Why Are People Dissolving Their Dermal Fillers?

In the past decade, dermal fillers have surged in popularity as a non-surgical way to enhance facial features, restore lost volume, and achieve a youthful appearance. From plumper lips to sculpted cheekbones, fillers became a go-to cosmetic treatment for many. However, a new trend has emerged: people are now choosing to dissolve their fillers. But why? What’s driving this reversal in aesthetic preferences? Let’s explore the reasons behind this shift.

1. The Rise of the ‘Natural Look’

One of the biggest factors behind the decision to dissolve fillers is the growing appreciation for a more natural appearance. Over the years, the overly augmented “Instagram face” – characterized by exaggerated lips, sharp jawlines, and high cheekbones – has fallen out of favor. Celebrities and influencers, once at the forefront of the filler boom, are now leading the movement towards embracing their natural features, inspiring their followers to do the same.

2. Overfilled and Unnatural Results

When fillers are administered in excess or improperly placed, they can lead to an overfilled, distorted, or “puffy” appearance. Some individuals realize, often after years of treatment, that their faces have changed in ways they no longer find flattering. The so-called “pillow face” effect, in which excessive filler creates a swollen and unnatural look, has led many to seek reversal through hyaluronidase, an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid-based fillers.

3. Migration and Unevenness

Another common reason for dissolving fillers is migration, where the filler moves from the original injection site to unintended areas, creating asymmetry or lumps. This is particularly common with lip fillers, where product migration can cause the upper lip to appear swollen or distorted. For those experiencing these issues, dissolving the filler is often the best solution to restore balance and symmetry.

4. Changes in Beauty Standards

Beauty standards are constantly evolving, and what was once seen as the epitome of attractiveness may no longer be desirable. The recent push for more subtle, natural beauty has encouraged people to rethink their cosmetic enhancements. Instead of extreme transformations, people are opting for treatments that enhance their natural features in a way that is soft and undetectable.

5. Medical Complications and Risks

While dermal fillers are generally safe, they do come with risks. Some people experience complications such as nodules, granulomas, or prolonged swelling. In rare cases, filler injections can lead to vascular occlusion, which occurs when filler blocks a blood vessel, potentially causing serious complications. For those who experience adverse effects or simply want to reduce potential risks, dissolving their filler is a logical choice.

6. Shifting Personal Preferences

As people grow and evolve, so do their aesthetic preferences. What seemed appealing in one’s 20s may no longer feel right in their 30s or 40s. Some individuals who once loved the enhanced look of fillers now prefer a more refined and understated appearance. Others want to take a break from injectables altogether to see how they feel without them.

7. Social Media and Increased Awareness

Social media has played a major role in shaping beauty trends, and the recent wave of people dissolving their fillers has been widely documented on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Seeing influencers and celebrities share their journeys of dissolving fillers has made more people aware of the option and encouraged them to reassess their own aesthetic choices.

What’s Next?

Filler treatments still remain a popular option but people are beginning to seek the “less is more” approaches that prioritize balance and harmony over extreme augmentation. While this concept may be new for many, at Total Illusion, our doctor has always promoted symmetry and proportion as the cornerstone of our practice for overall enhancement of one’s natural beauty. The new trend is to opt for more subtle enhancements, such as skin-boosting treatments (like PRX), microneedling, or smaller amounts of filler strategically placed for a natural effect. A new popular treatment that is taking the industry by storm is, EMFACE - strengthening our facial muscles without surgery to reduce skin laxity and sagging and restore a more natural, rejuvenated appearance.