(Disclaimer: All opinions expressed here are entirely my own, based on over 21 years of experience in the skincare and beauty industry. I don’t have anything against fillers, but I do believe we aren’t always fully informed about the risks. Please take this as advice to proceed with caution and make informed decisions.)
Yet again I have gone down another rabbit hole of researching something. In the last few months it has been about fillers. Facial fillers have become a common, go-to treatment for anyone looking to plump, smooth, and restore volume to their face. When done well by a qualified professional, fillers can look natural and beautifully enhance your appearance, making you look like you’ve had ten hours of sleep. Unfortunately, in many cases, the results aren’t always what you might expect, especially when you consider some of the less talked about risks associated with them.
As someone who's been in the beauty industry for over 21 years, I’ve done a lot of research recently into fillers, and I believe it’s essential to share some key information before you dive in. This is your face, after all—and if you’re going to make changes, you should be fully aware of all the risks and make sure your practitioner is highly trained.
Here are some important things to consider:
1. Fillers Can Stay in Your Body for 14 Years (or More!)
Yes, you read that correctly! While many people think fillers just dissolve naturally after a few months, the reality is that they can stay in your body for up to 14 years, or even longer in some cases. This is why having your filler "topped up" every 3 to 6 months is unnecessary and can lead to undesirable effects, such as water retention, tissue expansion, and even a wider, puffier face.
2. It’s a Tissue Expander—Go Slowly
Filler is a tissue expander and is hydrophilic (it loves water), meaning it can cause swelling if not injected carefully and in small amounts. If you add too much too quickly, you might find your face becoming unnaturally wide or puffy, similar to some of the more extreme celebrity transformations we’ve all seen. Simon Cowell, Kylie Jenner, and Madonna are just a few examples of how overuse of filler can lead to dramatic—and sometimes unwanted—results.
If you decide to go for filler, it should be a slow, gradual process. You should work with your practitioner over a period of 12 months, adjusting very slowly to see how your face responds. Once you’re happy with the results—stop! There’s no need to keep adding more.
3. Filler Can Migrate and Cause Complications
One of the most alarming discoveries is that filler doesn’t always dissolve the way we think. Instead, it can migrate to other areas of your face. I’ve heard horror stories of people mistaking migrated filler for a tooth abscess, only to discover that the filler had moved to their gums! Others have seen lumpy, uneven skin, sometimes resembling cellulite on their face, as old filler doesn’t dissolve evenly.
This can become a bigger issue if filler interferes with your lymphatic system, causing puffiness and making it difficult for your lymph to drain properly. This leads to a bloated appearance, and in some cases, the excess filler may need to be dissolved.
4. Dissolving Filler Isn’t Risk-Free
If you decide you don’t like your filler and want to get it dissolved, it’s important to know that dissolving the filler doesn’t just remove the product. The enzyme used to dissolve filler also breaks down your body’s own natural hyaluronic acid, leaving you with hollow areas in the treated regions. For example, if you dissolve filler under your eyes, it could leave you with two hollow eye sockets, which would still need to be refilled to restore a more natural appearance.
Fillers around the eyes can be especially risky. This delicate area requires the utmost care, and any mistakes could potentially lead to blindness. Please be cautious and always go to a qualified and medically trained practitioner.
5. Overfilling the Lips Can Cause Long-Term Damage
The skin on our lips is incredibly thin, which makes them particularly prone to complications if overfilled. If too much filler is added and it migrates, and then later needs to be dissolved, you could be left with deflated, sagging lips and even stretch marks on the skin. This can lead to further complications down the line, such as needing even more filler to correct the sagging, and in some cases, a facelift might be necessary to remove excess skin.
6. Filler Risks: Necrosis, Stroke, and Blindness
We tend to forget about the more severe risks of fillers because they seem so commonplace nowadays, but accidents can happen, and some are very serious. Injecting filler into a blood vessel by mistake can cause tissue death (necrosis), stroke, or even blindness. This is why it's vital to choose a practitioner who is highly skilled and knows how to avoid these serious complications.
Skin Necrosis: What to Watch For
One of the most serious complications of filler (other than blindness or a stroke) is skin necrosis, which occurs when the filler accidentally blocks a blood vessel, cutting off oxygen to the surrounding tissue. Signs of skin necrosis can appear within hours to days after treatment and include severe pain, prolonged blanching (pale or white areas of skin), dusky or discolored patches, and skin that feels unusually cool to the touch. If left untreated, this can lead to tissue death, so it's important to seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms. Early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term damage, and a qualified practitioner should be able to reverse the blockage with hyaluronidase (the enzyme that dissolves filler) if caught early enough. If you have any concerns after filler treatment, don't hesitate to contact your practitioner immediately.
