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Correcting Fillers Requires Surgical-Level Judgment

Filler correction is one of the most technically demanding procedures in aesthetic medicine, requiring far more than familiarity with injectable products. At Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery, correction is approached with the same level of precision, planning, and accountability as facial surgery.

Dr. Sidney Starkman is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in complex revision cases, including secondary and tertiary facial surgery. This background is critical when addressing filler-related complications such as migration, overcorrection, asymmetry, vascular compromise, or distortion of underlying anatomy.

What Is Filler Correction?

Improper filler placement—particularly when injected too superficially, too deeply, or in excessive volume—can lead to migration, compression of vascular structures, lymphatic congestion, or distortion of natural facial anatomy. These issues may worsen over time rather than resolve spontaneously, making early expert evaluation critical. Filler correction addresses complications or undesirable outcomes from previous dermal filler treatments. The appropriate approach depends on the type of filler used, depth of placement, time since injection, and the specific anatomical issue involved.

Correction may involve one or more of the following strategies:

Hyaluronidase Injections (for Hyaluronic Acid Fillers)

  • Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that selectively breaks down hyaluronic acid–based fillers
  • When used appropriately, it allows for the controlled dissolution of misplaced, migrated, or overfilled product
  • This approach is commonly used to correct asymmetry, excessive volume, nodules, or contour irregularities
  • Because hyaluronidase can also affect native hyaluronic acid in the skin, dosing and placement must be conservative and anatomically precise

Strategic Redistribution or Blending

  • In cases where filler is uneven but still viable, correction may involve careful redistribution or blending to restore smoother transitions and natural contours
  • This technique requires a thorough understanding of facial soft tissue planes and filler rheology, as improper manipulation can worsen irregularities or contribute to migration
  • Redistribution is typically performed gradually and may require staged treatments to achieve optimal balance

Surgical Intervention in Rare, Severe Cases

  • When filler complications involve long-standing fibrosis, granuloma formation, or non-hyaluronic acid fillers that cannot be dissolved, surgical intervention may be necessary
  • This is uncommon, but may be required to remove encapsulated material or correct significant structural distortion

Benefits of Filler Correction

  • Reversal of overfilled or distorted features
  • Improved facial symmetry and proportion
  • Relief from discomfort or pressure
  • Safer long-term aesthetic outcomes
  • Restoration of natural contours

Are You a Good Candidate for Filler Correction?

You may benefit if you experience:

  • Puffy or unnatural facial contours
  • Asymmetry after filler
  • Filler migration or nodules
  • Dissatisfaction with previous results

Why Choose Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Starkman’s background in facial reconstructive surgery and revision rhinoplasty uniquely qualifies him to manage complex filler complications. Because our practice is dedicated exclusively to the face and neck, filler correction is guided by an advanced understanding of facial vascular anatomy, soft tissue planes, and long-term facial balance.

Whether correction involves precise use of hyaluronidase, staged reversal, or structural restoration, the goal is always the same: to safely restore natural contours and facial harmony while preserving the integrity of the tissues for the future. This surgical-level approach allows us to manage complex cases conservatively and thoughtfully, with an emphasis on long-term facial health—not short-term cosmetic fixes.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation

  • Your initial visit includes facial analysis, filler history review, and imaging when needed
  • We’ll also review your medical history to create the best treatment plan possible
  • Costs vary depending on complexity and materials used

Procedure

  • Detailed facial mapping
  • Conservative hyaluronidase dosing (if applicable)
  • Gradual correction approach to avoid overcorrection

Recovery and Results

  • Mild swelling or redness for 24–72 hours
  • Dissolution results are visible within days
  • Final contour refinement over 1–2 weeks

Alternative or Related Treatments

Restoring Confidence Through Expert Correction

When filler results don’t align with how you look or feel, the solution requires meticulous discernment; as such, filler correction at Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery is guided by patience, precision, and a long-term view of facial health. Contact us today to book your consultation and learn more about your filler reversal options.

FAQs

How soon should filler correction be performed after a poor result?

In many cases, earlier evaluation is beneficial, especially if there is pain, blanching, firmness, or rapid swelling. However, some corrections are best performed after initial swelling subsides. Timing is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Can filler correction make my face look worse before it looks better?

Temporary changes can occur, particularly during filler dissolution. Swelling, softness, or asymmetry may be present briefly, but these effects are expected and typically resolve as tissues rebalance and heal.

Will dissolving filler also dissolve my natural tissue?

Hyaluronidase can affect both injected filler and naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in the skin. When used conservatively and precisely, the body replenishes its native hyaluronic acid over time, preserving long-term skin quality.

How many correction sessions are usually required?

Some cases improve significantly after one session, while others require staged correction over multiple visits. Gradual correction is often safer and produces more natural, stable outcomes.

Can all fillers be corrected or dissolved?

Not all fillers can be dissolved. Hyaluronic acid fillers respond to hyaluronidase, whereas biostimulatory or permanent fillers may require alternative strategies, such as observation, camouflage, or surgical management.

Will I be able to get filler again after correction?

Yes. In many cases, filler can be safely reintroduced once tissues have stabilized—often with a different product, technique, or placement strategy designed to avoid recurrence of the original issue.

Does filler correction hurt?

Discomfort is typically mild and well-tolerated. Topical anesthetics or local numbing agents are used when appropriate to ensure patient comfort during correction.

Are there risks or side effects with filler correction?

Possible side effects include temporary swelling, redness, bruising, tenderness, or unevenness during healing. Rare risks include allergic reaction to hyaluronidase or unintended overcorrection, which is why correction should be performed conservatively by an experienced facial specialist.

What if I don’t know what filler was previously used?

This is common. When filler type is unknown, correction is approached cautiously, often starting conservatively and using clinical response to guide next steps. Prior records are helpful but not always required.

Does insurance cover filler correction?

Filler correction is typically considered an elective aesthetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Costs vary based on complexity, materials required, and whether multiple sessions are needed.

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