Lumpy filler, should I dissolve? (Photo)

Question

I had filler placed 3 weeks ago around my mouth and nasolabial folds: Teoxane III for 2 syringes. After swelling/bruising improved, I have significant lumpiness at the sides of my mouth. My provider (whom has been awesome for ~10 years) recommended ice/massage, but still didn’t improve after another week. I asked about dissolving, but she felt it would continue to “settle.” I feel very unattractive and self-conscious now. Should I consider having the filler dissolved sooner rather than later?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Filler migration and permanence is a very common problem because there are many different types of HA fillers on the market and each is specified for a specific part of the face. Use of highly cohesive fillers on thin skin may cause swelling and nodularity. If patients have filler migration or nodules, we recommend a combination approach of filler reversal with enzymes Hylenex and Hyaluronidase in different strengths to dissolve the filler. We may also need to add Kenalog to the mix in order to reduce fibrous tissue. If the filler does not dissolve, it either means the filler is not HA material or we need more enzyme. The HA reversal can be combined with other lasers and skin treatments at the same time, and it usually (usually) does not affect adjacent tissue.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

In order to determine if what appears to be lumpiness on the face was caused by a filler,  one needs to compare photographs prior to the treatment to the current ones. As I am looking at your photographs I realise that you are doing yourself a disservice by using filters since your face shows quite a bit of volume loss associated with the aging process. I would suggest restoring facial volume by means of fat grafting which produces natural and permanent results when done by an expert. After a well performed fat grafting procedure your face should look at least 15 to 20 years younger and looking exactly like you used to, not like someone else. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery

Lumpy filler, should I dissolve? (Photo)

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Lumpy filler, should I dissolve? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hyaluronidase

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