The Public Anti-Filler Movement Terms like pillow face, which refers to an overly plump or bloated appearance as a result of excessive filler in areas like the cheeks or under the eyes, and scans that allegedly show that filler doesn't actually dissolve are what started the turn against injectable fillers.
The most serious risk associated with dermal fillers is accidental injection into a blood vessel. Filler that enters a blood vessel can cause skin necrosis (death of tissue), stroke, or blindness.
Not all fillers are created equal. Different types of filler have different properties, and using the wrong one can lead to unnatural results. For example, a thicker filler meant for deep tissue may cause lumps if injected superficially.
Changing Beauty Standards.
There's a shift towards more natural-looking results, leading some to reconsider their previous filler treatments.
The decision to stop using dermal fillers is personal and can be due to the desire for a more natural look or dissatisfaction with previous treatments. Excessive filler use can lead to tissue integration and “microcystic expansion effects,” causing potential aesthetic concerns over time.
Sometimes, if too much filler is injected in the face over years of time, if the filler is ever removed or dissolved, the skin is unable to revert back to its original forms. This can potentially leave the skin looser and less firm that before filler was injected, ultimately leading to premature aging of the skin.
The reason filler words get a (deservedly) bad rap is, when used repeatedly, they can accumulate and cause listeners to think (whether consciously or unconsciously) you don't know what you're saying.
Like the lips, the nasolabial folds have more nerve endings running through the area than other areas. The area also frequently moves, so this can cause more soreness after the injections.
The idea that fillers ruin your face is a common misconception. When injected correctly, dermal fillers do not inherently damage your facial appearance. However, improper use can lead to undesirable outcomes such as thickened skin, more noticeable facial folds, and an overall older appearance.
The Public Anti-Filler Movement
Terms like pillow face, which refers to an overly plump or bloated appearance as a result of excessive filler in areas like the cheeks or under the eyes, and scans that allegedly show that filler doesn't actually dissolve are what started the turn against injectable fillers.
The fillers are soft enough to provide natural-looking results that last up to a year. If you're looking for a fast and easy way to remediate wrinkles and sagging skin, dermal fillers may be worth the investment.
Starting small, preventative treatments in your late 20s or early 30s can help maintain skin smoothness and delay the appearance of deep lines, particularly in areas prone to expression lines, such as the forehead and around the eyes.
Existing Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and medications may make individuals unsuitable candidates for dermal filler treatments. Conditions like lupus, diabetes, or a history of severe allergic reactions may pose risks during the procedure.
Common danger zones include the glabellar region, temporal fossa, infraorbital region, perioral region, lips, oral commissure, nasal area, and areas with major arteries like the supratrochlear, supraorbital, infraorbital foramen, mental foramen, facial artery, and deep temporal arteries.
In general, Botox injections cause less discomfort since they are administered using very fine needles and injected directly into the muscles. On the other hand, fillers may involve slightly larger needles to inject the dermal fillers beneath the skin surface, which can cause more discomfort.
Sleep on Your Back or Side: To minimize pressure on the treated areas, it is best to sleep on your back or side for the first 24 to 48 hours. This positioning helps ensure that the filler settles evenly and integrates smoothly with the surrounding tissues.
Con: Side effects such as bruising, bleeding, and swelling
Most dermal fillers use naturally-occurring components. They are fully biocompatible and produce no known long-term adverse effects. However, in the short term, dermal fillers can cause bleeding, bruising, and swelling at injection sites.
Facial fillers, if not used appropriately, can have all kinds of effects that are undesirable, and one of them can be looking distorted or even older. Like any other tool, if it's used properly by someone who understands how to get the best outcomes, using facial fillers should make you look better— not older.
If you don't love your results from dermal filler injections, take heart knowing the effects are temporary. In many cases, a skilled cosmetic surgeon can make more immediate corrections or improve upon your previous results through one of several therapeutic treatments.
“Pillow face” occurs when too much filler is injected into areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth), lips, and under-eye area. This repeated overfilling can result in a bloated, round appearance that looks far from natural.
In some patients, using an excess of filler or using cheek fillers routinely for 10+ years results in stretched-out skin, sagging, and premature facial aging.
Types of Dermal Fillers and Their Lifespan
These fillers are traditionally thought to last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the specific product and the area treated. They dissolve gradually over time as the body naturally metabolizes the hyaluronic acid.