Filler Side Effects in Erie, PA
Filler Side Effects
What are Facial Fillers?
Facial fillers are synthetic or naturally occurring substances injected into the lines, folds, and tissues of the face to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and restore the facial fullness that decreases with age.
These injectables are also called dermal fillers, injectable implants, wrinkle fillers, and soft-tissue fillers. They’re used to erase smile lines, plump up cheeks and lips, and correct acne scars.
The vast majority of fillers are absorbable. Thus, they offer temporary results that last from months to a couple of years, depending on the product and the person.
Some fillers are marketed as permanent and can last up to several years.
While many facial fillers provide immediate results, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), some of them will require several treatments over the course of weeks or months for optimal benefits, followed by occasional touch-ups.
Side Effects of Facial Fillers
Common Side Effects
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According to the AAD, the following side effects — which tend to occur around the injection site — can be immediate, but usually clear within 7 to 14 days:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Bruising
- Itching
- Rash
Rare Side Effects
- (45 min)
While less common, you should be aware of the following side effects:
- Infection
- Leakage of the filler through the injection site
- Nodules around the injection site, which may need to be surgically removed
- Granulomas, a type of inflammatory reaction to the filler
- Movement of the filler from one area to another
- Injury to blood vessels
- Blindness, which occurs when the filler gets injected into an artery, blocking blood flow to the eyes
- Tissue death due to blocked blood flow to the skin.
Safety Precautions
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While facial fillers are generally safe, taking these steps can help ensure your safety:
- Use a licensed, well-trained, and experienced medical professional to inject the filler.
- Have the procedure done in a medical setting, not in someone’s home or at a mall kiosk.
- Ask the provider about their experience with the particular type of filler you have chosen. The more experience they have with the product, the better.
- Don’t purchase fillers online. Only get them from a medical provider.
- Fillers should be in unopened and properly labeled syringes. Inspect the syringe to make sure.
- Make sure that the filler being used is FDA-approved for that purpose.
- Be aware of the risks and potential side effects.
- Read the filler ingredients and don’t have it injected if you know you have an allergy to any of the filler’s components (e.g., collagen).
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take. Some may interact with the ingredients in the fillers or can affect your blood’s ability to clot.
Risk factors to be aware of
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Don’t use fillers if:
- Your skin is inflamed for any reason (for example, if you have a rash, active acne, hives, etc.)
- You’re allergic to any of the filler ingredients (read the label)
- You have a bleeding disorder
- You’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or under the age of 18 (safety hasn’t been studied in younger age groups)
- If you plan on drinking the day of treatment or the day prior
- Your skin is susceptible to scarring (e.g., you have a keloid or an overgrowth of scar tissue)
Alternatives to facial fillers
I can never emphasize enough that fillers are invasive medical procedures and they are transplants. It is important for clients to understand that this does not come without risk and that the transplant will often be perceived especially in the weeks following treatment.
There are numerous cosmetic procedures that can combat the signs of aging and facial wrinkles, with varying degrees of success. Some popular ones include:
Topical lotions
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Some lotions help reduce fine lines by increasing skin cell turnover. Others have slight irritants in them that can cause areas of the skin (such as the lips) to temporarily swell and appear plumper.
Dermabrasion
- (45 min)
This procedure smooths skin (and reduces the look of wrinkles and scars) by scraping the top layer of skin away, thereby exposing the more dewy skin underneath. We provide HydraDermabrasion using a special diamond tip that removes surface cells, allowing for greater penetration of tailored products.
Chemical peels
- (30 min)
Peels place chemicals on the skin to exfoliate the dead outer layer and reveal the new, fresher underlayer. Cell turnover is enhanced, renewing skin.
Neo Aerolase laser
- (45 min)
The Neo Aerolase laser is a wonderful non-invasive approach to enhancing collagen using the NeoSkin technology.
FDA-approved fillers used by well-trained professionals are typically safe. Doctors generally caution against massaging the injected area or exposing the newly injected skin to extremes in temperature (for example, vigorous activity, sauna, steam room, skiing).
Over-the-counter antihistamines and anti-inflammatories may help reduce any redness or itchiness you may experience.
If you notice symptoms of infection (fever, pus, or very hot, inflamed skin), see your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you have problems seeing or breathing, have significant pain, or are experiencing any other symptoms that are making you uncomfortable or concerned.
