Filler fatigue is a term associated with the repeated use of filler injections over an extended period. With time, patients feel the filler is no longer giving them the results they had previously. Filler fatigue can be likened to filling a brand new balloon with as much air as possible, releasing the air, refilling the balloon once more, and releasing the air again. In the end, the balloon is not going to be as tight and taut as when it was brand new and never filled.
Many practitioners believe that filler fatigue is a myth. This is because filler treatments do not cause the skin to become lax because filler typically plumps the skin and the hyaluronic acid stimulates the body to produce new collagen, so often the skin quality is improved after a filler treatment. I believe an exception to this may be overfilled lips, particularly in young patients who repeatedly get their lips plumped up to an unnatural size. I strongly advise patients to avoid this as much as possible.
What is filler fatigue?
Filler fatigue is a term that refers to the repetitive usage of filler injections over time.Patients gradually realize that the filler is no longer producing the same results as it once did. Filler fatigue can be compared to inflating a fresh new balloon with as much air as possible, then releasing the air, refilling the balloon, then releasing it again. In the end, the balloon will not be as tight and taut as when it was brand new and had never been filled. Many practitioners think that filler fatigue is a myth. This is because filler treatments do not induce skin laxity because filler normally plumps the skin and hyaluronic acid stimulates the body to make new collagen, thus skin quality commonly improves after a filler treatment. Overfilled lips, particularly in young patients who have their lips plumped up to an unnatural size, may be an exception to this rule, and I highly advise patients to avoid this whenever possible.
How to Identify If You Have Filler Fatigue
An overfilled appearance is the most obvious sign that you’re about to experience filler fatigue. Always seek unvarnished feedback from friends and family, ensure you’re working with a trustworthy injector, and follow your injector’s recommendations.Here are some specific indications to watch for:
A look of severe facial tightness. According to Dr. Pinky, your features may appear stretched and “joker”-like.- A puffy or swollen appearance that doesn’t subside.
- An unnatural or overfilled look.
- Changes in facial symmetry.
- Skin that appears stretched or saggy
What Causes Filler Fatigue?
You’ve done your research and read the testimonies, but things don’t always go as planned, and Dr. Pinky believes there are two reasons for this. First, there’s misinformation: “This is, for example, when a patient has been told that cheek or jawline filler will ‘lift’ their cheeks or jawline, which is incorrect,” according to her. “Dermal filler does not have the ability to lift; it can contour an area to create the illusion of lifting, but patients are having multiple millilitres of dermal filler injected repetitively in the hope of ‘lifting’ when this is simply not the best treatment option for the patient.”
The second is over-treatment, which refers to patients who receive the same treatment on a regular basis and the treating injector does not do a comprehensive re-examination and re-consultation with the patient. We most commonly see this in the lips, where patients receive repeated treatments and begin to lose the ‘anatomical’ form of their lips.”
What was the result? An overfilled visage that is far from the balanced end effect you desired. Aside from technique and restraint, experts advise that hydrophilic filler, in particular, contributes significantly to filler fatigue. Popular types, such as Juvederm Ultra, pull in more water stored in the filler molecules, which can migrate up to two centimeters from the injection site, causing a lymphatic back-up and a doughier finish.
How to Avoid Filler Fatigue
- Use small amounts in each appointment. Avoid overloading areas with too much filler. Instead, opt for gradual, conservative treatments to maintain a natural appearance.
- Choose an Appropriate Product: Select fillers that are designed for specific areas and purposes. Different products are tailored to different concerns, so a personalised approach is key.
- Wait to Schedule Follow-Up Injections: Allow ample time between treatments for your skin to recover and assess the results of previous injections.
- Choose a Reputable Injector: The skill and experience of your injector play a crucial role in avoiding filler fatigue. At Pinkapple Aesthetics, Dr. Pinky Devi Ayyappan ensures each treatment is customised to your unique needs and preferences, minimizing the risk of filler fatigue and maximising natural-looking results.
Dermal fillers continue to be a cosmetic standard.
While the thought of filler fatigue may sound scary, keep in mind that millions of people have benefited from dermal fillers for many years without having any harmful side effects. The keys are moderation and dealing with a reputable, experienced injector who understands your aesthetic goals and values the uniqueness of your facial structure. The goal should be to improve your natural characteristics while maintaining a rejuvenated, youthful appearance, not to change your face into something it is not.
Filler fatigue is an important consideration for anyone using dermal fillers. By understanding what it is and how to prevent it, you can ensure that your treatments continue to enhance your beauty without compromising on results. At Pinkapple Aesthetics, Dr. Pinky Devi Ayyappan’s expertise and commitment to excellence provide peace of mind that your aesthetic goals are in capable hands. Embrace the beauty of balance and natural enhancement, and keep filler fatigue at bay with thoughtful care and professional guidance.
“Our goal is enhancing the already beautiful you—we don’t do “cookie cutter” filler.”
