By plumping up targeted areas in the face, dermal fillers are one of the beauty world’s most versatile aesthetic treatments. They can volumize the lips, fill in wrinkles, and add youthful volume to the cheeks or under the eyes. However, filler safety isn’t a given – a lot of work has gone into developing safe fillers over the years. 

Dermal filler injectors are medical professionals who have to undergo training to learn safe injection techniques. In this post, we’ll explain what goes into ensuring your dermal filler is safe, and how you can avoid complications by choosing a great injector and listening to their instructions.

 

Are Fillers Safe?

The safety of dermal fillers depends on a few key factors like the material used and the experience of the injector. 

The older generation of dermal fillers, made of materials like silicone and paraffin, came with a risk of complications that in some cases led to a lifetime of disfigurement. 

Today, after decades of clinical trials and safety research, dermal fillers have become one of the most popular medical aesthetic treatments in the world. Millions of Americans get filler injections every year, and the reported number of adverse events is comparatively low. When carried out by a licensed, qualified medical provider using FDA-approved materials, the risks from dermal fillers are rare. 

But fillers aren’t inherently safe – even today, incorrect injection techniques can lead to complications like lasting skin damage or vision loss. This is why choosing the right injector and listening to everything they say is so important. 

 

How to Avoid Filler Complications

Most of the work needed to avoid filler complications happens before you come close to the syringe. Here’s what you need to know to ensure excellent filler results. 

Choose a Qualified and Responsible Injector  

In recent years, we’ve read about a few horrifying filler complication stories in the news. These stories are usually a result of seeing providers who don’t have the necessary medical background to provide safe treatment. 

Don’t compromise on the credentials of your injector – they must be a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or doctor, and ideally, one who specializes in aesthetic treatments, like the registered nurses working at SEV. 

Be Honest With Your Injector

Your injector is a medical professional whose main goal is your safety. They’re not there to judge you – they’re there to ensure you achieve stunning results. Give them your detailed medical history, and be honest about your habits. 

If your injector tells you that you can’t get dermal filler for whatever reason, it’s not a punishment. It’s because there’s a real risk that you might experience intolerable complications, and they don’t want to risk your health.

Opt for Reputable Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

There are many types of dermal fillers, but hyaluronic acid fillers are amongst the safest. The human body produces hyaluronic acid naturally so it tends to be very biocompatible with a low risk of allergic reactions. Make sure that your provider uses FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane. 

Read Consent Forms

Before your appointment, take your time looking at the consent forms and any other customer care information. This is key for ensuring you can avoid allergic reactions and complications related to medications or pre-existing health conditions. 

Avoid Certain Medications

Your injector will let you know if there are any medications you need to avoid before getting fillers. Certain drugs, especially anticoagulants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, can increase your risk of bruising post-treatment. 

Know the Safe Injection Spots

Fillers aren’t appropriate for every area or type of wrinkle. Studies show there’s a greater risk of complications with areas like the forehead and nose, while the areas we inject the most like the lips and cheeks are considered safe. 

There are techniques to mitigate the risks, but most nurse injectors choose to avoid the “filler danger zone” areas altogether. Listen to your injector when they say no to treating a specific area, and consider alternative treatments such as Botox or radiofrequency microneedling. 

Follow the Aftercare Instructions

Once you’ve had your injections, proper aftercare will help prevent bruising and ensure that common side effects like swelling, lumpiness, or tenderness disappear within a few weeks. 

Your injector will give you precise aftercare instructions based on the area you’ve had injected, but these are the basics you’ll normally need to follow: 

  • Avoid intense exercise and activities with extreme temperatures such as hot yoga, jacuzzis, or saunas. 
  • Avoid drinking alcohol in the days before and after your treatment. 
  • Wear UPF-rated hats and use sunscreen if going outside. 
  • Avoid drinking from straws after getting lip filler. 
  • Do not rub or touch the injection site. 
  • Use ice packs to reduce any swelling or soreness. 

Specialized Nurse Injectors at SEV 

You’re in good hands with our registered nurse injectors at SEV! We do not compromise when it comes to patient safety. Book now and visit one of the select SEV locations where we offer cosmetic injectables.