In our three-part series,The Filler Files,Allureexplores our relationship with facial filler.
What does this mean for our lips, our cheeks, and our approach to injectables?
In 2023, “filler fatigue” has entered the lexicon of the average aesthetics patient and cultural observer.
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It presents as “that classic pillow-face appearance very puffy with strange anatomic proportions.”
And by “treating,” we mean dissolving all thatfillerthat’s been pumped into their faces.
Which may explain why filler reversals are trending right alongside hyaluronic acid injections.
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On the surface, it seems a little counterintuitive: Are people dissolving more filler than ever?
Are doctors still injecting a whole lot of filler?
But there’s data supporting the dichotomy.
What goes up, must come down it seems.
What is filler fatigue?
While every doctor interprets the phrase slightly differently, “too much” is a universal trait.
That said, the hallmarks offiller fatigueextend beyond obvious inflation.
The skin can look doughy yet stretched.
The face typically lacks distinct regions and transitions, as temples blur into cheeks and tear troughs.
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Why do so many people want to dissolve their filler?
Overdone filler is, undeniably, a product of our time.
How does this happen?
Who or what is to blame?
Filler should be used to restore lost volume, not do heavy lifting.
Also fueling the overfilled phenomenon is what some doctors refer to as “the syringe mentality.”
In many clinics, charging by the syringe is standard practice.
“They’d rather put it in their face somewhere than discard it.”
While filler longevity varies by product and patient, recentMRI studieshave shown it lingering much longer than advertised.
It’s calledperception drift and even injectors aren’t immune.
“It’s almost like there’s this stencil that everyone is trying to fit into.”
Others are flat-out forsaking hyaluronic acid and/or attempting to dissolve the gels they once paid a pretty penny for.
But we’re not suggesting anyone ghost their injector.
Then, adopt a less-is-more mindset.
As patients' beauty preferences and attitudes evolve, questions are being raised.
What happens to your face when you’ve gotten filler for years and then stop?
Can dissolving filler withhyaluronidase a controversial subject on its own do even more damage?
We’ll be exploring these issues and more in upcoming installments ofThe Filler Files.
Read more on injectables:
Watch as a dermatologist explains how fillers work:
