Dermal fillers are a popular choice for those looking to reduce signs of aging and improve their appearance. But with the rise of these treatments, there have been questions about their safety. Are dermal fillers unhealthy?The short answer is no, dermal fillers are generally safe when administered by a licensed and extensively trained professional. However, there are risks associated with the procedure, such as infection, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and even death.
The FDA has issued an official warning urging consumers to never buy dermal fillers on the Internet, as they can be false, contaminated, or harmful. The most common side effects of dermal fillers include bruising, redness, pain, or swelling. Less commonly, people may have raised bumps under the skin that need to be treated with injections, medications, or even surgically removed. In some cases, fillers have been linked to strokes and blindness. To date, no universally applicable dermal fillers have been developed. However, manufacturers of hyaluronic acid-based products claim that their products are close to meeting many of the requirements of an ideal tissue augmentation agent.
Other available dermal fillers include those made of calcium hydroxyapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, and autologous fat (fat that is transplanted from another part of the body).When considering a dermal filler procedure, it is important to find 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 proceeding. It is also important to note that there is no research to show that dermal fillers are safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition to the correction of moderate to severe wrinkles and skin folds, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are also widely used for scar correction and lip augmentation. The main drawback of purified hyaluronic acid dermal filler is the short half-life of hyaluronic acid in the dermis, estimated at 24 to 48 hours. Although hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers have a low overall incidence of long-term side effects, occasional adverse outcomes have been documented.
These range from chronic lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory reactions to classic foreign body-type granulomatous reactions. So while dermal fillers are generally safe when administered by a licensed and extensively trained professional, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with the procedure. Be sure to ask questions during your consultation and make sure you feel comfortable before proceeding.
