Medical Expert Shares: MRI Imaging of a 33-Year-Old’s Face Unveiled
A viral TikTok posted by Dr. Kami Parsa, a Beverly Hills–based oculoplastic surgeon, has reignited global conversations about the safety and longevity of dermal fillers. The short clip, which has now been viewed more than 7.2 million times, shows an MRI scan of a patient’s face that left many viewers stunned — and others reconsidering their own cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Parsa’s video features MRI imagery of a 33-year-old woman who had received a series of hyaluronic acid–based fillers over the course of six years. According to Parsa, the patient had been injected with just over 12 milliliters in total during that period. However, the scan told a very different story. The imaging revealed approximately 28 cubic centimeters of filler and filler-related material spread throughout the facial tissue — more than double what was originally injected.
Hydrophilic Nature of Fillers
In the TikTok video, Dr. Parsa explained that the discrepancy is linked to the hydrophilic nature of hyaluronic acid — meaning the substance attracts and binds with water. Over time, this property can cause the filler to expand and occupy a larger volume in the tissue than initially placed. Additionally, the body may respond to fillers by producing extra connective tissue, further increasing the visible effect and contributing to the unexpected volume.
Parsa emphasized that while fillers are marketed as being temporary — with most brands claiming effects last 6 to 18 months — MRI imaging and patient experiences suggest that filler may persist in the body for years, especially if multiple treatments are done in overlapping areas.
Patient and Public Reactions
The viral clip quickly became a flashpoint for debate. Viewers flooded the comments section with personal anecdotes about their own filler experiences. One user wrote:
“I only got my lips done three times, and it’s been five years. It does not dissolve like they say.”
Others expressed shock, concern, and in some cases, regret.
“I just don’t see how this wouldn’t completely destroy the lymphatic system,” commented one viewer, voicing fears about potential long-term health implications.
Many users tagged friends and family members, urging them to watch the video before booking cosmetic injections. For some, the footage became a catalyst to schedule consultations with their own doctors about removing or dissolving older filler.
The Celebrity Influence
The popularity of dermal fillers has skyrocketed in recent years, driven in part by celebrity culture and social media trends. Public figures such as Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, and countless influencers have faced speculation over whether their facial appearance has been subtly (or significantly) enhanced through non-surgical treatments.
In Hollywood and beyond, the youthful, “refreshed” look fillers can provide is often portrayed as a quick, relatively painless alternative to surgical procedures. But as Dr. Parsa’s video demonstrates, the long-term effects are not always fully understood — even by experienced practitioners.
Medical Perspective: What Experts Say
To gain clarity, we reviewed statements from dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and oculoplastic specialists about filler longevity.