Dermal fillers are an excellent choice to help revolumize and rejuvenate virtually any area of the face, no doubt. However, when receiving fillers, it’s crucial to remember that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
What is Filler Fatigue?
Facial overfilled syndrome, also called “filler fatigue” or, more colloquially, “filler pillow face,” is an effect that can occur when a patient has unproportional volume in their face due to too much hyaluronic acid (HA) filler.
This excessive volume can lead to an unnatural-looking result – often, a puffy-looking face that has obviously been filled.
Instead of helping you look more youthful and rejuvenated, an overload of filler can add so much volume to the face that it essentially has the opposite effect.
The good news is HA not only naturally dissolves in your body over time; it can be dissolved quickly using a special dissolving enzyme.
Am I Overfilled?
Have you been feeling like your face is looking overfilled or puffy, and you’ve had more syringes of HA filler injected in the last few years than you can count? If so, don’t stress – keep reading to find out our tips to overcome filler fatigue by dissolving and re-filling. It’s time to feel confident as the best version of you.
What causes filler fatigue?
Often, filler fatigue can occur when injectors rely only on hyaluronic acid (HA) filler to add volume and lift.
HA fillers (think Juvederm and Restylane) are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally hydrating collagen component in the skin. HA is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water, making it an excellent option for isolated volume and firmness.
However, sometimes, using HA for volume isn’t quite the right treatment plan. Instead, a patient may be better suited for biostimulatory fillers (like Sculptra or Radiesse), microneedling, or another professional treatment. Often, combining a few different treatment modalities works best to achieve rejuvenation goals.
Receiving filler too often can also lead to the overfilled look. We recommend scheduling an annual appointment with your injector to check in, but this doesn’t mean you’ll need more HA filler every time.
A good injector will assess your face each visit. They’ll review your before and after photos and the past products used to treat you. Depending on your goals and concerns, you may or may not be a candidate for more HA filler.
How do I fix filler fatigue?
The key to avoiding an overfilled look is to work with your injector to determine a holistic approach to your anti-aging treatment plan.
A good injector won’t just inject you with half a dozen syringes of HA filler and call it a day. Instead, a skilled provider will use HA filler plus other modalities to create the best results for your unique skin and goals.
A holistic approach to anti-aging means considering factors like skin texture, skin laxity, sun damage, and more. A more dynamic treatment approach that addresses volume loss plus skin health will provide you with better, more natural-looking results in the long run.
How much filler is too much?
There’s no hard rule for the exact right amount of filler for each patient. Often, injectors suggest that “a syringe per decade” from your 30s on is a good baseline. However, we can’t stress enough that the right amount of filler depends on your individual concerns and goals.
How does dissolving filler work?
Although HA fillers break down in your body over time, we can use a special enzyme called hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler instantly. Only HA fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase.
When you come in for a dissolving appointment, we’ll inject the dissolver into the areas you’ve been filled. There may be bruising or swelling in the area initially. We recommend patients avoid strenuous activity, extreme heat, and flying for at least 24 hours.
How long after dissolving filler can you get more?
You must wait two weeks after dissolving to have new filler injected. After we dissolve the old HA filler, you can make an appointment to come back, where we’ll reassess the status of your face and determine the best baseline treatment to start your new plan with.
Dissolving Filler Cost
The cost of dissolving filler varies depending on factors like where you live and how much product you have that needs to be dissolved.
If you’re in the Dallas or Atlanta area and are interested in dissolving your filler, request a Treatment Plan with the CULT Aesthetics team. We’re here to help when it comes to filler fatigue!
Skincare After Dissolving Filler
In the two weeks between your dissolving and reassessment appointments, it’s the perfect time to take the best care of your skin. Practicing good skincare is always a confidence booster; it’ll help you feel good about yourself and your skin during the transitory time.
24/7 Barrier Balance Cream
24/7 Barrier Balance Cream is a rich hydrator that promotes a balanced moisture barrier, revealing radiant, silky skin. This cream is unique because it contains Age-Repair Defensins®, natural healing molecules that signal your body to create new skin cells.
Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and sea whip add a boost of hydration to this luxurious cream while soothing redness. Keep Barrier Balance Cream a staple in your AM and PM lineup for ultimate skin health.
Pro Tip: Always pair with an SPF (see below!) in the daytime.
Eryfotona Ageless Mineral Sunscreen
Eryfotona Ageless is an ultralight tinted mineral sunscreen that repairs existing sun damage and reduces wrinkles. 10.7% zinc oxide provides ultimate sun protection while DNA Repairsome enzymes repair and prevent photodamage.
Melatonik Serum
ISDIN Melatonik is the perfect soothing nighttime serum to give your skin some extra TLC. Melatonik contains bakuchiol, a plant-derived alternative to retinol that’s been shown to have similar effects on the skin as retinol without the associated irritation and sensitivity.
Melatonik also contains melatonin and vitamin C, which act as antioxidants to boost your skin’s defense mechanisms against pesky free radicals. We love waking up to reduced hyperpigmentation and blurred wrinkles!
Final Thoughts on What to Do If You’ve Been Overfilled
If you’ve been feeling like you may have been overfilled, don’t panic. With the help of an experienced and trusted injector, you can begin the dissolving process and strategically plan a new course of aesthetic action. Adding in medical-grade skincare like Barrier Balance Cream, Eryfotona Ageless SPF, and Melatonik will help boost your confidence and give your skin the TLC it needs post-dissolving.
Are you ready to dissolve your filler, or wondering if you’re a candidate for filler dissolving? Request a Treatment Plan with the CULT Aesthetics team. We’ll help guide you toward the right products and treatments so you can reach your anti-aging goals.
Resources
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