Massaging cheek filler is not recommended, as it can cause the product to move, migrate or be displaced, which can potentially cause uneven results, dents, lumps or bruises. Over-massaging can also quickly break down the product, resulting in unevenness, lumpiness, and an overall unnatural look.
With that said, a very light and brief massage over the filler may be okay, as long as it’s not done too vigorously and no more than 24-72 hours after the product’s been administered. If the patient is experiencing very swollen, tender or bruised cheeks post-injection, a gentle massage of the area with an ice pack wrapped in a towel may reduce these symptoms.
Can I massage my cheek filler away?
No, you cannot massage your cheek filler away. Dermal fillers are FDA-approved, non-surgical treatments that involve injecting a filler substance into targeted areas of the face. The filler is designed to counter the effects of age and gravity to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, restore volume, and create a more youthful contour and shape in the face.
Because these treatments are considered temporary and must be injected into the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin) by a special needle, they cannot be massaged out or naturally absorbed. Depending on the type of filler used, effects can last anywhere from six months to 10 years.
If you are unhappy with your filler results, it is important to speak to a licensed medical professional to discuss the best treatment and teach you how to prevent such issues in the future.
Will massaging filler help it dissolve?
No, massaging filler will not help it dissolve. Filler is a non-absorbable material and is designed to stay where it is placed in the body. It does not break down over time, like some types of dermal fillers do.
Massaging it may have a temporary effect in the shape of the filler, but it will not cause it to dissolve. The only way for the filler to be removed is for it to be dissolved with a dissolving agent, such as hyaluronidase, which must be applied by a qualified medical practitioner.
What makes cheek fillers dissolve faster?
The rate at which cheek fillers dissolve depends on the type and brand of filler used. Dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally present in the body, typically dissolve more quickly than other types of fillers.
The HAs hydrating lifecycle also contributes to a faster rate of dissolution. Other factors such as the thickness of the filler, the area of the face treated, the patient’s natural metabolism, and the injection technique all play a role in the rate at which the fillers dissolve.
Patients who take medications that increase stimulation of the body’s natural enzyme breakdown processes, such as enzymes that degrade HA, may notice the filler dissolving faster. Additionally, some non-HA fillers are designed to dissolve faster than others and require less maintenance.
Regardless of the type of filler used, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and contact your physician if any concerns arise.
How long does it take for cheek filler to soften?
It typically takes 1-2 weeks for cheek filler to soften. Immediately after treatment, the filler may feel slightly lumpy and the filler particles may not yet be fully incorporated within the tissue. During the 1-2 week period, the cheek filler will gradually dissolve allowing the tissues to gradually settle and soften.
If there is any swelling or bruising this should resolve completely in 1-2 weeks. By 2 weeks post-treatment, the product will have softened and integrated into the tissue, creating a smooth and natural-looking appearance.
It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare professional to allow for an optimal result. If there are any areas of concern, it is best to contact the healthcare professional who administered the treatment to ensure that the filler is settling properly.
How much hyaluronidase does it take to dissolve cheek fillers?
The exact amount of hyaluronidase that it takes to dissolve cheek fillers will depend on the type of filler used and the quantity of filler material injected. Generally, only a very small amount of hyaluronidase is necessary to dissolve most facial fillers, including those injected in the cheeks.
In most cases, only 0.1-0.15 ml per 1 ml of filler material is necessary. However, it is always important to consult with a qualified professional in order to determine the exact amount of hyaluronidase necessary based on the specific type of filler being used.
Additionally, hyaluronidase may not be the best method to dissolve specific types of fillers, and in those cases, alternative methods of dissolution may need to be employed.
Where does filler go when it dissolves?
When filler is injected into the skin, it is typically composed of substances that are biodegradable, non-toxic substances, such as HA (hyaluronic acid), calcium hydroxylapatite, or polylactic acid. When the filler dissolves, these particles break down into their component parts and are eliminated through regular metabolic processes.
For instance, HA is a natural substance in the body and is eventually broken down into water and carbon dioxide which is absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral compound composed of calcium and phosphate, both of which are naturally found in the body, and these components will also be reabsorbed into the blood and processed through normal metabolic pathways.
Polylactic acid is slightly different as it is not a naturally occurring molecule and so is further broken back down into lactic acid which is then metabolised into glucose and other molecules, which are then either used for energy or stored as fat.
So, the biodegradable substances in the filler dissolve and get broken down and eliminated from the body through normal metabolic pathways.
How do you dissolve cheek fillers naturally?
Unfortunately, there is no way to dissolve cheek fillers naturally. Lip and cheek fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, and this type of acid works by binding to water in the tissue. This binding creates volume, which is the desired result.
