Dermal fillers have become one of the most sought-after non-surgical cosmetic procedures to help improve facial features or iron out wrinkles. However, many questions about their safety do arise. In this blog, we will discuss the safety of dermal fillers, address some of the common questions and concerns, and give you the real scoop for your informed decision-making.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal filler injections are also described as noninvasive facial cosmetic procedures. Dermal fillers fill in deep creases, erase fine lines, and add lift to one’s face. These are injected by a healthcare practitioner just beneath the skin’s surface.
It is common for people to seek dermal fillers to improve their characteristics or make them look younger. This optional procedure usually requires less than thirty minutes, and the patient won’t go through any significant processes during recovery. The results are apparent almost immediately and vary in duration for up to several months or even years, depending on the type of filler and the area that has received it.
Are Dermal Fillers Safe?
Dermal fillers can usually be regarded as safe. Still, as with all medical procedures and treatments, there is always a risk of complications, unpleasant reactions, or side effects.
Choose a qualified, experienced aesthetic practitioner using high-quality dermal fillers to minimize such risks. You must also disclose any medical conditions, allergies, and medications that might affect the procedure.
Are Dermal Fillers Safe Long Term?
There has always been the possibility that Hyaluronic Acid fillers may negatively impact health over time; however, they have been used for aesthetic purposes since the early 2000s, and so far, no data has indicated that injecting fillers may have negative health consequences in the long term. Better still, there is evidence that dermal fillers have a positive contribution to one’s mental health, self-confidence, and body image.
Are Dermal Fillers Safer Than Botox?
While dermal fillers and Botox are generally safe procedures when administered by a qualified professional, it’s important to remember that there is always some degree of risk involved in any medical procedure. However, by choosing a skilled and experienced practitioner, you can significantly minimize these risks.
Botox is a product that has been used for years to diminish deep ridges and grooves. It is available on prescription only and is primarily legally governed for medical and cosmetological procedures.
Most of the fillers used these days are mainly hyaluronic acid, a chemical made by the human body to moisturize the skin. Hyaluronic acid is safe, as making the skin plump and well moisturized is an attractive factor.
Health Canada Approved Uses of Dermal Fillers
The uses listed below for dermal fillers are approved for people 22 years of age and above. Those uses include:
- Correcting moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and skin folds
- Increasing fullness of lips, cheeks, chin, under-eye hollows, jawline, and back of the hand
- Restoring facial fat loss in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Correcting acne scars on the cheek
FDA Warnings About Unapproved Fillers
The FDA disapproves injectable silicone and injectable fillers for contouring or enhancement of the body. The FDA has warned against injecting filler into the breasts, buttocks, or spaces between the muscles. Using an injectable filler for large-scale body contouring may result in serious injury, including long-term pain, infection, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and even death.
The FDA has not approved needle-free devices for injecting dermal fillers and urges against using them for injecting hyaluronic acid or other lip and facial fillers. These injectors create very high pressure and do not permit sufficient control over where the filler will go. Severe injuries and, in some cases, permanent harm to the skin, lips, or eyes have occurred.
The FDA also warns against buying or using lip or facial fillers sold directly to the public. These fillers are not FDA-approved and may be contaminated with chemicals and infectious organisms. The only FDA-approved dermal fillers are supplied by a prescription for injection by a licensed healthcare professional using a syringe with a needle or a cannula.
What Are the Benefits of Dermal Filler Procedures?
Many people begin to see visible results of dermal fillers right away. Generally, the injections take less than an hour and can be performed right in your healthcare provider’s office. Recovery time is minimal because this is a non-surgical procedure.
Depending on the filler, results can last from a few months to several years. Some work for over two years. Dermal fillers are also generally less expensive than elective surgical procedures.
What Are the Risks of Dermal Fillers?
Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and redness at the site of injection. They are generally mild and transient; management with a cold compress and over-the-counter analgesics suffices.
Rare Side Effects
More severe side effects are less likely to occur. Still, they could result from improperly administering the filler or an allergic reaction of the patient to it. They may include the following:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Formation of lumps
- Discoloration of the skin
- Necrosis
Who Should Avoid Dermal Fillers?
Here are some individuals who may not be suitable candidates for dermal fillers:
- Those with medical conditions: People with autoimmune diseases, blood clotting disorders, or allergic reactions to fillers’ ingredients should avoid such procedures.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: There is limited information about the safety of dermal fillers during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- People taking certain medicines: Several medicines may interfere with the working of the dermal fillers; hence, one is supposed to disclose to the doctor all the medications they are taking.
- People with infections or skin diseases in the injection area: may increase the chances of complications.
Dermal Fillers at Vancouver Laser: Safe and Effective Treatments
At Vancouver Laser, we provide the best quality dermal fillers to enhance facial features and make you look young again. Our highly qualified medical experts will put you through safe and effective treatments according to your specific needs.
Why Choose Dermal Fillers at Vancouver Laser?
- Experienced Medical Professionals: Our qualified practitioners have performed thousands of procedures, offering patients confidence in accurate and safe injections.
- High-quality Products: we use only Health Canada approved dermal fillers from reputable manufacturing companies. This is to assure high quality and the highest standards of safety.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: These plans are developed according to an individual’s objectives and facial anatomy for a natural look.
- Safety and Comfort: Our primary concern is the safety and comfort of our guests. We maintain the highest safety precautions and a warm and friendly atmosphere to ensure your comfort.
- Full Consultation: We offer a full consultation, during which our team will assess your appropriateness for dermal fillers and discuss all your concerns.
FAQs
1. Is there a downside to fillers?
Potential downsides of dermal fillers include but not limited to:
- Allergic reactions
- Infection
- Lumps or bumps
- Temporary bruising or swelling
- Migration
- Temporary loss of sensation
- Unsatisfactory results
2. What age should you get fillers?
The ideal age to administer dermal fillers will vary depending on the individual and the desired outcome of the filler procedure they are looking for. While no strict age limit applies, many consider dermal fillers in their 30s or 40s once early signs of aging become more noticeable.
3. Are face fillers worth it?
Considering your goals and expectations, it is worth a shot; if you expect to enhance your facial features, disappear wrinkles, or restore volume loss, then dermal fillers can be worth the value.
However, expectations should be put into a realistic perspective and weighed against potential risks and benefits.
