Fillers are a popular and cost-effective alternative to facial rejuvenation treatments without surgery. Injectable dermal fillers can fill thin lips, improve superficial contours, smooth facial folds, remove wrinkles, and improve the appearance of scars. However, there are risks associated with fillers that must be taken into consideration before undergoing any procedure. One risk is that fillers purchased online may contain a variety of non-sterile substances, such as hair gel.
When injected, these substances can cause allergic reactions, infections and death of skin cells. Another risk is that an improper injection technique can lead not only to swelling and lumping, but also to more serious side effects, such as death of skin cells and embolism leading to blindness. The FDA has issued an official warning urging consumers never to buy dermal fillers on the Internet as they may be false, contaminated or harmful. Although fillers are generally safe, they are not without risk.
But those risks, such as being injected by an untrained provider or by someone who uses unapproved or “black market” fillers, can be mitigated by going to a licensed and extensively trained professional. During your consultation, ask questions about the procedure and the filler used, and make sure you feel comfortable before continuing. It probably goes without saying, but safety should be your top priority when considering any medical procedure. Kim says that visiting a board-certified dermatologist or board-certified plastic surgeon is one way to make sure your doctor is experienced.
This additional certification step demonstrates that the doctor completed additional training in his particular specialty. You can find a board-certified specialist by visiting the websites of The American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Academy of Dermatology. There are risks of problems such as infection, discoloration and lumps if the injections are done incorrectly. The treatment is quick and easy. But all wrinkle fillers have one drawback, including the risk of an allergic reaction and the formation of small bumps under the skin.
In some cases, these bumps may be permanent. And sometimes there is a bluish discoloration of the skin known as the Tyndall effect. The color change may last several months, but treatments are available. In very rare cases, skin cells can die if wrinkle fillers are not used correctly.
Some cases of blindness, scarring due to skin loss, and nerve palsy have also been reported. Usually, wrinkle fillers that last the longest are the ones that are most likely to cause side effects. Lately we have heard horror stories; inexperienced practitioners using unregulated fillers that cause frozen faces, numbness, blindness (globally, about 50 cases of blindness have been reported after cosmetic facial injection) and even death. If you want to know exactly what tests a particular filler underwent for approval, FDA publicly shares dermal filler data. The migration of the fillers is real, and the existence time of these fillers may exceed their marketed shelf life. A licensed healthcare professional must perform all dermal filler procedures using only FDA-approved fillers injected with a syringe.
In addition to skin tightening, excessive use of fillers can lead to longer-term damage, including lip wrinkles and altered attachment of facial fat pads and some degree of skin irregularity and aging. See FDA's Tips for Using Dermal Fillers Safely and Learn the Difference Between Dermal Fillers and Botulinum Toxin Injectable Products. Dermal filler procedures can be costly which has led some consumers to turn to the online black market to buy DIY fillers. For those who want the convenience of a temporary filling, the marketed shelf life of these fillers in the short term is six to 12 months (depending on the filler used and the person's lifestyle). This filler is different from other fillers because its results are gradual; volumizing occurs over several months as it stimulates the body to produce collagen. Injecting dermal fillers into the face and hands can improve the appearance of facial lines and volume loss caused by age or certain medical conditions. The cost of dermal filler treatments varies and depends on the provider performing them, the area being treated, and the type of filler selected.
