The Dangers of Permanent Dermal Fillers

An Arcticle about the recent rise in Permanent Dermal Fillers

By Dr Amir Pitchforth BDS

Be Aware of Permanent Fillers

Cosmetic and Aesthetic treatments like Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers have become very popular in the last 10 - 15 years as they have become more widely available and cheaper. Previously only the rich and famous could afford treatment, but now millions of procedures are being performed every year by Aesthetic Doctors, Dentists and Nurses as well as some Surgeons and Dermatologists. While the vast majority perform their treats with safe and tested product some chose highly risky alternatives.

Unfortunately there are some people who are using Permanent fillers as a way to avoid having repeat procedures of Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, such as Restylane and other similar brands.

What is incredible is that there are some people who are injecting this dangerous material into people's faces without a second thought, some are not even qualified to do so!

So you may ask, why is it so dangerous? There are many reasons for this.

Firstly, Permanent filler is usually silicone or acrylic based, meaning that the body can not break it down. This is in sharp constrast to Hyaluronic acid fillers, which are broken down gradually by the body, as they are natural products/molecules. If you don't like the look of the filler, it's unfortunate for you because it won't break down.

Secondly, often the risks of placing such filler material are downplayed by the practictioner. They says something like, 'I haven't had a problem so far'. While this might be true so far, but EVERY practictioner encounters problems occasionally. However, if I have a problem with Hyaluronic Acid products there is an injection I can use to safely and effectively get rid of it. (I have once had to remove hyaluronic acid filler from a client who had it at another surgery). BUT if they have a problem with a permanent filler, there is NO WAY OF REMOVING IT aside from surgery.

Thirdly, often these procedures will be offered at ridiculously low prices in backdoor practices by people with NO MEDICAL training. This could not be any worse. What guarantees do you have on the treatment? What happens if there is a problem? What about infection, are they able to get antibiotics to you? Are the surroundings really sterile? And what about the product, is it really sterile? These are worth while considering. Do not trust your face with a beautician as this is not the treatment she is trained to do.

And finally, what most people do not appreciate is that you are playing with fire when you have permanent filler injections. Permanent fillers can cause low grade chronic infections which take years to develop. Many people can go several years without a problem but then need to have the filler cut out of their face in order to stop it from migrating to other areas. This inevitably causes major scarring and as much, if not more, psychological trauma.

My advice to anybody even thinking about having permanent filler is to NOT do it. Even if you save yourself money, you will regret it in the long run and it will cost you more.

Bexhill Cosmetic Clinic only uses fillers approved for injection and that can be removed if necessary without the need for surgery. Please see our Dermal Filler page.

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