Dermal fillers have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are gels injected to restore volume to the skin. They are predominantly made from hyaluronic acid which is a naturally produced substance in the body. They are most commonly used in the cheeks and lips. Collagen is a natural building block but the body starts to lose this sometime after the age of 30. Fillers aim to restore this loss. Fillers last at least 6 months and possibly longer.
Complications are rare but may include redness, infection and uneven contours. Very rare problems with fillers include allergic reactions, skin necrosis (death) and blindness if injected into blood vessels near the eye.
Complications
There are a number of reputable dermal fillers on the market and the Juvederm® range by Allergan is one of the worlds leaders.
You are not suitable for fillers if
- You are breast feeding
- You have a history of keloid scar formation
- If you are on blood thinners or long term steroid medication