Home / Health / My Face Holds 7 Teaspoons of Filler: An MRI Investigation
My Face Holds 7 Teaspoons of Filler: An MRI Investigation
2 Feb
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.
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.
Experts emphasize that filler longevity varies by product and patient, and the reported persistence does not indicate danger, but rather an underestimation of how long these materials can remain. While complications can occur, they are often linked to inexperienced practitioners. The consensus among many professionals is that if filler is not causing aesthetic or functional problems, it may not require dissolving, except in cases preceding surgery.
