Dermal fillers are used as a non-surgical procedure, usually performed in a doctor’s office. Dermal fillers are an increasingly popular budget alternative to cosmetic surgery. The process involves a small amount of soft tissue filler being injected into the skin in order to reduce wrinkles or other signs of aging, or to boost lip volume and fill out hollow cheeks. A dermal filler procedure is much quicker than traditional cosmetic surgery, and further benefits from very little recovery time. But you may be wondering just how safe the procedures are, and what, if any, are the side effects.
There are two basic types of dermal filler – natural and synthetic. If you thought that dermal fillers are a new idea – think again! As far back as the 1890s, doctors were injecting natural dermal filler – human fat taken from elsewhere in the body – in order to make patients look younger. Since then, there have been many advances in the use of natural fillers, with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval of collagen (sourced from both cows and humans) making a big impact since it was discovered to work in the 1980s.
How Dermal Filler Works
Unlike Botox, dermal fillers don’t paralyze your muscles to achieve the appearance of smoother skin. They literally fill in the crease, line, or area similar to how you inflate a balloon by filling it with air.
What Injections are The Most Popular?
One of the most common dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid – this is an umbrella term for a variety of different fillers, all of which work in slightly different ways and thus have varying results.
Another category is collagen, which you’re likely already familiar with due to reports of it being used in other cosmetic procedures.
There are also autologous fillers, the most common of which use fat and the less common uses biological growth factor injections (you may hear the term “vampire lift” in reference to these).
You may also want to consider a synthetic filler, one which was developed in a laboratory and is not related to anything you find naturally in the skin. While new developments have led to improvements in dermal fillers, reducing the chance of allergic reaction and making these injections more useful to a broader range of people, please note that none of these have been rated as “completely safe.”
What are the side effects?
As with anything that falls under the category of “invasive procedures,” dermal fillers carry their own set of side effects, and these may vary depending on which type of filler you decide on. Some can occur with any type of filler, mainly swelling, bruising, and reddening of the skin around the injection site.
Allergic reactions are associated with collagen fillers, particularly those sourced from cows. You may see or feel tiny bumps or nodules under the skin. These will either go away on their own eventually or more rarely, will require surgery to remove. In very rare cases, skin cells may die if fillers are not used the right way; there have also been reports of blindness and nerve paralysis. It’s also worth noting that synthetic fillers, when used incorrectly, carry a real risk of disfigurement.
Perhaps the most important factor to consider is how long the results of a filler will last. The fillers which are the most effective and last the longest are also the most likely to cause side effects.
The best way to avoid complications is to select a board certified dermatologist, like Dr. Ava for dermal filler injections. Dr. Ava in Los Angeles has the experience and training necessary to help you meet your cosmetic goals. Following all your pre and post-operative care instructions will also help prevent problems.
Will My Insurance Cover Dermal Fillers?
Most insurance companies will not cover cosmetic treatments like dermal filler treatments. Contact your insurance provider if you have any questions about your coverage.
Schedule a Skin Rejuvenation Consultation Today
To learn more about dermal filler treatments and to schedule your consultation, contact Ava MD today at 310-843-9915 (Beverly Hills) or 310-828-2282 (Santa Monica).
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