More than 5 million people have received it filler injections last year, mostly on their faces or in their hands, an increase of 8% from the previous year.
Despite their popularity, these procedures can involve some riskssay experts, leading some to be unhappy with their results and even have them removed. Some famous faces, including model Blac Chyna, have come forward to share their experiences with getting rid of fillers.
What should consumers know?
On “CBS Mornings Plus” Monday, Dr. Jeanine Downie, a board-certified dermatologist who consults with two of the major manufacturers of cosmetic fillers, the potential pros and cons.
“The advantage is that you look younger. The disadvantages are that if you go to the wrong person you can look very bad. Sometimes it’s bacterial infections (and) other major side effects,” she said.
Ideally, fillers have a lifting effect and go largely unnoticed if done properly, Downie said.
“Putting a little bit on your cheek can be really nice. Many people do lip enhancement, but a well-executed filler is not known to the general public,” she said. “Someone walking past you on the street should not know that you have a lot of filler in your face. That is not natural and it does not look good.”
A filler is something that is injected with a needle. There are different types of fillers, but hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used, Downie said.
“Most people are not allergic to it,” she said, because it is a natural body sugar that is synthetically made for use as a filler. “There are other fillers available, but hyaluronic acids are the most popular and can look the most natural.”
Still, swelling and bruising can occur even after a procedure by the most skilled professional.
“The needle is a needle. You can inject, and you can get broken blood vessels and bruises. But that’s temporary. That will pass,” Downie said.
Hyaluronic acid also gives you the option to remove the filler if desired.
“It can be reversed, but it will take at least four treatment sessions,” Downie said, adding that she recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon or physician assistants and nurses who have extensive experience.
“A lot of estheticians, respectfully, I’m just stating the facts, have had three to six months of training, and that’s where we can see some problems,” she said.
Downie said it’s also important to understand a patient’s expectations.
“When people come in and show me a photo of a celebrity, that’s a red flag because they’re not going to look anything like that celebrity,” she said. “If you come in and show me a picture of your mother and how you’re getting older and you want to slow it down, that’s someone with realistic expectations.”
Additionally, a filler treatment can only do so much, she added, meaning a more appropriate procedure may be recommended depending on the patient’s goals.