But because of this binding, the filler cannot dissolve on its own. If you are unsatisfied with your results and wish to dissolve your fillers, you must have them dissolved either by an injector or via an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
Hyaluronidase is a naturally occurring enzyme in the body that breaks down the hyaluronic acid filler, allowing it to be safely absorbed and metabolized and disappeared from the cheeks. The process is not painful and typically requires only one treatment and follow up appointment.
However, it is important to note that hyaluronidase must be administered by a qualified doctor or registered nurse. Otherwise, you may be risking your health and safety as improper administration can cause infection or other unwanted side effects.
Additionally, the cost of dissolving the fillers will depend on the amount that was initially injected. Therefore, if you are considering having cheek fillers dissolved, it is important to do your research, consult a qualified professional and ask questions to be sure that you make the best decision for you.
Will hyaluronidase dissolve all filler?
No, hyaluronidase will not dissolve all filler. Hyaluronidase is a type of enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, which is the main component in many types of cosmetics fillers. Different fillers, such as polylactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, and calcium hydroxylapatite, are made from completely different substances, and so even if a filler contains hyaluronic acid, it may not be dissolved by hyaluronidase.
In addition, some fillers require different treatments than others in order to be completely broken down. To be sure that a particular filler can be dissolved by hyaluronidase, it is important to consult with an experienced healthcare professional before undergoing treatment.
Does cheek filler soften up?
Yes, cheek fillers can soften up over time. Depending on the injected filler material and the type of treatment performed, results can usually last between 9-18 months, however, some cheek fillers can last up to 24 months.
Around this time, the effects of the filler will start to soften and the product will be broken down, absorbed by the body and eventually eliminated. The length of time a filler will remain in the skin depends on its chemical composition, however, some fillers are specially designed to be long-lasting, such as poly-L-lactic acid.
Over time, the face begins to naturally return to its pre-filler appearance. As this happens, the cheeks will lose their previously volumized shape and appear softer. In addition, when the product starts to break down, it will also give the face a softer and more natural appearance.
Is it normal for fillers to feel hard?
No, it is not normal for fillers to feel hard. Depending on the type of filler used, the injected material should typically feel smooth and “natural” to the touch, not hard. This can be a sign of too much filler being injected into one area, which can be due to a lack of experience with facial filler injections by the technician.
It can also be caused by not properly waiting long enough for the filler to settle and integrate into the tissue, which can lead to lumpiness and hard texture. In this situation, it is highly recommended to reach out to an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for an assessment and further treatment.
Why are my cheeks hard after filler?
It is normal to experience some hardness in the cheek area after filler is injected. This hardening, known as filler granulomas, is caused by the body’s reaction to foreign particles in your skin. As the body’s natural defense mechanism, granulomas can form to reject the filler material that is injected into the skin.
Typically, the granulomas result in a lumpy appearance and feel hard to the touch. Depending on the type of filler you used, the granuloma may or may not resolve on its own over time. For example, some fillers are made up of larger particles that may cause the body to reject it more strongly and reject it more slowly.
You may wish to consult with your doctor or dermatologist to determine the cause of your hardness and the best course of action. If the granuloma proves too large or stubborn to resolve on its own, there are ways to break it down such as steroid injections, ultrasound-assisted treatment, or enzyme therapy.
Depending on the severity, the effectiveness, and the safety of each method, the doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment for your individual case.
Why does my filler feel hard under my skin?
When injectable fillers are placed under the skin, it can initially feel hard due to the product dissolving and forming a firm gel as it settles into the area it is placed. This is especially common with a thicker type of filler due to the higher concentration of the product.
If your injectable filler feels hard after the initial procedure, it is possible that you may be feeling the gel under the skin. However, it is important to contact your practitioner for an assessment as hard lumps can sometimes be a sign of a bad injection or infection.
As the area heals, the product will soften and you should be able to feel a more natural result.
Is it normal to feel cheek fillers?
Yes, it is normal to feel cheek fillers after the procedure. After cheek fillers are injected, patients may feel some immediate side effects such as tenderness, swelling, bruising, or discomfort. All of these symptoms can be expected and will typically subside after a few days.
Additionally, the cheek filler site might feel firmer than the surrounding areas due to the product settling, but this is completely normal and will become less pronounced over time.
How long is filler hard for?
Filler hard can last up to two years depending on the quality of the product and how well it is maintained. Factors like the type of filler and the condition of the surrounding area can also affect how long it takes to become permanently hard.
Since there are so many different types of fillers, it is best to consult a professional to determine what kind of filler is best suited for your project and how long it will take for it to fully harden.
Proper preparation is also key when it comes to working with filler materials and will ensure that the material does not remain soft for too long. Additionally, maintenance such as keeping the area damp and clean can also help speed up the process of hardening.