7. Be Aware of the Lack of Regulations in the Industry
This is probably one of my biggest concerns: the lack of regulation in the filler industry. Currently, there are very few regulations in place for who can perform filler injections. In fact, almost anyone can take a weekend course and start injecting clients. This is frightening, especially given the risks involved. Let’s not forget about the tragic death of Alice Webb, a young woman who died from complications due to botched filler. This highlights how dangerous fillers can be when performed by unqualified individuals.
8. Find the Right Practitioner
The biggest takeaway here is that if you decide to go for fillers, do your research. Ensure that your practitioner is medically trained, has the appropriate credentials, and works in a sterile, clinical environment. If you’re getting injected in the back of a hair salon, maybe rethink your decision!)
Look for referrals, read reviews, ask for before-and-after pictures (and be aware that I've known some places actually 'face-tuning' the before and after pictures which is frightening), and make sure the practitioner is operating in a proper medical clinic. Fillers, when done correctly, should be almost undetectable. They are there to replace lost volume, not add excessive bulk or change the natural contours of your face. When done right, they can look incredible, but when done wrong, the results can be devastating.
9. Fillers Should Replace Lost Volume, Not Add Excess Bulk
As we age, we lose volume in our face, which is why filler can be a great option to subtly restore what’s been lost. However, remember that less is more. The goal of filler should be to restore volume—not to drastically change your face. If you find yourself going back for more and more, that’s a red flag. The aim is to look refreshed, not puffy or distorted.
10) My Favorite Products to Help Restore Skin Health and Volume
While fillers can give a quick fix for lost volume, it's essential to remember that your skin’s overall health plays a massive role in maintaining a youthful, plump appearance. There are several fantastic products I recommend that can improve your skin’s texture, boost collagen production, and enhance hydration, helping to maintain or restore a fuller, healthier look naturally.
(The above image is my own Mum taken 30 days before and after Skinade - it is not a stock photo!
The results speak for themselves)
First and foremost, Skinade is a standout collagen booster that works from the inside out. It’s a drinkable collagen supplement that helps to increase your body’s natural collagen production, which can lead to plumper skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With consistent use, you’ll notice improved elasticity, better hydration, and a healthier overall glow.
Another product I love is CALECIM® Professional Multi-Action Cream. This cream is formulated with potent active ingredients that target sagging skin and loss of fullness. It sends "youth messages" to the skin, encouraging hydration and firming by boosting the proteins that help rebuild the skin's structure. I especially recommend it for those looking to restore lost volume or enhance the results of in-clinic procedures. It’s perfect for anyone experiencing laxity or deep facial lines such as nasolabial folds, as it visibly lifts and firms the skin.
For those struggling with puffiness and tired-looking eyes, Forlle'd Platinum Eye Cream is a game changer. This eye cream contains low-molecular-weight ionized platinum, which helps combat stress and strain around the eyes. It also strengthens the capillaries and boosts blood and lymph microcirculation to prevent puffiness and under-eye bags, making the eye area look fresher and more awake.
Another incredible product for boosting skin hydration and fighting the signs of aging is the Hydrinity Renewing HA Serum. Powered by patented Supercharged Hyaluronic Acid, this serum penetrates deep into the dermal layer to stimulate collagen, elastin, and keratin production. It’s ultra-hydrating and has been clinically proven to improve skin elasticity and radiance in just two weeks. If you’re looking for a product that will make your skin look and feel more youthful, this is it.
Lastly, never underestimate the importance of sun protection. I always recommend the Nimue Sun-C SPF 40, which provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while also offering anti-aging benefits. It’s lightweight, non-oily, and contains an anti-oxidant complex to fight the signs of photoaging. Incorporating an SPF into your daily routine is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin in the long term.
At the end of the day, it’s your face, and you have every right to do whatever makes you feel confident and beautiful. My concern lies in the fact that fillers have become so common that we’ve forgotten about the risks. If you’re considering filler, please take the time to find a reputable, medically trained practitioner, understand the long-term consequences, and avoid the temptation to overdo it.
Remember...it’s your face—so treat it with the care and respect it deserves!
I hope you have found this useful,
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline
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