The Risks of DIY Fillers
A recent increase in the use of DIY filler treatments is somewhat concerning. In addition to being a leading Petersfield dentist, I am also a trained cosmetic practitioner with years of experience in this field which is why I wanted to put together this short article to highlight some of the risks and dangers with this rising trend.
The internet has enabled us to do many incredible things but it is also allowing unlicensed and inexperienced people to obtain dermal and/or lip fillers to inject into others or themselves. Now, you might be reading this and thinking, why shouldn’t people be allowed to do this? It will certainly work out to be cheaper than visiting a professional for the same treatment. And while that is true, cost should never be the most important consideration when thinking about any kind of cosmetic procedure.
Safety is of paramount importance and there are myriad reasons why visiting a certified practitioner with appropriate training and experience will help you to ensure the best possible results. In safety.
DIY Fillers are Risky, Here’s What Could Go Wrong:
Let’s begin by running through some of the primary risks associated with having any kind of dermal fillers injected by somebody who has not been suitably trained.
- Using the incorrect type or amount of filler in each area can give a lopsided appearance which can be difficult to correct
- Poor technique can increase the risk of severe reactions, including swelling, ulcers and rashes
- Inadvertently injecting filler into the bloodstream can result in a variety of complications including skin and tissue damage and vision loss
- Poor technique and/or inadequate hygiene procedures can lead to skin infections which can spread or lead to permanent scarring
- Accidentally hitting a nerve with a needle can lead to permanent damage including facial paralysis
Why DIY Fillers Can Go Wrong
It is essential to have a detailed understanding of the structure of the skin before injecting anything into it. Without this knowledge, it will be impossible to ensure that filler is being injected into the correct area and in the correct amounts that will not cause any temporary or permanent damage.
Facial anatomy is surprisingly complex and watching a few online videos is not enough to learn the technique that professionals spend so much of their time and energy perfecting. Professional cosmetic practitioners like myself have worked hard to develop a unique skillset that allows us to ensure that every patient obtains the results they are looking for safely.
Even something that sounds as simple as understanding how much filler should be injected into each area to create a balanced and even result takes months of training and careful observation in a highly supervised environment. This is certainly one of those occasions where it is simply not as easy as it might look to the untrained eye.
It is also important to note here that when purchasing a product online, there are no guarantees that it is going to be what it purports to be. You will have no way of knowing whether filler bought online is real, licensed and uncontaminated. So, if you have been considering taking this route, I strongly urge you to instead seek out the expertise of a professional who will work closely with you to ensure that you get the results you are looking for in a safe and hygienic environment.
If you would like to obtain some further information on any of the dental or cosmetic procedures that my colleagues and I offer here at The Lodge Dental Practice or would like to book a consultation to further discuss your needs, please feel free to contact our friendly team on 01730 266 350 who will be happy to advise.
