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What is Pillow Face and how to prevent it?

cliënt in behandelstoel voor fillerbehandeling bij The Body Clinic
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The term 'Pillow Face' is heard more and more often, and for those unfamiliar with it, we'll explain it briefly.

This phenomenon refers to an unnaturally swollen face due to the excessive use of fillers. While fillers are used to achieve subtle rejuvenation, Pillow Face results in a puffy, tight, and often expressionless face.

The Origin of Pillow Face

Pillow Face occurs when too much filler is injected into the cheeks and the middle of the face, giving the face a round and puffy appearance, making the eyes seem smaller than before. Fillers are intended to restore volume and youthfulness, but with excessive use, the result can be counterproductive. This happens especially when practitioners without sufficient experience use too much product at once or refill too frequently without the previous filler having adequately broken down.

Celebrities make headlines for various reasons, including cosmetic mishaps. Much-discussed examples include Madonna and Kylie Jenner. Online, these women are criticized for their unnatural and puffy appearances. The intention was to counteract signs of aging and tighten the skin. However, the result in these cases was far from desirable.

How to Prevent Pillow Face

Fortunately, Pillow Face can be prevented by observing a few important principles. First and foremost, it is essential to choose an experienced practitioner who understands that subtlety is the key to success, or rather, less is more. A skilled cosmetic doctor will understand the natural anatomy of the face and use only a small amount of filler to achieve the desired results. Additionally, it's important to be patient, however difficult that may sometimes be. It's better to work in small steps and wait until previous fillers have adequately broken down before re-treatment. This prevents product accumulation and preserves the natural effect.

How to Get Rid of Pillow Face

Fortunately, for those suffering from Pillow Face, there is a way to remedy it. Fillers can be dissolved, which will result in a less swollen appearance. Dissolving fillers is done with hyaluronidase. This enzyme breaks down the filler into small particles that can be carried away by the body. At The Body Clinic, we are working to introduce ultrasound soon. This will allow our doctors to precisely see the amount of filler and its exact location. This way, they can targetedly dissolve fillers and apply new fillers with greater precision.

Cosmetic doctors bear the responsibility to inform their patients about potential unpleasant consequences. The Body Clinic specializes in achieving natural results, solely by employing the best doctors with a critical and honest approach. Trust the doctor so that you can truly enjoy a rejuvenated, fresh appearance.

If you want to dissolve fillers or simply get a critical assessment of your cosmetic procedures, please contact us and book a free consultation.

Blonde woman in a white medical coat smiles, hands clasped, looking forward.
Ingrid NibourgCosmetic Doctor

Dr. Ingrid is a cosmetic physician at The Body Clinic in Blaricum. She studied Medicine at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, after first studying Psychology for three years. This combination of medical knowledge and psychological insight gives her a broad perspective on what moves people and what they need. Before her work as a cosmetic physician, she gained many years of experience in gynecology and primary care, and has now been working as a cosmetic physician in various clinics for years. In addition to her work in cosmetic medicine, Ingrid is also active as a youth doctor. **Listening to what makes you unique** Ingrid specializes in Botox and filler treatments, and Profhilo. Her working method is characterized by a strong sense of aesthetics, with the aim of preserving and enhancing natural beauty. Clients appreciate Ingrid for her ability to truly listen, her honest advice, and the way she puts them at ease. She is clear about what is and isn't possible and always strives for a safe, subtle result that suits the person sitting opposite her. _"Every client is unique, has a unique appearance, and a personal request. Therefore, I find it important to listen carefully to what is going on and to provide personalized advice that preserves one's own character."_

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