DERMAL FILLERS

The FDA’s Dermal Filler “Do’s and Don’ts”

Dermal fillers can truly “work miracles” – taking a decade or more off of one’s appearance by eliminating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers are also extremely popular for plumping and shaping lips to enhance a woman’s appearance.

Newer formulations of dermal fillers such as Juvéderm Volux can also be used to sculpt a more defined jawline or straighten a crooked nose.  And, this month, the FDA approved dermal filler Juvéderm Volbella XC for tear-trough injection, to treat dark circles under the eyes.

But, as with any medical procedure, dermal filler injections can not be done by “just anybody”. In fact, when facial fillers are improperly injected pain, infection, allergic reactions, and other serious side effects can occur. For this reason, the FDA has released a list of “Dermal Filler Do’s and Don’ts” to ensure a safe, comfortable procedure that delivers the best possible results.

#1. Only Let a Doctor or Nurse Inject Dermal Fillers

The FDA strongly advises that fillers only be administered by a licensed health care provider who is specifically trained and experienced in injecting dermal fillers. Your provider should be knowledgeable about fillers, anatomy, managing complications, and most importantly, discuss all risks and benefits with you before treatment.

At AMAE Med Spa in Birmingham, MI all dermal fillers are administered by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali or a Registered Nurse (RH) injector.

#2. Do Not Use Needle-Free Dermal Filler Devices

Do NOT use needle-free devices – such as “hyaluron pens” – for injection of hyaluronic acid or other dermal fillers.

The FDA has not approved needle-free devices for the injection of dermal fillers, because these use high pressure and do not provide enough control over where filler will be placed. Serious injury and in some cases permanent harm to the skin, lips or eyes have been caused by these devices.

#3. Make Sure You are a Good Dermal Filler Candidate

Dermal fillers are not appropriate for people with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or certain allergies. Injectable fillers can also aggravate herpes simplex symptoms in some patients. This is another important reason to only see a qualified health care provider for dermal fillers, in order to ensure that dermal fillers are a safe and appropriate option for you.

#4. Only Use FDA Approved Fillers

The only Dermal Fillers that are FDA approved include:

• Hyaluronic acid (a sugar molecule naturally found in the body) – includes Juvéderm and Restylane
• Calcium hydroxylapatite (a mineral that is a component of bone) – includes Radiesse
• Poly-L-lactic acid or “PLLA” (a biodegradable, synthetic material) – includes Sculptra®

There is also only one FDA-approved dermal filler that is not absorbed by the body: polymethylmethacrylate (plastic) beads suspended in a solution that contains bovine (cow) collagen. PMMA beads are tiny round, smooth, plastic beads. Bellafill® is a PMMA filler.

#5.  Do Not Buy Dermal Fillers Online

Do not purchase any dermal fillers that are sold directly to the public. Unlicensed dermal fillers are often fake, contaminated, or not FDA approved and unsafe. Dermal fillers purchased online and/or from overseas by lay people have caused disfigurement and even death in patients who used compromised products or who injected them improperly.

The only FDA-approved dermal fillers must be obtained by a prescription for injection by a licensed health care professional using a syringe with a needle or a cannula.

Birmingham’s Best Dermal Filler Med Spa

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali offers the best and most advanced technologies in dermal fillers. Schedule a consultation to see which type of dermal filler or injection is best for your skin issues and beauty goals. Then relax in our Birmingham MedSpa, while we make you look and feel younger and even more beautiful!

Dermal Filler Consultation | Birmingham Med Spa: 248.335.7200