A reconstructive surgeon from Beverly Hills is cautioning individuals against believing beauty myths that imply dermal fillers are merely a temporary adjustment. Nowadays, the use of fillers has become an exceedingly prevalent practice.
“You cannot inject your face back to youth,” he states, noting that even subtle enhancements can result in irreversible harm, culminating in the undesirable pillow face.
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Dermal fillers have emerged as a favorite in the beauty industry and among celebrities, offering a youthful radiance without the necessity for invasive surgical procedures. Regarded as a safe and reversible option, these injectable treatments effectively smooth out wrinkles, enhance lip volume, and contour the face in ways that makeup alone cannot replicate.
Nevertheless, Dr. Kami Parsa, an oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon, is raising concerns: dermal fillers are not always the swift, temporary solution that many assume them to be.
In July 2024, the Beverly Hills surgeon released a shocking TikTok video that captured the attention of 12.4 million viewers online. The clip displays MRI scans revealing dermal fillers situated beneath the skin of a patient who had received more than 12 syringes of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler over a span of six years.
HA is a widely used dermal filler in cosmetic procedures, designed to smooth out wrinkles, restore lost volume, and enhance facial contours for a more youthful look.
However, the reality beneath the surface is quite alarming.
Filler clumps and grows
In the video, Parsa emphasizes the green regions on the scan, which indicate the clusters of filler material that remain years after the injection. Upon conducting measurements, the doctor found that the total amount of filler reached nearly 28 cubic centimeters – more than twice the initial quantity injected. He clarifies that this increase is attributed to the hydrophilic properties of hyaluronic acid fillers, which means they draw in and hold water, as well as their propensity to cause tissue expansion over time.
“We believe that, at times, hyaluronic acid fillers have been excessively utilized over the years. We thought it was crucial to share our observations,” Parsa stated to Newsweek regarding the long-term sustainability and safety of frequent filler use. “We aspire for individuals to understand that moderation is key when it comes to HA fillers.”
Parsa’s observations underscore a significant truth: although HA fillers are marketed as a temporary cosmetic remedy that naturally dissolves within six months to two years, trace amounts can persist beneath the skin – potentially for up to 10 years, he notes – particularly when treatments are administered repeatedly.
This extended duration, coupled with their capacity to retain water and enhance volume, can lead to unforeseen and occasionally undesirable effects, such as overfilled syndrome or pillow face.
Pillow face
Overfilled syndrome describes the unnatural, overly plumped look that arises when an excessive amount of filler is injected into the face. While fillers are intended to provide volume and smooth out wrinkles, too much or repeated treatments can stretch the skin and modify facial proportions. This results in the swollen, exaggerated appearance commonly known as pillow face, which contradicts the beauty ideals they are designed to uphold.
“Every day we encounter beautiful patients from across the globe who are significantly overfilled. I feel like a broken record, but: you cannot inject your face to restore youth,” the doctor expresses on social media. Accompanying the post is a photograph of a woman who required multiple procedures to address the chronic swelling in her face.
How it develops
Dr. Parsa emphasizes that overfilled syndrome is not an overnight issue. Instead, it often results from:
- Layering fillers: Repeated injections without allowing previous fillers to dissolve can lead to filler accumulation.
- Overcorrection: Adding too much volume in one session or focusing too heavily on certain areas of the face.
- Skin stretching: The filler’s weight can gradually stretch the skin, making the face look unnaturally round or puffy.
‘Injecting poison’
The startling TikTok clip generated a flurry of comments from online users who were shocked by the graphic revelation.
@kamiparsamd#kamiparsa#fillers#hylenex#dissolvingfiller#dermalfillers#lips#teartroughfiller♬ Blade Runner 2049 – Synthwave Goose
“When it was initially released, all injectors claimed it would only endure for six months,” states one worried netizen. In response, Parsa comments: “That is what the filler [companies] were informing us.”
A second online enthusiast expresses, “I received lip filler once and I am convinced that they are positioned above and below my lips and will never disappear.” Meanwhile, a third individual remarks, “At last, this issue is being discussed. The mass production and excessive usage without WARNING.”
Another individual mentions that she will maintain her face as it is: “I will never opt for filler or Botox or anything similar. It simply appears so frightening and strange to inject poison into your face,” the user states.
Were you aware that fillers do not always dissolve and can form clumps beneath the skin?
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