An interesting trend is happening in the medical aesthetics industry.
Dermal filler is one of the most popular non-cosmetic procedures, but at the same time, filler reversal (dissolving dermal filler) is on the rise, with some reports stating a 57 percent spike between 2020 and 2021.
So, what’s leading people to get dermal filler, only to turn around and have it dissolved?
As long as you are injected at a medical spa or clinic by a qualified and experienced injector, getting filler injections doesn’t seem to be the issue. Dermal filler is a safe, effective, affordable, non-surgical solution for enhancing volume and contouring the face.
The issue leading to the spike in dissolving filler seems to be getting too much filler (commonly known as filler fatigue) and/or improper dermal filler placement.
Luckily, this can be prevented.
Today, we’ll discuss common areas of the face that are overfilled, signs that you may have too much filler, what to do if you think you have been overfilled, and tips for achieving natural-looking results with dermal filler.
What is Dermal Filler?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels that can enhance and restore volume to different areas of your face and body. They’re commonly used to add fullness to lips, lift cheekbones, sculpt jawlines, smooth out nasolabial fold, and even rejuvenate aging hands.
Fillers come in various formulas; one of the most popular is hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a substance naturally found in your skin that helps keep it hydrated and plump. When used as a filler, it can give natural-looking results that typically last from six months to a year, depending on the type.
The FDA has approved dermal fillers for use in adults over 21 for specific uses. Each brand and type has a different approved usage. Some fillers also have “off-label uses,” which means they can be used for purposes not specifically approved by the FDA but deemed safe and effective by the medical community based on experience and studies.
To find out which filler is safe to use and best for your aesthetic goals and concerns, you should consult with an experienced injector.
What is Filler Fatigue?
Filler fatigue happens when dermal fillers are used too frequently or in excess, leading to an overfilled and unnatural appearance.
The most common areas of the face affected by filler fatigue are:
-
- Lips
-
- Cheeks
-
- Nasolabial Folds
-
- Under Eyes
-
- Chin
Instead of achieving a refreshed and youthful face, too much filler can leave certain areas looking heavy or distorted. Over time, the skin can stretch or lose its natural elasticity, resulting in a bloated or puffy look.
When too much product is used in these spots, it can leave your face looking puffy, heavy, or distorted. You might also appear aged rather than rejuvenated and even look like you’ve put on weight.
Signs of Overfilling
When too much filler is used, your face may begin to look unnatural in several ways. The signs will vary depending on the filler placement and how much was used. Below are the most common signs of overfilling:
Unnatural Fullness
If your face looks swollen, puffy, or as if you’ve gained weight without any changes to your diet or lifestyle, it’s often a sign of overfilling. This effect is sometimes referred to as “pillow face” because the skin appears overly puffy and bloated, losing its natural definition.
Chipmunk Cheeks
Excessive filler in the cheeks, or improper placement, can result in a round, exaggerated look often compared to “chipmunk cheeks.” Instead of enhancing the cheekbones and creating a lifted, sculpted appearance, overfilled cheeks may appear heavy, rounded, and disproportionate to the rest of the face. This can distort the natural balanced look of your features and make the face look broader than it actually is.
Additionally, too much filler in this area can stretch the skin over time, which may lead to a sagging or drooping effect once the filler begins to dissolve. Excess filler can also obscure the natural contours of the cheeks, making the face look less defined and contributing to an aged or bloated appearance.
Bulging Forehead
Overfilling the forehead can cause it to bulge, resulting in a sloped appearance where the top part protrudes unnaturally. This disrupts the smooth contour of the forehead and affects facial symmetry.
Duck Lips
Injecting too much filler into the lips can lead to a protruding, overly inflated appearance often referred to as “duck lips.” This unnatural look occurs when the balance between the upper and lower lips is disrupted, and the natural contour of the lips is lost.
Avatar Nose
Excess filler in or around the nose can distort its shape, making it look wider, swollen, or overly defined. Properly applied filler should refine and enhance the nose’s structure, not create an exaggerated or bulky appearance.
Squinty Eyes
Overfilling around the eyes can cause them to appear smaller or squinty, often referred to as “sunset eyes.” This typically happens when too much product is injected into the tear troughs or surrounding areas, leading to a heavy, downward pull that makes the eyes appear less open and youthful.
Overfilled Chin
Excessive filler in the chin can create an elongated or overly prominent look that disrupts the natural proportions of the face. Instead of providing a subtle enhancement to define the jawline or balance the profile, an overfilled chin may appear pointy, protruded, or even unnatural in size compared to the rest of the face. This can also lead to tension in the surrounding skin, causing discomfort or a “stretched” appearance.
In some cases, too much filler in the chin may alter the alignment of the lower face, making the jawline look uneven or misaligned.
Visible Lumps and Bumps
While small bumps are common immediately after filler injections and typically subside within a few days, persistent or noticeable lumps and bumps could indicate overfilling or poor injection technique. These irregularities can disrupt the smooth texture of the skin and be especially noticeable under direct light.
Asymmetry
A clear sign of overfilling is when one side of your face looks noticeably different from the other. This could manifest as one cheek appearing fuller or one side of the lips being more pronounced. Properly applied filler should enhance facial symmetry, not disrupt it.
Facial Drooping
Rather than lifting and rejuvenating the face, too much filler can weigh it down, making the face appear more aged and heavy. This issue is most common when excessive filler is used in the cheeks or jawline, leading to a sagging or bloated look.
Difficulty Making Facial Expressions
Overfilling can restrict natural facial movements, particularly around the mouth and eyes. This can make expressions look stiff, forced, or unnatural, similar to the effects of excessive Botox.
Skin Discoloration
In rare cases, overfilling may result in skin discoloration, often appearing as a bluish tint near the surface. This happens when filler is placed too close to the skin or improperly injected, affecting blood flow and altering the skin’s appearance.
By recognizing these signs early, you can take steps to address any concerns and work with your injector to achieve a more balanced, natural look.
Risks of Too Much Filler
When applied by a skilled injector, dermal fillers are a safe and effective way to add volume and enhance your natural beauty. However, like any cosmetic procedure, moderation is key.
Going overboard or using too much product can not only result in unsatisfied results but also increase the likelihood of other complications. While these risks are uncommon, they can occur if you use an inexperienced injector.
In addition to the aesthetic concerns mentioned above, here are a few possible risks that can occur from too much filler:
Blood Flow Issues
If too much filler is placed near a blood vessel, it can put pressure on the vessel and affect the circulation in that area. This may cause excess swelling, redness, or discomfort. In rare cases, it could lead to more serious tissue concerns.
Nerve Sensitivity
While usually only temporary, excessive filler in certain areas may put pressure on nerves, potentially causing numbness or tingling.
Granulomas
Over time, the body may treat excessive filler as a foreign substance, resulting in small, firm nodules called granulomas.
Infection
Any time a substance is injected into the skin, there’s a small risk of infection. If too much filler is used or it’s improperly injected, this risk can increase. Infection is usually treatable with antibiotics, but it’s still something to be aware of and yet another reason to avoid getting too much filler.
Tips for Preventing Too Much Filler and Achieving Natural-Looking Results
Dermal fillers are one of the best ways to add volume to your face, plump your lips, and refresh your face.
There are many dermal filler do’s and don’ts to consider. Here are a few specific tips for avoiding overfilling:
Choose an Experienced Injector
If you want natural-looking results from dermal filler, the most important thing to consider is the medical clinic and injector you choose.
Go to a clean, well-reputable facility with licensed injectors who have extensive experience in facial anatomy and understand how to enhance your features without going overboard.
Start with Less, Build Over Time
When it comes to dermal fillers, it’s always best to start with less. Then, if needed, your injector can gradually build up with more filler to achieve the results you want. By starting with a smaller amount, your injector can assess how your face reacts and make any adjustments in follow-up appointments.
The “less is more” approach helps ensure you achieve a more natural look without risking the “overdone” effect. Remember, it is much easier to add more filler than to remove it.
Balance is Key
Let’s say you want the perfect pout. You might think you only need filler in your lips. While this might be true, in some cases, enhancing just one feature, like only the lips or cheeks, without considering the overall facial structure can lead to an unnatural or unbalanced look.
A skilled injector can look at your face and suggest other areas that might need filler or another treatment, such as a neurotoxin, so that you walk away with results that complement your unique facial features.
Don’t Aim for Perfection
While fillers can address many aesthetic concerns, trying to correct every single tiny imperfection can backfire and lead to an overfilled appearance. Slight asymmetry and natural lines are what make you unique and make your face look natural.
Find an experienced injector who knows how to use filler to make subtle enhancements that make you look more refreshed while still keeping you looking… like you!
Communicate Your Goals Clearly
Never be afraid to speak up! Always discuss your aesthetic goals with your injector before treatment. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a more noticeable transformation, clear communication helps ensure you get the results you want.
That said, your injector might not always agree with your vision. A skilled injector will assess whether the look of your favorite celebrity’s pout or jawline is suitable for your unique features and will instead tailor your treatment to compliment your features, ensuring you maintain a natural appearance.
What to Do if You Suspect Too Much Filler
If you think you’ve received too much filler, try not to freak out. There are things you can do to correct the issue. Many issues can be corrected or improved with the right approach.
Give it Time
You might not be overfilled; you might be swollen. Some swelling is expected right after getting filler, and it can sometimes take a week or two for the final results to settle.
If you notice puffiness or unevenness immediately after your appointment, wait a few days before assuming you have been overfilled.
Schedule a Follow-Up with Your Injector
If the swelling has gone away and you are still unhappy with your results, or something seems off, the first thing to do is contact your injector. Most injectors offer a follow-up appointment to assess how the filler has settled and make any necessary adjustments.
Consider a Different Injector for a Second Opinion
If you’re still not satisfied after working with your current injector, you should seek a second opinion. Another more experienced injector can offer a fresh perspective or different techniques to improve your results.
Dissolve the Filler
For fillers made with hyaluronic acid (HA), one of the most common filler materials, there’s a simple solution if you feel overfilled: dissolving with hyaluronidase. Filler reversal isn’t right for everyone. Your injector can determine if this is the best next step for you.
Take Note for Future Treatments
Luckily, dermal filler isn’t forever. If you’ve experienced overfilling, use it as a learning opportunity. Note what you didn’t like so you can communicate it better for future treatments.
Conclusion
Before and after photos of celebrities with too much filler, along with social media posts detailing dermal filler horror stories and the rise of filler reversals, are leading many to question whether or not they should get dermal fillers.
Unfortunately, the combination of inexperienced injectors and patients seeking more filler than necessary has contributed to this negative perception. We hate this because dermal fillers are a safe, easy, affordable, and highly effective way to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and reshape areas of the face, such as the chin, jawline, or nose.
But there’s no need to worry. By following these tips (the most important being very careful who you choose to inject your filler), you can achieve natural, refreshed results that enhance your features while still looking like yourself—not overfilled!
Contact one of our Revive clinics near you to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced injectors. They can help you achieve subtle, refined changes that give you a youthful, radiant appearance—without anyone knowing you’ve had “work” done.
