Will my smile lines filler dissolve on its own overtime?

Question

I had filler placed in the smile lines around my mouth and have been unhappy with it for months. It’s created extra smile lines in my cheeks and made me look puffy. I just don’t like my smile anymore and have been very down about it. It looks weird to me. Will it dissolve on its own overtime? And will my face go somewhat back to the way it was? Thank you

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you are having this problem. Although in the early days of fillers, smile lines (nasolabial folds) were typically treated by "chasing the wrinkle" itself by directly injecting the filler into the fold, it was eventually learned that the culprit for the development of the smile lines was the loss of cheek fat volume and the subsequent descent of the residual fat pad downward and inward to create and accentuate the smile folds. Once this was learned, experienced injectors typically addressed the cheek fat pad deficit with robust HA fillers, which not only improved and restored the appearance and projection of more youthful cheeks, but secondarily improved the smiles. By contrast, simply injecting the smile lines themselves often pushes up the surrounding skin creating an unpleasing puffiness, which is what I presume is being described here. If an HA filler was used, the unwanted results will likely improve over time as the filler is naturally dissolved. For a quicker return to normal, hyaluronidase may be used if so desired.  You would be wise to consult with an experienced board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with fillers. Good news is, because dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, they are naturally dissolved by your body over a period of 6 – 18 months. Best wishes

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you're unhappy with your final results, you can have the filler dissolved with hyaluronidase and try a different technique next time. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Hello. I am sorry you are not pleased with the outcome of your treatment. The good news is filler results are not permanent. If HA (hyaluronic acid) fillers were used, these will naturally be metabolized by the body over time. Filler results typically last for about 6-12 months. If you do not wish to wait, you may have hyaluronidase injections to break down the filler, speeding up the process.

I highly recommend only seeking consultations and treatments from expert injectors that know what product to use, how much product to use, and where to precisely place injections to ensure symmetry and facial harmony. During your in-person consultation, your provider can assess your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, and recommend the best approach to safely achieving your desired results.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you are unhappy with your filler treatment.  If you selected an HA filler such as Juvederm the product will gradually breakdown and be metabolized over time.  You also have the option of having it dissolved with hyaluronidase if you do not wish to wait.  See your injector to learn more.

Will my smile lines filler dissolve on its own overtime?

Answers (6)

Answer: Unhappy with filler results? Here's what you need to know

Answer: Unhappy with filler results? Here's what you need to know

Answer: Filler

Answer: Filler

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Will my smile lines filler dissolve on its own overtime?

Answers (6)

Answer: Unhappy with filler results? Here's what you need to know

Answer: Unhappy with filler results? Here's what you need to know

Answer: Filler

Answer: Filler

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

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