How long can hyaluronic acid fillers last according to MRI studies?

Recent MRI studies suggest that hyaluronic acid fillers can persist in the body for 5, 10, or even 15 years after injection, with some evidence of significant volume remaining in the face years after the last treatment.

Why do dermal fillers appear larger on MRI scans than the injected amount?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are hydrophilic, meaning they attract and bind water. This absorption of water can cause them to swell, making their visible volume on MRI scans appear to be around two to three times the actual amount injected.

Can dermal fillers migrate significantly within the face?

While fillers can shift slightly from their original injection site, extensive migration is uncommon. Most fillers remain where they were placed, and significant movement is measured in millimeters, not centimeters.

Home / Health / My Face Holds 7 Teaspoons of Filler: An MRI Investigation

My Face Holds 7 Teaspoons of Filler: An MRI Investigation

2 Feb

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Summary

MRI scans revealed 35ml of hyaluronic acid filler still present after nearly four years.
Filler volume on MRI can appear double the injected amount due to water absorption.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can persist for 5, 10, or even 15 years, studies suggest.

My Face Holds 7 Teaspoons of Filler: An MRI Investigation

A series of MRI scans revealed a significant and persistent presence of hyaluronic acid facial fillers, challenging conventional understanding of their longevity. Initial scans in late 2021 showed an estimated 35ml of filler remaining in the subject's face, nearly four years after the last injections. This volume appeared much larger than expected, a phenomenon explained by the hydrophilic nature of hyaluronic acid, which attracts and binds water, potentially doubling its visible size on MRI.

Further scans conducted later revealed an even greater volume, with new injections potentially appearing as much as double their injected amount. This persistence is supported by broader research, including a 2024 review of 33 MRI studies, which found evidence of hyaluronic acid filler in every patient, some up to 15 years post-injection. While fillers can subtly shift locally, extensive migration is uncommon, and fillers in the face generally remain in their injection sites.