Dermal fillers have revolutionized the cosmetic industry, offering a non-surgical solution to restore youthful volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These injectables have gained immense popularity due to their ability to provide quick and noticeable results with minimal downtime.
However, like any cosmetic procedure, dermal fillers come with potential side effects. While dermal fillers are generally safe when administered by qualified professionals, it is essential to remember that each individual's response to dermal fillers can differ.
This article explores the side effects and risks of dermal fillers and lists tips for avoiding and relieving negative symptoms of this treatment.
Dermal Filler Side Effects and Risks
The side effects and risks associated with dermal fillers range from mild to severe and from short-term to long-term. Permanent side effects are extremely rare. It is essential to go to a skilled medical practitioner who will only use FDA-approved dermal fillers and who has extensive experience and knowledge of how to safely administer dermal fillers.
Short-term Filler Side Effects
The short-term side effects of dermal fillers typically subside within a couple of days or weeks from the injection. They include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Bleeding at the injection site
- Redness
- Itching
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Rash
- Bumps
- Soreness
Long-term Filler Side Effects
Long-term side effects of dermal fillers are quite rare, mainly because dermal fillers are not permanent and dissolve after several months. They include:
- Lip asymmetry
- Necrosis (tissue death)
- Scarring
- Numbness
- Skin inflammation
- Allergic reactions
- Infections
- Telangiectasia (widened blood vessels)
- Granulomas (cluster of white blood cells)
- Filler migration
- Vascular occlusion (artery compression by surrounding filler)
- Vision problems
Note: Learn if fillers can go wrong and how to fix this issue.
How Long Do Filler Side Effects Last?
Dermal filler side effects can last from a couple of days to a couple of weeks or even months in the most severe cases. Bruising, swelling, redness, and soreness typically subside quickly, either on their own or by applying a cold compress or ice packs on the injection spot.
Note: Find out what causes bruising after lip filler and how to get rid of it and how to prevent bruising after cheek filler.
As for more serious side effects, such as infections and allergic reactions, the response can have a delayed onset and last up to a couple of weeks. These conditions are usually resolved by antibiotics or allergy medication, taken as recommended by your doctor.
The longevity of most severe side effects, such as telangiectasia, granulomas, vascular occlusion, and vision problems, depends on each individual patient and their overall health.
It is crucial to reach out to your medical provider as soon as you notice any of these side effects so they can begin the appropriate treatment right away.
How to Prevent Filler Side Effects
There are several steps you can take to avoid and minimize the side effects of dermal fillers.
1. Find a Skilled Medical Professional
Before your dermal filler treatment, you should do extensive research on the medical providers in your area. Do not hesitate to reach out to them and ask about their skills, education, and licenses. Also read patient reviews about them to get a better view of their expertise.
2. Inform Them About Your Medical History
Your medical provider should have a full picture of your medical history and overall health before they decide on the best course of action when it comes to dermal fillers. This includes medications, herbal remedies, and supplements you might be taking that could possibly disrupt the effects of fillers.
3. Use Only FDA-Approved Fillers
Make sure your chosen medical provider uses only FDA-approved fillers. These include:
- Juvéderm
- Restylane
- Radiesse
- Belotero Balance
- Revanesse Versa
- Sculptra
Note: Learn about the differences between various filler brands in our blog articles:
4. Follow Aftercare Recommendations
Your medical provider will provide you with recommendations on dermal filler aftercare, such as avoiding working out, drinking alcohol, bending or laying down too soon after the treatment. Also, it is a good idea to apply ice packs on the injection spots to prevent or decrease bruising, swelling, and bumps.
To calm your skin after fillers, we recommend ALASTIN Soothe + Protect Recovery Balm. This proprietary formula is specifically created to soothe post-procedure skin and provide a calming effect.
Should Anyone Avoid Getting Fillers?
Almost anyone who wishes to enhance their appearance and achieve youthful skin can get fillers. However, the following conditions are contraindicated for dermal fillers:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Bleeding disorders
- Infections
- Allergy to any filler ingredient (hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, etc.)
- Certain medications or supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, etc.)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Tendency towards keloid scarring
Dermal fillers are also not recommended for people who are still minors.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you are experiencing any of the side effects we mentioned, do not hesitate to contact your medical provider. Some side effects may have a delayed start, but they should not be disregarded.
Regardless of the severity of the symptoms you are experiencing, it couldn’t hurt to check in with your doctor, who will recommend the best way to manage and relieve them. Most doctors will schedule a follow-up session soon after the treatment, so they can check for symptoms you might have missed.
Conclusion
While dermal fillers offer remarkable cosmetic benefits, understanding the potential side effects and being aware of available solutions is essential for a safe and satisfying experience. By entrusting their dermal filler journey to qualified professionals, patients can significantly reduce the likelihood of side effects, ensuring smoother and more gratifying results.
For the best dermal fillers in the Phoenix area, contact our Vibrant Skin Bar team.
