People choose to obtain dermal fillers to improve their facial features or achieve a more youthful appearance. Your healthcare provider will recommend a specific type of filler (s) and will review possible side effects and recovery time. Injectable dermal fillers can fill thin lips, improve shallow contours, smooth facial folds, eliminate wrinkles, and improve the appearance of scars. Facial muscles also decrease in volume and elasticity, and the deflation and movement of facial fat further accentuate the signs of aging.
While many facial fillers provide immediate results, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), some of them will require several treatments over the course of weeks or months for optimal benefits, followed by occasional touch-ups. As a result, soft tissue fillers are increasingly important as non-surgical treatment options for facial rejuvenation. When considering facial fillers, it is important to be aware of potential side effects. Side effects reported in clinical trials include facial weakness, drooping of the eyelids and drooping of the eyebrows.
Other adverse events included localized pain, swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, injections have caused double vision, dry eyes, or difficulty swallowing or breathing. According to research published in Aesthetics, long-acting dermal fillers have higher rates of complications, such as infections and nodules. In addition, there are rare side effects, such as infection, loss of filling through the injection site, nodules around the injection site, granulomas, movement of the filler under the skin, and injury to blood vessels.
Adverse side effects generally last as long as the facial filler is on the skin, so while some have short-term side effects, more permanent fillers can cause lifelong adverse effects. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before undergoing any type of facial filler treatment. Your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with more information about potential side effects and help you make an informed decision about whether or not facial fillers are right for you.
