Have you ever flipped through old photos and suddenly realized how much your face has changed? Maybe you can see deeper folds, more wrinkles, a loss of contour and even sagging. If this is something that bothers you, chances are with the miracle of modern medicine, you can still turn the clock back. You might have seen mesmerizing transformations on social media when a popular influencer suddenly appears years younger. Of course these changes aren’t magic. Most of the time, they’re the result of strategic use of dermal filler which has skyrocketed in popularity for their ability to quickly rejuvenate the face by restoring volume loss.
However, this in-demand treatment has proven that there can be too much of a good thing. In appropriate amounts, filler is a great tool for facial rejuvenation. On the other hand, too much has created the phenomenon commonly coined on the dark corners of social media as “pillow face.” We deeply object to this unflattering term and instead choose to call it “filler face” to describe the outcome of repeatedly adding too much volume to chase contour loss which creates a distinct look characterized by a puffy appearance.
Although filler face can occur, it’s important to remember that dermal fillers are still a good treatment for addressing volume loss. So, how can someone reap their benefits while avoiding this obvious downside? Below are a few simple ways to evaluate when dermal filler has reached its limit.
How does filler work?
Dermal fillers are an inert substance that are injected into the face to help restore volume. Many patients choose this treatment as an effective option for facial rejuvenation. Fillers are relatively inexpensive, simple to use, fairly painless, and don’t require a significant amount of time for recovery. Additionally, one of the most appealing characteristics is that they garner noticeable results without the need for surgical intervention.
What areas of the face can fillers rejuvenate?
Dermal fillers can be injected into the face to plump areas like sunken in temples or hollow cheeks. They can fill and smooth out deep grooves such as under eye hollows or nasolabial folds or restore the fullness and the contour of the lips. An important aspect that makes people more comfortable with filler-based rejuvenation is that in case of unsatisfactory results, the effects can be reversed by dissolving the filler.
How long does filler last?
Most fillers are not permanent. Over time the body can naturally break it down, or they can be dissolved by a doctor. Although dermal fillers have manufacturer tested specifications for how long they can last, the actual longevity is influenced by several variables. Dr. Konstantin explains that filler lasts a different amount of time for different people. The longevity depends on the type of filler, the area of injection, and individual patient factors such as how fast your body breaks it down.
When should you reinject the filler?
Because fillers naturally go away, to maintain their rejuvenating effect they have to be reinjected at regular intervals. Here’s where the devil lies. Space injections too far apart and you’re not realizing filler’s full rejuvenating potential. Space them too closely and you’re injecting new filler before the old one has a chance to dissipate. The problem with the latter is that undissolved filler tends to accumulate over time resulting in a puffy, overfilled face.
While scheduling appointments to receive more filler might seem as simple as following product specifications, it’s not. Additional filler injections can’t be treated like an auto-renewal system. It requires careful assessment every time new filler is added to achieve the full benefits without any of the negative effects.
How to prevent filler face
Preventing filler face is as easy as understanding that a careful assessment is needed before any new filler is added to the previously treated area. This will determine exactly how much still remains and how much needs to be added.
Still on the fence? The good news is that you don’t have to make all of the hard decisions alone. Finding a trusted professional to do the heavy lifting makes all the difference and will have your friends commenting on how little you’ve aged.
If you still haven’t found a professional you trust, Dr. Konstantin is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in facial rejuvenation.
His expertise can help guide you through the best options and tackle the tough decisions all from his Manhattan practice.
To learn more about whether filler is the best decision for you, request a consultation online or call our Manhattan office at (212) 380-3634.
