Dissolving My Under-Eye Filler: A Personal Journey to Lymphatic Health
Nearly a decade ago, in my early 20’s, I had under-eye filler injected to address dark circles. While it initially seemed like a simple solution over time, I began to notice significant puffiness under my eyes and all around my eye lids. What I didn’t realize back then was how fillers can migrate, linger longer than expected, and potentially disrupt the delicate lymphatic flow around the eyes. Today, I’m sharing my experience dissolving my filler, what I’ve learned about its impact on the lymphatic system, and the holistic steps I take now to support the appearance of my under-eye area.
What Are Fillers, and Why Can They Cause Issues?
Dermal fillers, often made of hyaluronic acid (HA), are widely used for adding volume and smoothing wrinkles. HA is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies, but when injected, it has now been noted to migrate to unintended areas, or block lymphatic flow creating puffiness, tissue expansion, or asymmetry.
What are fillers made from?
While most modern fillers are HA-based, the composition can vary slightly depending on the brand and formulation:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers:
Examples: Juvederm, Restylane.
Made from synthetic HA using bacterial fermentation and crosslinked to different degrees for varying firmness and duration.
The Lymphatic Connection:
Synthetic fillers have the potential to migrate from the injection site over time, which can lead to unwanted effects like puffiness or lumps. Additionally, when fillers are placed near lymphatic pathways, they may disrupt lymphatic drainage, contributing to fluid retention and further exacerbating swelling or stagnation in the area.
Key Differences Between Natural Hyaluronic Acid and Filler HA
Natural Hyaluronic Acid (HA):
Produced naturally by the body.
Found in skin, connective tissues, and joints.
Hydrates, repairs, and maintains elasticity in tissues.
Breaks down and regenerates within 24–48 hours.
Exists as short, unmodified molecular chains.
Synthetic HA in Fillers:
Created via bacterial fermentation.
Crosslinked into a gel-like structure to increase stability and longevity.
Used to add volume, structure, and contour.
Designed to remain in tissues for 6 months to 2+ years.
May migrate from the injection site, potentially disrupting lymphatic flow.
Can be dissolved using the enzyme hyaluronidase.
My Experience with Filler Dissolving
The dark area on the ultrasound machine shows the filler.
When I decided to dissolve my filler, I knew I needed an experienced professional. The nurse injector used an ultrasound machine to visualize the filler placement, ensuring precision and no guessing games during the dissolving process. This approach gave me confidence that we were targeting only the filler the best we could and avoiding unnecessary tissue disruption.
Over three sessions, we used hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. The process wasn’t without its discomfort, and I did experience mind bruising after the first session, but it was worth it to restore a more natural, balanced look. The very next day after dissolving filler for the first time, I already didn’t wake up with puffy eyes. I feel much younger and refreshed without them.
What I’ve Learned About Holistic Eye Care
As a holistic, massage-focused esthetician, my experience with under-eye filler has been a valuable lesson in understanding both sides of the beauty spectrum—natural and injectable. The puffiness I experienced taught me firsthand how to depuff and care for the delicate eye area. Through working with countless faces (and my own), I’ve developed deep confidence in alternatives to Botox and filler, like facial massage and lymphatic support.
Learning about the myofascial and lymphatic systems has completely transformed my approach to skin health, and it makes me wish I had this knowledge back then. The body’s natural flow and balance are so important, and while injectables can offer temporary solutions, they sometimes don’t fully address the underlying causes of puffiness, dark circles, or sagging.
Another critical takeaway? Many of the celebrity and social media idols people compare themselves to have undergone procedures like mini facelifts and lower or upper blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). These surgical enhancements are often masked as the result of “just filler,” leaving us with unrealistic expectations of what non-surgical treatments can achieve. It’s empowering to know the truth and embrace options that prioritize long-term health and natural beauty.
During filler/after
What I Do Differently Now
Facial Massage
I incorporate facial massage techniques to encourage lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness. Tools like gua sha stones and gentle pumping or circular motions help decongest this sensitive area.Silicone Eye Patches
My go-to under-eye patches are the Pacifica reusable under eye masks. These help lock in hydration and smooth the skin by creating an occlusive barrier, reducing trans-epidermal water loss. They also have a slight compression effect to avoid puffiness, and keep fine lines smooth. I wear them sometimes overnight to avoid crinkling while I sleep.Skincare Routine
StemFactor Serum: Powered by exosomes, which act as messengers between cells, delivering signals that trigger the body’s natural repair and regeneration processes. In skincare, they promote collagen and elastin production, repair damaged cells, reduce inflammation, and support overall skin health. By delivering over 600 growth factors and peptides, Stemfactor helps rebuild the skin’s structural proteins, leading to firmer, more elastic skin over time. They also accelerate the skin’s healing ability, addressing concerns like scars, texture, and fine lines, for a healthier, more rejuvenated skin.
Vitamin C Regenerative Balm: I love using this rich balm around my eyes for its antioxidant formula that brightens and comforts the eye area with ingredients like cupuaçu butter . It also contains anti-aging powerhouses such as Vitamin C and q10.
Retinal Serum: I also apply my Correct Retinal Serum around my eye area which helps improve texture and firmness in the delicate eye area. Learn more about which retinal serum could be right for you here.
Red Light Therapy
I use red light therapy to stimulate collagen production and calm inflammation, an essential part of my routine for maintaining firm, smooth skin. Learn more about light therapy benefits in my other blog post here.
Reflections and New Insights
This journey taught me the importance of understanding the long-term effects of cosmetic procedures. While fillers can be a wonderful tool, they aren’t without considerable, particularly when it comes to migration and lymphatic health.
Today, I feel more empowered knowing that there are holistic, non-invasive ways to support my skin and under-eye area. My favorite products and tools allow me to prioritize both aesthetics and wellness in harmony.
Watch My Reel
For a deeper look into my journey, watch my Instagram reel here.
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