Filler or silicone? Signs, diagnosis and when to act
Many people who had aesthetic injections years ago do not know whether filler or silicone was used. Lumps, long-lasting swelling or changes in facial shape can be worrying. Here is how the two are told apart, and when to see a doctor.
Signs in everyday life
HA filler is usually soft, blends with surrounding tissue and dissolves over time, lasting from a few months to around two years depending on the product. Liquid silicone barely breaks down. Hard lumps, an uneven feel or material that seems to move after many years point towards silicone or another permanent filler.
- Swelling that lasts months or years
- Hard lumps under the skin
- Asymmetry or gradual distortion
- Pain, tightness or skin discolouration
These signs are only indicative; they cannot confirm which material was used.
How doctors diagnose it
Clinical examination combined with imaging gives the clearest answer. Soft-tissue ultrasound shows the position, depth and spread of the material and any inflammation. In complex or older cases, an MRI may be ordered.
When to act
Stable material that causes no problems may only need monitoring. See a specialist if you notice growing hard lumps, persistent pain or swelling, discolouration, discharge or infection, or if you want old material corrected or removed. Never try to dissolve filler yourself or at an unqualified facility.
