Dermal Fillers Risks and Benefits

Dermal fillers are becoming increasingly popular as an anti-aging treatment that helps to correct skin imperfections, restore hydration, and provide overall radiant skin. Fillers are a quick and non-invasive alternative to plastic surgery and can be used to correct and treat a number of cosmetic issues. With so many dermal injectable products on the market, there is something for everyone, whether the patient wishes to correct lines and wrinkles, improve the appearance of scars, add volume into hollow areas of the skin, or even sculpt certain facial features.

Types of dermal fillers

There are a number of different types of dermal fillers currently available on the market. They are made using distinct ingredients and are able to address different and distinct issues within the skin.

• Hyaluronic acid

  Hyaluronic acid-based fillers return hydration into the skin and add volume. This means they are good for treating depressions in the skin such as those caused by scars, injuries, or wrinkles and lines. They are also able to help improve the contour of the face, and some may even help augment and shape the lips. As hyaluronic acid is a naturally occuring substance in the body, it is bioresorbable and will be broken down within the skin after a few months, making this a temporary treatment.

• Synthetic

  Synthetic fillers span a variety of man-made ingredients that are designed and produced to long-lasting anti-aging and corrective effects. Though these fillers do not resemble anything that is naturally occurring in body, they are often able to help stimulate production of important proteins such as collagen. Ingredients used in synthetic fillers include poly-L-lactic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, polymethyl-methacrylate-microspheres, and silicone.

• Collagen

  Extracted primarily from cows, this type of dermal filler uses a purified form of collagen.

Benefits of cosmetic injectables

There are many benefits to using cosmetic injectables over other rejuvenating treatments.

• Add youthful plumpness – By implanting hydrating ingredients into the deep layers of the skin, dermal fillers are able to add a plumping effect to give an overall youthful appearance to the skin.
• Great for lips/face/under eyes – Many dermal fillers are very versatile and can be used in multiple areas of the face, including under the eyes, the cheeks, and even the lips. Some can even be used in areas other than the face, such as the neck, decolletage, and hands.
• Boost collagen level – Even dermal fillers that do not include collagen as an active ingredient are able to help boost collagen levels by stimulating cellular activity that has slowed due to the process of aging. Collagen production is typically 1 of the functions that is triggered by dermal injections.
• No recovery time – Not only do most dermal fillers, particularly hyaluronic acid-based fillers, produce immediate results, there is also virtually no recovery time necessary after treatment. Patients can resume their daily activities right after injections.
• A great anti-aging treatment – Dermal filler injections are both safe and effective and are administered with no surgery required. It is 1 of the best ways to achieve natural-looking anti-aging results with minimal pain.

Risks of dermal fillers

Dermal fillers have been approved for use by various regulatory agents after scientific clinical study, meaning that the safety of the technology has been proven. However, there are still some risks associated with dermal filler injections.

• Skin eruptions
• Bruising, bleeding, redness, and swelling at the injection site
• Infection at the injection site
• Lumps
• Rash and itchiness
• Under or over correction
• Possible scarring
• Skin necrosis

Though very rare, when these reactions do occur they typically appear directly after or shortly following injection. They also usually resolve on their own without intervention within a few days to a week. These side effects can be avoided by ensuring a licensed medical practitioner with adequate skill with dermal injections is administering the treatment.

In very rare cases, the following reactions have been reported to a local regulatory agency:

• Anaphylactic shock
• Leakage of injection material
• Formation of permanent nodules
• Vision issues
• Stroke
• Movement of material from the injection site

How to avoid risks with dermal fillers?

In addition to ensuring that only licensed medical professionals are administering the injections, there are other things patients may do to minimize risks.

Ensure you are being injection with a high-quality product. Do not be lured by a low price, as this likely means that either the filler product is not up to standard, or that the practitioner is not as skilled as they should be.

To ensure optimal results, observe the proper aftercare instructions as directed by the administering doctor. This includes applying sunscreen daily to help ensure long-lasting results and to protect against pigment changes at the injection site.

Conclusion

Dermal filler injections are safe, effective, and can produce long-lasting results in correcting wrinkles, increasing volume within the face, and plumping and sculpting facial features. To ensure the most successful results, it is vital to find a medical professional who is experienced with facial filler injections and who is willing to work with you to find the right filler product to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. If you’re interested in receiving dermal filler injections to attain a more youthful, radiant appearance, then speak to a dermatologist today.