Restylane in Cheeks. Changed Face Shape.

Sallly Anne

While it is often said that Restylane lasts about a year, in my experience some of the effect of the filler can last much longer.  I have seen it last up to 3 years in some cases.  Please do not wait for it to dissipate.  The greatest thing about Restylane and other hyaluronic acid fillers is that they can be dissolved with an enzyme called Hyaluronidase.  Experienced injectors maintain this product in their office for adjusting treatments.  I see a couple of new consults each week who have had these fillers in the past and for various reasons are unhappy with the treatment results and need this product removed.  Please find an injector who can help you with this.  Note that it is not always necessary to have everything removed.  Many times just a small adjustment can make a very big difference.  

Around one year is the point that most of the hyaluronic acids dissolve. You could have some hyaluronidase injected to dissolve some of the filler you have.

Hi Sally.  The answer to your questions depends on the area of the face because Restylane dissolves at different rates depending on how much movement there is in the area injected.  For example, we set the expectation that for the lips the product will most likely dissolve in 3-4 months.  The midface area including the nasolabial folds (smile lines) and cheeks typically lasts about 6 months and the undereye area typically lasts about 9-12 months.  

If you were injected in the midface area, it usually lasts about 6 months.  If you feel that the product has not dissolved and you do not like the effects you should ask your injector to use hyaluronidase (we use Vitrase), an enzyme that will break down the Restylane and return the face to the same shape as it was previously.  Hope this helps and good luck.

Greetings SallyAnne~

There really can be too much of a good thing.  This is often the case with fillers.  Too much filler can change the shape of the face and indeed blunt some of the facial features making people feel they look fat or that they have less definition in the face.  Consequently, not enough filler can be upsetting as well.  When patients expect a certain result and that lines and wrinkles will be improved but they are not because an inadequate amount of correction was done that can be equally upsetting. (but easier to correct because it just requires more).  Filler can take quite a while to dissolve, especially if there is a great deal of filler in one area it can take a long time for enough to disappear to make a noticeable difference. If it was quite a significant volume it can easily take over a year.  If you are truly unhappy with the fullness, the best solution is just to eliminate the filler that's causing it.

Good luck~

Dr. Grant Stevens

Restylane under the eyes seems to last longer than other parts of the face, such as the cheeks.  The magic with the fillers lie with the physician injecting them to recreate a youthful facial appearance.  If you are really unhappy with the result you currently have, you may consider hyaluronidase to remove it; however, depending on how long it has been, its effect may be wearing off already.