Are Filler Injections Safe?

Not all cosmetic procedures performed in a plastic surgeon’s office are surgical. Dermal fillers, or filler injections, are one variety of nonsurgical treatment that has been on the rise in recent years. News headlines purport the wonders of the “nonsurgical facelift” and celebrities seem to be popping up with injectable treatments every day. If you’ve considered getting injectable fillers for yourself, you may be wondering what side effects and potential risks may be involved. Are dermal fillers really safe to use? Learn more about this powerful alternative to surgery that could change your look and your life.

What Are Injectable Fillers?

Injectable fillers are a treatment used to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike Botox and other injectable neurotoxins that relax the underlying muscles n to reduce dynamic wrinkles, injectable fillers or “wrinkle fillers” do just that. When injected into the area of concern, they fill or plump the skin in and around the wrinkle. These dermal fillers can also be used to add volume to other areas of the face, such as thinning lips, sunken cheeks, or even sagging skin on the hands. The results are almost instant and there is very little recovery involved in the procedure, meaning dermal fillers offer the perfect quick boost to your look. Plus, they cost a mere fraction of what a facelift surgery might so they are great for anyone on a tight budget. Depending on the particular filler used, you can expect your results to last anywhere from six months to two years or more, at which time you can revisit your plastic surgeon’s office for another injection in order to maintain the results

What Are the Side Effects of Filler Injection?

As with any procedure, there are some side effects that some patients will experience after receiving injectable fillers. The injection site may pinch or itch like a bug bite for a few days. Some patients experience a bit of redness or swelling near the area, but this is normal and should subside on its own. Your physician will likely advise you to use cold packs to manage the swelling until it subsides.

In other cases, more severe side effects have been reported. These may include:

• An allergic reaction to the filler ingredients.
• Tiny bumps forming underneath the skin, which can be short-term or permanent (though rarely).
• Tyndall, a bluish tinging of the skin, which can last for several months. This condition, however, is treatable with the help of your cosmetic surgeon.
• Skin cell death due to improperly administered fillers. This can be easily avoided by selecting a cosmetic surgeon with experience and a proven reputation for results in all of his procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical.
• Unsatisfactory results. Different fillers respond differently to different types of wrinkles, skin, and people. Consulting with a licensed and experienced professional is the best way to ensure you receive the right products, treatments, and results.

How Safe Are the Different Types of Fillers?

As mentioned above, not all fillers are identical and some may be better for you than others. When choosing a plastic surgeon to administer this procedure, make sure that you go to an office offering several different types of dermal fillers. This way, he or she can correctly match you to the correct type and brand name to get you the best results possible. Some of the different brands include Juvederm, Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft, Radiesse, Restylane, and Sculptra.

Hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers, like Juvederm, are one type of injectable that actually offers extra benefits to the body. Hyaluronic acid isn’t a foreign substance invading the body at all; it actually occurs naturally in the body already but decreases as we age. It is an essential part of keeping the skin hydrated. Plus, studies have shown that repeated injections with hyaluronic acid fillers can stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, meaning plumper skin and fewer lines and wrinkles in the future. The results of these fillers generally last anywhere from six months to a year or more in some patients. Your doctor may also choose Restylane Lyft, a natural hyaluronic acid filler designed for use on deeper wrinkles and folds around the mouth and nose. The risk of harmful side effects to products like Juvederm, Juvederm Voluma XC, and Restylane Lyft is very rare.

Synthetic fillers, such as calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) or Radiesse, may also be used. This specially designed formula is biocompatible, non-toxic, and non-allergenic. Radiesse is used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and folds around the mouth and nose, as well as some types of scars. Some patients may also opt for Radiesse treatments to add contour to specific facial features, such as the chin, cheeks, and jaw. Some minor swelling may occur after treatment, but serious side effects are extremely rare.

Another natural way to treat wrinkles with injectable fillers is by administering Sculptra, a filler derived from poly-L-lactic acid. Used by European physicians for years, this filler is now available in the U.S. as well and offers fine line and wrinkle treatment as well as volume creation and facial contouring. When allergies or other concerns prevent the use of other fillers, physicians tend to find Sculptra as a suitable choice for nearly everyone. The risks are very low and the rewards are high, with some patients experiencing results that last for up to two years after just one treatment.

Should I Get Filler Injections?

If you’re in good health but have noticed the signs of aging creeping up on you, specifically around the face, then it may be time to visit a physician and ask about dermal fillers. This nonsurgical alternative to a facelift appeals to many for a variety of reasons: lower cost, instant results, and of course, far lower risks of complications and side effects. Injectable fillers are especially safe in the hands of the right professional, so do your research and choose wisely to safeguard your entire experience.

Weniger Plastic Surgery offers all of the varieties of dermal fillers mentioned above, so you know you’ll have all the options possible for the most informed decision about your treatment. Consult with Susan Coker PA and our SC licensed Estheticians about your surgical questions and concerns. You can rest assured that the team at Weniger Plastic Surgery will keep you informed and care for all your needs.When you work with our staff to plan and execute your surgical or nonsurgical procedures, you’re in good hands. Contact their office, located at 350 Fording Island Road, Suite 200, in Bluffton, South Carolina, by calling (843) 757-0123 to schedule your consultation or nonsurgical procedure.