Do I need more filler to soften harsh lines? (Photos)

Question

My face looks gaunt after filler. I’m in my 40s. I wanted to fix my nasolabial folds so I got filler on my cheeks and the folds 2 days ago and now I think I look gaunt as she really accented my cheek bones,. Will they fill in more or do I need more filler to soften harsh lines?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello JJ.  Sorry to hear about your disappointment.  There is always a tradeoff between injections directly in the nasolabial folds and the cheeks when the goal is to improve the folds.  Generally speaking a combination approach can often work well.  In your situation, it appears as though perhaps more product was used in the cheeks then in the folds themselves.  Also, the mid cheek area below the cheekbones now do appear volume depleted because of the volume placed over the cheekbones.  If you would like to appear more full in the mid cheek and nasolabial fold, then yes, you would likely have to return for injections directly into these areas.  Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend fillers for the lines themselves but also lifting around the mouth and cheeks to build underlying anatomical support. In our practice we combine sculptra with other fillers "layered" on top and lasers, rf treatments, J Plasma and peels to get the most conservative natural look. Please see a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thuy-Van Tina Ho, MD · Answer

Dear jj5432,
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to make an accurate assessment and recommendations based on photographs alone. As your are only two days out from treatment, I recommend you waiting a full two weeks to let the filler product take effect and settle out. If you still have concerns regarding asymmetries or deficient areas, you should seek re-evaluation with your provider at that time.

Daniel Chang, MSc, MBBS, MRCS · Answer

On average, fillers may take 2 weeks to achieve the final result.
Hence would suggest waiting out the 2 weeks before deciding on more fillers. 
It seems you would benefit from more fillers as you have significant volume loss in your face.
Hope this helps and Merry Christmas
Dr Daniel Chang

Brian A. Pinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear jj, Thanks for your question. I’m sorry to hear that you not happy after your injectable treatment. The answer depends on what product was used. Hyaluronic avid fillers Such as Restylane or Juvederm will not change with time. It appears that your main issue is overall volume loss. You would be a good candidate to consider a biostimulatory filler such as Sculptra or even fat transfer to restore overall volume. I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon and experienced injector to discuss your options. Best of luck!

Do I need more filler to soften harsh lines? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Fillers for a gaunt look - Ask Dr Daniel Chang

Answer: Fillers for a gaunt look - Ask Dr Daniel Chang

Answer: Harsh lines

Answer: Harsh lines

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Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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Do I need more filler to soften harsh lines? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Fillers for a gaunt look - Ask Dr Daniel Chang

Answer: Fillers for a gaunt look - Ask Dr Daniel Chang

Answer: Harsh lines

Answer: Harsh lines

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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