Dermal facial fillers are a safe and effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and creases. The filler is injected under the skin in a cosmetic non-surgical procedure in order to restore lost volume and to smooth out the surface of the skin. It is important to note, however, that not all dermal fillers are appropriate for all patients and all situations.
How are Dermal Fillers Safely Used?
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved temporary dermal fillers for use in correcting nasolabial folds and wrinkles. Several absorbable fillers are also available for wrinkle and acne scar correction, facial contour correction, and facial augmentation in adult patients.
- The FDA has approved a non-absorbable filler to minimize the appearance of acne scars and skin folds in adults.
- Certain fillers have been approved for use in restoring facial volume in patients with HIV who are experiencing facial fat loss for example.
- Currently, there is one filler approved by the FDA to add volume to the hands.
The successful use and application of dermal fillers depends on the quality of the skin, the type of filler used as well as other factors. In addition, more than one application may be needed for desirable results.
Dermal Fillers Should Not Be Used to Augment the Body, Breasts, Buttocks, or Feet
Dermal fillers are not approved for use in large-scale body enhancement and contouring or breast or buttock augmentation. Fillers are not intended to increase the volume of the feet or for implantation into muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones. Inappropriate use of dermal fillers may cause serious complications, including chronic pain, infection, permanent scarring and disfigurement, embolism, stroke, or death.
Patients considering dermal fillers should consult an experienced Orange County dermatologist like Dr. Tony Nakhla who is not only board-certified but is also a skin cancer surgeon. Although non-surgical in nature, dermal filler injections are still a procedure that require a certain level of skill and experience to be performed properly. Patients should never try to inject fillers themselves or purchase fillers online since they may not be safe or approved by the FDA for use in the United States.
It should be noted that FDA approval means that the product has been reviewed in clinical studies for certain uses in specific parts of the body. The safety and effectiveness of dermal fillers for use over a prolonged period, by certain patient populations, or in other areas of the body may not have been studied.
Contact OC Skin Institute today for more information about dermal fillers and our facial rejuvenation services and to schedule your consultation.