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Dermal Fillers: Risks and Safety

For many patients, dermal fillers offer safe and effective facial rejuvenation without incisions, anesthesia, and downtime. In fact, these cosmetic injectables can correct anything from sagging cheeks to deflated lips, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, aging hands, and under eye circles.

What’s more, in the hands of a qualified and skilled injector, dermal fillers have a low rate of adverse effects and complications. Nevertheless, like any procedure, they do carry some risks, and patients should be fully aware of potential outcomes, both positive and negative, before having a filler treatment.

Here’s everything you need to know about the risks and safety of dermal fillers.

Why Is Injector Experience so Important?

Patients considering dermal fillers should first and foremost ensure that they see a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Tina West, who regularly performs cosmetic injections. These providers have advanced knowledge of facial anatomy and filler techniques to limit risks and maximize natural results.

In addition, their training and experience allow them to aptly handle any complications should they arise. Therefore, working with a qualified injector affords peace of mind and increases the likelihood that you will be pleased with your filler effects.

What Are the Potential Risks of Dermal Fillers?

Even in the most capable hands, there’s the chance of complications with dermal fillers. All of these risks should be discussed prior to treatment, and patients should be well-informed of them before signing a consent form.

Possible Side Effects of Dermal Fillers, Include but Are Not Limited To:

  • Acne-Like Skin Eruptions
  • Asymmetry
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding From the Injection Site
  • Possible Scarring
  • Infection at the Injection Site
  • Lumps
  • Skin Rash with Itching
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Under-Or-Over-Correction or Enhancement
  • Blindness and Skin Necrosis

What If I’m Not Happy With My Results?

In addition to the above-mentioned risks, patients may not be fully satisfied with their results after the first session.

Rest assured, that in most cases, any irregularities can be addressed by either dissolving the filler with an enzyme and/or injecting additional product to achieve desired appearance.

That being said, it’s important for patients to have realistic expectations of their filler procedure and be aware that it may take more than one treatment to reach optimal outcomes.

For additional information about dermal filler safety and risks in Chevy Chase, Maryland, please call The West Institute today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tina West.