Side effects of facial fillers

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thanh Van - Doctor of Internal Medicine - Dermatology - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.
Facial filler injection is known as a method of facial rejuvenation, deep wrinkles removal, dark circles removal, V-line face shaping, rhinoplasty and concave scar improvement. However, these substances also have many potential risks if not injected correctly.

1. Filler (filler)

Fillers are synthetic or natural substances that are injected into the lines, folds and tissues of the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, restoring fullness to the face that has decreased with age. . When using these fillers, they will help erase deep wrinkles, plump cheeks and lips, shape the face, and improve acne scars.
The effect of facial fillers can last from a few months to several years, depending on the injection material and each person's location.
Facial fillers can be suitable for most people. However, if you are one of the following cases, you should not apply:
Having skin inflammation such as: Rash, acne, urticaria,... Allergic to any ingredient of the injection Coagulation disorders Pregnant and lactating women Having keloid or hypertrophic scars

2. Side effects of facial fillers

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), side effects after facial filler injections usually occur around the injection site. But these signs should disappear within 7 to 14 days. Some possible side effects include:
Redness Swelling Swelling Bruising Itching Skin Rash Other rare side effects include:
Infection Leakage of filler through the injection site Pulsed nodule formation around the injection site, surgical excision of the granuloma or vascular compression may be necessary (resulting in skin tissue necrosis, blindness)

3. Types of facial fillers

The American Academy of Dermatology says many facial fillers provide immediate results. Some other substances will need treatment time from several times to several weeks or months to get the optimal effect.
Commonly used fillers include:
hyaluronic acid (HA)
This gel-like substance is found naturally in the body. It works to "tighten skin", add volume to sunken cheeks and smooth lines around the eyes, lips and forehead.
As reported by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABCS), the body will gradually reabsorb hyaluronic acid over time, so the results usually only last 6 to 12 months.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
This filler uses calcium (in the form of microscopic particles) combined with a gel that is then injected into the skin. According to ABCS, the gel has a thicker consistency than HA, so it is more suitable for deep wrinkles. The effects of CaHA injections can last about 1-2 years.
Poly-L-lactic acid
This biodegradable acid helps stimulate collagen production from the skin, instead of "filling in" wrinkles. This gives firmness to the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
This filler is composed of microparticles and collagen to plump the skin. The results of this facial filler injection last 5 years. However, long-acting dermal fillers have a higher rate of complications such as infections, nodules, and embolism.
Autologous fat (fat grafting)
This technique takes fat from other parts of the body such as the buttocks and puts it into areas of the face for filling.
This procedure requires performing in an operating room and a fully equipped medical facility. In most cases, fat grafting provides more lasting results than the substances mentioned above.

4. Safety Precautions

Although injecting facial fillers can expose you to some unwanted risks, if you take the following steps correctly, you will limit the side effects.
Perform facial filler injections by highly skilled, experienced medical professionals. Choose a reputable and safe hospital and beauty salon. Absolutely do not arbitrarily inject facial fillers at home. Consult, seek expert advice on a type of filler that is right for you. Do not arbitrarily buy facial fillers online. Make sure the filler in use is approved by the FDA for that purpose. Be fully aware of the risks and potential side effects. Read the filler ingredient information carefully and do not inject if you are allergic to any of the filler ingredients (e.g. collagen).

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Reference source: healthline.com