Cosmetic fillers have become one of the most popular aesthetic treatments of the last decade, promising smoother skin, lifted features, and a refreshed appearance with minimal downtime. But as the trend grows, so does concern among some physicians who say the long-term effects of fillers may be more complicated than many people realize.
One of the latest voices raising warnings is Dr. Pompa, a health expert whose TikTok video on the potential dangers of facial fillers has quickly gone viral. In the clip, he shares new research that he says supports what he’s been cautioning about for years: fillers may be interfering with the body’s natural detox and drainage systems.
View this post on Instagram
The Study Sparking New Concern
In his TikTok, Dr. Pompa explains that emerging research presented at a BAAPS scientific conference found that hyaluronic acid fillers—the same injectables used by millions worldwide—may block lymphatic channels in the face. These channels play a key role in fluid drainage and immune function, helping the body eliminate waste and maintain balance.
“Another study showing that it blocks lymphatic channels preventing drainage detox from the face, which could implicate the brain,” he says in the video. According to Dr. Pompa, this disruption of lymphatic flow is far from minor—he explains that the face’s lymphatic system is directly tied to swelling, inflammation, and detox pathways. “That’s a big deal,” he emphasizes.
Dr. Pompa also claims that fillers may be more persistent than many patients realize, even showing up on imaging scans. “Do you know the studies are showing… it’s showing up on MRIs and often getting misdiagnosed? And it’s blocking certain things from being diagnosed,” he explains, warning that filler material can migrate rather than dissolve. This movement, he says, may cause additional blockages over time. “It doesn’t just go away—it moves, blocking more lymphatic channels,” he adds.
While fillers are FDA-approved and widely considered safe when administered by trained professionals, Dr. Pompa’s comments reflect a growing conversation in the aesthetics world about understanding long-term effects, especially for individuals who get injections repeatedly for many years.
Struggling With Sleep? This Rechargeable Sound Machine Is A Total Game-Changer
When Anti-Aging Goes Too Far
Beyond the medical concerns, Dr. Pompa takes a moment to reflect on the cultural desire to erase every sign of aging. “Look, you know, there's wisdom in aging. I think taking away all wrinkles isn't a natural, normal look. I think wrinkles represent something,” he says.
His point: while cosmetic treatments can enhance confidence, chasing a perfectly smooth face may come with trade-offs that most people aren’t aware of. And, in a moment of humor—albeit a blunt one—he adds: “And yes, most men…Yeah, we don’t like the look. I'm just saying. Sorry.”
Dr. Pompa’s video arrives at a time when more dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and injectors are openly discussing the limits of fillers. As patients become more educated, the demand for subtle, conservative approaches—or filler-free alternatives—is rising.
The message isn’t that fillers are universally harmful, but that long-term aesthetic care deserves transparency, nuance, and informed choice. And with new research emerging, experts expect even more conversations about how injectables interact with the lymphatic, immune, and structural systems of the face.
