U.S. FDA approved dermal fillers are considered very safe when given by a qualified trained doctor and given in an appropriate medical facility.
Risks include hematoma/ bruising, discomfort, swelling, redness, and although rare, infection and necrosis or skin loss is possible. An unsatisfactory outcome is also a possibility. The greatest risk occurs when dermal fillers are injected by someone who is not properly qualified to perform injections. Semi-permanent and permanent fillers may carry a risk of clumping (the particles form a granuloma or lump that can be felt or seen beneath the skin). Particles may also migrate or displace from the injection site. Injection of an anti-inflammatory may help to improve minor clumps or swelling. More significant conditions of clumping or granuloma may require surgery.
Only dermal fillers derived from animal sources have a risk of allergy. Therefore, with these types of fillers a patch or allergy test should be performed several weeks before the injection is done. This is something your doctor should explicitly cover during your consultation and the informed consent process. Currently our office does not use these products; therefore no allergy testing is necessary.
It depends on the type of dermal filler used. Most treatments are temporary lasting several months to a year.
Dermal fillers for cosmetic purposes should not be administered to anyone under 18 years of age.
In the first few days after injection, the treated area may feel a little firm; however, this should rapidly improve. In general, a dermal filler should not be felt under the skin. Sometimes with semi-permanent and permanent fillers a granuloma may form; if this happens the granuloma would be able to be felt.
Dermal fillers are customized to each patient depending on what the specific need is. Generally the costs for most dermal fillers are comparable. It is important that you check with your doctor before the injection to understand how much your specific treatment will be.
Dr. Sood's primary goal is to provide excellent clinical results along with a high level of patient care and service. Patient satisfaction is our highest concern. We are dedicated to providing every patient with a pleasant experience, beginning with the first visit and continuing on through surgical procedures and treatments and postoperative care. We encourage patients to evaluate the benefits as well as the risks of each procedure within the confines of realistic expectations.