Under eye filler 5 years ago, dissolved 3 years later. Is this still filler? (Photos)

Shelving like this may result from natural shifts in under-eye volume with the passage of time, or can result from residual fibrous tissue resulting from prior filler treatments, or lymphatic obstruction (I.e. lymphedema) related to the latter. For persistent cases, I have found that, following the use of local anesthesia, the use of a low intensity electrodessication delivered via an epilating needle delivered at various points throughout the shelf to be very helpful in permanently shrinking these persistent under-eye shelves. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist, and best of luck.

With all due respect to the other providers that have answered, it is still impossible to know just by looking at your photo if the ridge at the top of your cheeks is retained filler or natural changes due to aging. I disagree that ALL filler naturally breaks down within 1-2 years. That was what the companies believed and told us years ago. But in reality, some of the filler does not fully breakdown and sits there like a little sponge slowly attracting fluid. Some fillers are designed on purpose not to break down very easily so they last longer("vycross family of Juvederm family, for example) so it definitely can take much more than one treatment of enzyme to breakdown the filler.
Before considering anything else, I would recommend an additional treatment with hyaluronidase, the enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid fillers, before considering anything else surgical or non-surgical. Alternatively, some providers offer ultrasound imaging that can identify filler prior to injection. This will be more expensive for you however.

Hi! Thank you for sharing your photos and your experience—it really helps to understand what’s going on.

From what you’re describing, it’s very unlikely that any filler from 5 years ago is still present, especially since what remained was dissolved 3 years after the initial injection. Most hyaluronic acid fillers naturally break down completely within 1–2 years, so what you’re seeing now is almost certainly a combination of natural aging, loss of volume, and changes in skin elasticity.

Under-eye area changes with age can include:

Volume loss in the cheek and under-eye region, which can create hollows or a “shelf” appearance.

Thinning skin and fine wrinkling, making any underlying structure more visible.

Changes in fat pads and ligament support, which can make the under-eye area appear more hollow or shadowed.

Ways to improve the appearance naturally and subtly:

Gentle filler or fat grafting: Carefully placed volumizing treatments can soften hollows and improve contour.

Skin resurfacing or tightening: Laser, radiofrequency, or microneedling can improve skin thickness and texture.

Skincare: Retinoids, peptides, and moisturizers with antioxidants can help support collagen and skin quality over time.

At 60, the key is a natural, conservative approach that addresses both volume loss and skin quality without overfilling the area. Even subtle improvements can make a big difference in the under-eye contour and how refreshed you feel.

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. It’s very common to still notice a “shelf” under the eyes years after filler, even after dissolving, but the cause isn’t always remaining product. At age 60, natural changes—such as fat pad descent, skin thinning, and loss of elasticity—can create a similar appearance to old filler, making it hard to tell the difference. Sometimes repeated filler can leave behind subtle structural changes or a bit of fibrous tissue that mimics a shelf, but true hyaluronic-acid filler almost always dissolves completely once properly treated with hyaluronidase.