Facial filler is one of the most common surgeries in current cosmetic medicine. It is mainly used to improve facial depression, aging and other problems. It injects or implants fillers to enhance the fullness and three-dimensionality of the face. As the pursuit of beauty becomes higher and higher, facial filler technology has also been widely used. However, any cosmetic surgery or treatment has its own risks, and the same is true for facial filler. This article will explore in depth the principles, common methods, possible side effects and countermeasures of facial filler to help people choose a treatment plan that suits them more rationally.
The basics of facial fillers
The purpose of facial fillers is to increase the volume of certain parts of the face to make the facial contour more three-dimensional and natural. Facial depressions and loss of elasticity caused by facial aging or due to genetics, disease, etc. can be repaired through facial fillers. Common filling methods include hyaluronic acid injections, autologous fat transplantation, poly-L-lactic acid, etc. Fillers are usually injected or implanted to help restore the firmness and smoothness of the facial skin and enhance facial contours.
Hyaluronic acid injection
Hyaluronic acid is a common filler that is widely used due to its good biocompatibility and long-lasting effects. It can be injected into sunken areas of the face to fill in lost volume and make the face appear firmer and more youthful.
autologous fat grafting
Autologous fat transplantation is the process of extracting excess fat from other parts of the body (such as the abdomen and thighs), processing it, and then injecting it into the area that needs filling. The advantage of this method is that it uses autologous fat and avoids rejection reactions.
Poly-L-lactic acid
Poly-L-lactic acid is a filler that can stimulate the skin to produce new collagen. After injection, it promotes the synthesis of collagen in the skin, thereby restoring the natural fullness of the face.
Although these filling techniques can effectively improve facial shape and restore facial fullness and youthfulness, the possible side effects and risks cannot be ignored.
Facial fillers side effects and risks
Although facial fillers are widely used in medical cosmetology, any medical procedure has its own side effects and risks. The following are common side effects:
Allergic reactions
Although some fillers (such as hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, etc.) have good biocompatibility, they may still cause allergic reactions. Symptoms of allergies may include redness, swelling, pain, itching or local fever. If the allergic reaction is more severe, medication or removal of the filler may be required.
Swelling and bruising
After facial fillers, patients often experience postoperative swelling and bruising. The swelling is due to the stimulation of blood circulation in the skin and surrounding tissues after the filler injection, and it usually subsides within a few days to a week. The bruising is caused by ruptured blood vessels during the injection process and usually recovers within a few weeks.
Filling displacement or asymmetry
In some cases, fillers may shift or be unevenly distributed, resulting in an asymmetrical or unnatural effect on the face, which may require readjustment or injections, especially if the filler is unstable.
Risk of infection
Although facial filler surgery is generally simple, any surgical procedure may carry the risk of infection. Improper postoperative care and poor hygiene conditions may lead to local infection, manifested as redness, swelling, fever, secretions, etc. If the infection is severe, antibiotic treatment or removal of the filler may be required.
Skin necrosis
In rare cases, filler injections may compress blood vessels, resulting in a lack of local blood supply and causing skin necrosis, a very serious complication that requires prompt treatment to avoid more extensive damage.
The filling effect is not long-lasting
Some fillers such as hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid will gradually be absorbed over time, and the effect may disappear after a few months or a year. Regular injections are required to maintain the effect. Therefore, the duration of the filling effect is relatively limited and it is not suitable for people who expect to maintain the effect for a long time.
Pain and Discomfort
During the filling process, some patients may feel slight pain or discomfort, especially when injecting sensitive areas such as around the eyes or chin. Although most fillers have added local anesthetic ingredients, some patients may still feel slight pain.
Nodule or lump formation
After the injection of filler, nodules or lumps may form locally, especially in the case of autologous fat transplantation. Since the fat cells may not survive completely, some irregular lumps may form. This situation may require further treatment or massage to improve.
How to reduce the risk of side effects from facial fillers
Although facial fillers may have some side effects, you can effectively reduce the risks and increase the success rate of treatment by taking the following measures:
Choose a professional doctor
Choosing an experienced and highly skilled professional doctor is the basis for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the operation. The doctor should develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient's facial characteristics, needs and health status to ensure the accuracy of the injection site, dosage and method of the filler.
Preoperative evaluation and allergy testing
Before performing facial fillers, the doctor should conduct a detailed evaluation, including examination of facial structure, skin condition, allergy history, etc. In addition, some fillers can be tested for allergies before injection to avoid allergic reactions after surgery.
Choosing the right filling
Different fillers are suitable for different facial parts and needs. The doctor will choose the most suitable filler according to the patient's skin type, facial structure and purpose of beauty, and strictly control the injection amount to avoid overinjection.
Strictly follow postoperative care
Postoperative care is crucial to recovery. Patients should follow the doctor's advice, avoid massaging or squeezing the filled area, avoid hot baths, high temperature environments, and strenuous exercise, etc., to help recovery and reduce the occurrence of complications.
Regular follow-up and follow-up
You should go to the hospital for regular follow-up visits after the operation to ensure that the filler's effects are stable and there are no abnormal reactions. The doctor will make adjustments or supplements based on the recovery situation to ensure the durability of the treatment effect.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Although facial fillers can effectively improve facial contours and appearance, it is very important to understand the related side effects and risks before undergoing filler treatment. Choosing a professional doctor, appropriate fillers, and careful postoperative care are the key to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the operation. If any discomfort occurs, you should seek medical attention in time and communicate with the doctor to adjust the treatment plan.