FILLERS
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin. Dermal fillers are meant to create a smoother or fuller appearance, or both.
Types of dermal fillers
Temporary fillers include the following materials:
• Hyaluronic acid, a sugar that is naturally found in the body
• Calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral and a major component of bone
• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biodegradable, synthetic material
FDA-approved uses of dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are approved for specific uses in people aged 22 and older. Those uses include:
• Correcting moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and skin folds
• Increasing fullness of lips, cheeks, chin, under-eye hollows, jawline, and back of the hands
• Correcting acne scars on the cheek
Risks of FDA-approved fillers
As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved with the use of dermal fillers. Most side effects reported in clinical trials and post-market surveillance occur shortly after injection and go away within a few weeks. In some cases, side effects may emerge weeks, months, or years later.
Common risks include:
• Bruising
• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Itching
• Rash
• Difficulty in performing activities (only observed when injected into the back of the hand)
Unintended injection into blood vessels
The most serious risk associated with dermal fillers is accidental injection into a blood vessel. Filler that enters a blood vessel can cause skin necrosis (death of tissue), stroke, or blindness. While the chances of this happening are low, if it does happen, the resulting complications can be serious and may be permanent.