ volumizer (Restylane and Juvederm/Voluma, and Belotero products) swell and "stretch" the tissue to fill out the hollow, fold, furrow, or wrinkle.  Then they go down.  After repetitions of this, it is possible to get flabby skin in the treatment area.  I have certainly seen this phenomenon in women who had their lips overly filled with hyaluronic acids repeatedly.
Because the mechanism of action of some volumizers like Sculptra and Radiesse is to trigger a significant increase in collagen (especially Sculptra), and then (Sculptra) gets resorbed,  But the newly-made collagen typically remains for more than five years after the Sculptra has been absorbed! (As long as the Sculptra was properly injected in a sequence spaced by 2-3 months for the first 3 injection sessions).  
I love the hyaluronic acids for their "quick fix," but I love the Sculptra and Radiesse for their more sensible approach to volumizing.  
I hope that helps you!

Vibha Gambhir, MD · Answer

Hi. Fillers absolutely do not cause you to age in the long term in fact the opposite is true. Many patients actually wrap their own collagen around filler which supports the face in an upright position and keeps them looking more youthful in the long run. I would maintain the results especially if you want to avoid surgery. Hope this information was helpful!

Paul B. Johnson, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Fillers will not make your face age faster.  To the contrary, when used on a regular basis, fillers have been shown to actually decrease the speed of facial aging.  An in-person consultation with an experienced injector can help provide more information.

Do fillers cause you to look older in the long term?

Answers (10)

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