Gina Heslop
A medical surgeon shocked millions by sharing an MRI scan of a 33-year-old woman’s face, revealing that hyaluronic acid fillers can remain in the body much longer than expected.
The viral post sparked a debate about the safety and long-term effects of dermal fillers, a popular cosmetic treatment used to smooth wrinkles and enhance facial features.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and improve facial contours. Every year, over one million people choose this procedure to achieve a more youthful appearance.
The most commonly used fillers are hyaluronic acid-based and are advertised to last between six and eighteen months. However, new evidence suggests that fillers may persist for years and even expand over time.
Doctor Reveals Unexpected Filler Growth
Dr. Kami Parsa, an oculoplastic surgeon from Beverly Hills, California, posted an MRI scan of a patient’s face on TikTok, which quickly went viral. The scan showed bright green areas across the patient’s cheeks and lips, indicating where the filler remained in her face.
The patient had received 12 milliliters of hyaluronic acid filler over six years. However, when Dr. Parsa performed a volumetric analysis, he discovered a shocking 28 milliliters of filler—more than double the original amount injected.
Dr. Parsa explained that hyaluronic acid is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water and can stimulate tissue growth. This could explain why some people’s fillers seem to last far longer than expected.
Social Media Reacts to Filler Concerns
The MRI footage sparked a heated discussion online. Many users were concerned about the long-term effects of fillers, with one TikTok user writing,
“I just don’t see how this wouldn’t completely destroy the lymphatic system.”
Another user commented, “Finally, this is being talked about! What about Botox?”
Dr. Parsa reassured viewers that Botox is different from fillers and has been used safely for many years when administered correctly. However, the long-lasting presence of fillers has raised concerns about their true safety and effects.
Many people also shared their own experiences, confirming that their fillers never fully dissolved:
• “I had my lips done three times, 0.5ml each, and five years later, they still look the same.”
• “I got a chin filler a decade ago, and it’s still there.”
• “I had my lips done eight years ago, and it still hasn’t gone away.”
Overfilled Faces in Hollywood: A Growing Trend
As fillers have become more popular, concerns about overuse—especially among celebrities—have grown.
Recently, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes became the center of attention when side-by-side photos showed noticeable changes in their facial features. Some experts believe they may have had Botox or filler treatments.
Aesthetics physician Jonny Betteridge analyzed Gosling’s changing appearance in a viral Instagram post. He noted that Gosling’s once well-defined cheekbones and jawline now appear “overfilled”.
“This is classic of what I see when someone’s had too much filler,” Betteridge explained. He added that excess filler in the mid-face area becomes even more noticeable when smiling.
Many people in the comments admitted they were worried about their own filler use, with one person joking, “Me and my fillers panicking right now.”
The Risks of Too Much Filler
Experts warn that overusing fillers and Botox can lead to unnatural facial proportions and puffiness, sometimes called “pillow-face”.
Dr. Jessica Weiser, a dermatologist, told Allure Magazine that this puffy, swollen look is becoming more common due to some injectors using poor judgment.
While fillers and Botox remain popular cosmetic treatments, Dr. Parsa’s viral MRI scan has started an important conversation about their long-term effects.
Many people are now questioning whether they were fully informed about what happens to fillers after they are injected.
As more research is done, doctors and patients alike may need to reconsider how fillers are used—and whether they should come with stronger warnings about their long-term presence in the body.
