Speaking of hyaluronic acid filler side effects, hyaluronic acid is a natural part of the skin’s connective tissue and attracts water, allowing the skin to become more hydrated, since hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our body, the likelihood of any allergic reaction is very small. This means that you can enjoy the results of treatment for a long time without worrying about any annoying side effects.
Dermal fillers, gel-like substances injected under the skin, give a softer and fuller appearance. There are various types of fillers approved by the FDA, hyaluronic acid fillers are the most common type of nonsurgical cosmetic enhancement offered today.
Fillers are frequently used in lips to enhance their identification, reduce wrinkles around the mouth, correct asymmetry, and achieve a fuller appearance.
They are also used to increase the size of the cheeks, raise the lower jaw area, reduce the lines under the eyes and from the nose to the mouth, and the results of injections appear immediately, and hyaluronic acid fillers usually last for at least six months and no more than 24 months.
Hyaluronic acid filler side effects
The increased use of hyaluronic acid fillers over many years has highlighted some unwanted side effects -though rare- and this is just what one would expect from any medical treatment.
Mild side effects
Mild effects associated with HA fillers are the most common, but they also tend to be temporary and subside without any interference, and the most common side effects include:
- Bumps
- Redness
- Itching
- Mild bruising
Almost one in five patients may experience some bruises after injecting dermal fillers, which are usually mild enough and can be covered with makeup.
It is very rare to have very prominent bruises; which cannot be easily concealed.
Side effects need to be addressed
Other hyaluronic acid filler side effects are considered moderate but can become severe if not treated immediately.
The most common complications include allergic reaction, and in some cases sensitivity that may not appear until after much time of injection. They can even appear a year after treatment in some patients.
This reaction is known as type 4 or delayed hypersensitivity, This occurs when the body tries to attack and dispose of the filler recognizing it as a foreign object.
Severe potential side effects
Vascular occlusion is the most severe side effect that can occur with injection of hyaluronic acid filler and thankfully, this effect is very rare.
There are no statistics on the number of obstructions of blood vessels that have occurred so far because there is insufficient data to create them, and it has been observed in regions of Asia and is less frequent in some parts of the United States.
Tips for reducing hyaluronic acid filler side effects
Side effects of any medical procedure can cause some concern, but there are a number of steps you can take before treatment to significantly reduce the risk of injury or exposure to these effects:
- Choose only board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in injectable treatments to perform the procedure.
- Make sure that the filler used in containers is not open and appropriately classified.
- Bring a record of the medications you are currently taking to your provider because some of them can affect the safety of the procedure and its results.
- Be aware of the risks and potential hyaluronic acid filler side effects.
- Make sure you tell your doctor all the medicines and supplements you are taking. Some may interact with ingredients found in fillers or can affect the blood’s ability to clot.