Introduction
Dermal fillers are a safe and effective way to address wrinkles and other facial flaws, but they aren’t without risks. In fact, these injections can cause side effects in some patients. If you’re considering dermal filler injections, it’s important that you understand what your risks will be before going under the needle.
What are the risks?
There are several risks associated with dermal fillers. The most common side effects include:
- Infection
- Allergic reaction, including hives and swelling around the mouth or eyes
- Bruising and bleeding at the injection site
How can you minimize risk?
- Be realistic about what you want to achieve. Dermal fillers are a great way to add volume and fullness to your face, but they’re not going to make you look like someone else entirely–you should never expect them to do so.
- Get a consultation with a qualified practitioner. You can find one by asking your dermatologist or plastic surgeon for recommendations, or by checking out the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s database of certified injectors here: https://www.surgeryselfie.com/directory/search_result/?state=&city=&specialty=injectables_and_fillers
What side effects may occur?
Side effects are the most common problems associated with dermal fillers. The most common side effects are swelling, bruising and redness around the injection site. You may also experience temporary bluish discoloration of your skin (usually lasting no more than two weeks). Some patients report temporary numbness in their lips, nose or cheeks after treatment. If this happens to you, please be aware that it should go away on its own within a few weeks after your procedure.
If you have had any cosmetic procedures performed before by another doctor or clinic, we recommend that you bring them along with photos so we can discuss them with our expert injector who will be performing your treatment here at [clinic name].
How can you treat side effects if they occur?
If you experience any side effects, don’t panic! There are several ways to treat them.
- If you have redness or inflammation, apply an ice pack to the area for 10-15 minutes at a time until it goes away.
- If you have swelling, apply a cold compress (a damp washcloth works well) for 15-20 minutes at a time until it goes away.
- If you get bruising as a result of your filler treatment, apply ice packs and take over-the-counter pain medication for 24 hours after your appointment so that the bruise doesn’t become more severe or painful than necessary.*
Be informed about the risks of facial filler injections.
- Be informed about the risks of facial filler injections.
- Minimize your risk by choosing a qualified medical professional who has experience with fillers, and who can give you an honest assessment of what you should expect from your treatment.
- Know how to treat side effects if they occur — including swelling, bruising or pain around the injection sites — so that you can get back on track quickly with minimal disruption in your daily life.*
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you understand the risks and side effects of dermal fillers. We know that it can be overwhelming, but we also want you to know that there are ways to minimize these risks. By doing your research and talking with a doctor who specializes in facial injections, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether or not this procedure is right for you.