The safety of dermal fillers

The use of dermal fillers has become a routine procedure in cosmetic medicine. This is for its ability to improve the appearance of the skin without surgery. However, ensuring the safety of dermal fillers requires in-depth anatomical knowledge, accurate injection techniques and continuous access to the latest scientific evidence.

Understanding the composition of dermal fillers

To ensure the safety of dermal fillers, you must know what they involve, consisting of injectable materials, mainly based on hyaluronic acid, used to fill wrinkles, redefine size and improve skin texture. The selection of a dermal filler influenced by various factors such as the treatment area, wrinkle depth, and desired outcome. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most common ingredients due to its moisturizing properties and intensity. This acid is a natural part of human connective tissue and helps keep skin fresh and hydrated.

You may need to review this article: What Are Fillers Made Of ?

Are dermal fillers safe?

Dermal fillers usually considered safe when applied in appropriate conditions. Here comes the question of how to make sure that the injections of the dermal filler  you undergo are safe or not? Follow these steps:

• Only FDA-approved dermal fillers should used.
• Working with a well-prepared and trained health care provider to provide injections, these procedures require planning and skill to obtain the best results.
• Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of any action.
• Never buy any fillers sold to the public, and do not try to inject yourself with these products.

Safe injection techniques

To ensure the safety of dermal fillers, correct injection technology is critical to reduce the risks and complications of fillers and to achieve optimal results. It is recommended that:

• Strict hygiene: Ensure that the treatment area properly sterilized and use sterile tools to prevent infection.
• Choose the appropriate injection technique: This based on the area to be treated, tissue depth and type of filler used.
• Precision dosing: inject specific amounts of fillers to avoid overdrive and maintain a natural appearance.

Also read about: Unmasking the Myth: Does Filler Ruin Your Face

Are dermal fillers safe during pregnancy?

During pregnancy or lactation a woman’s hormones fluctuate in so-called pregnancy hormones fluctuation, this prevents a woman from undergoing injections of dermal fillers or botox injection (according to the FDA) as this may cause problems with blood flow as well as swelling, causing problems for the mother not for the child. In addition, many pregnant women already have an enlarged lip size, so choosing dermal fillers is usually not a good idea, especially if they prefer long-lasting fillers.

Pregnancy and postpartum can also lead to changes in a woman’s skin, making injections and fillers vulnerable to unexpected outcomes. However, little research has done on the safety of dermal fillers during pregnancy and lactation, but the results have not been sufficient, and because of this lack of information, the FDA and many doctors advise pregnant women to wait until they finish breastfeeding before undergoing injections or applying fillers.

What are the risks of dermal fillers?

Serious filler complications are uncommon, and potential risks vary depending on the type of filler used and how long it remains in the body. These complications include:

• Rashes that look like acne.
• Asymmetry in skin shape and texture.
• Bleeding from the place of injection.
• Bruises and swelling.
• Skin damage that leads to wounds or scars.
• An infection in the place of injection.
• The emergence of conglomerates.
• When touched, filler can be felt under the skin.
• Skin necrosis (ulcers or skin loss due to blood flow disruption).
• Redness of the skin.
• Lack or further correction of wrinkles.

In very rare cases, filler may be accidentally injected into blood vessels instead of being injected under the skin. This can lead to blockage of blood flow, the consequences differ if blood flow is blocked depending on where the blockage takes place. If the skin is affected, the person may suffer from loss of skin or scars, and if the eye is affected, this can lead to loss of sight.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

FAQs about the safety of dermal fillers

Can dermal fillers go wrong?

Injections of dermal fillers can go wrong for several reasons including:

• Injection of too much or too little filler in the target area.
• Injection of the filler in the wrong place.
• Use of poor quality or non-FDA approved products.
• Fillers move to other areas of the face.
• The patient’s condition and the medications he takes can complicate the procedure.
• The provider’s lack of training and experience.

Does filler enter the bloodstream?

Although rare, there is a risk of filler entering the bloodstream and moving to vital organs such as the brain, heart or lungs. In these sites, they can cause blockages -known as embolism- which can lead to life-threatening conditions such as stroke or heart attack.

Who should avoid fillers?

Given the potential risks and concerns regarding the safety of dermal fillers, individuals with bleeding disorders or allergies should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional.

References:

1. Plastic Surgery
2. FDA
3. Harvard Medical School