In recent years, the demand for non-invasive anti-ageing treatments has increased, but there are still significant filler migration concerns. The possibility of injectable fillers migrating away from their original sites is a growing concern with the rise of non-invasive treatments.
In 2021, dermal fillers made up 30% of all non-surgical cosmetic operations, according to a survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. This spike is due to aesthetic awareness, filler technological advances, and social media’s impact on beauty standards.
What is it all about?
In this process, dermal fillers get displaced from their initial injection site to another site of the body. This may be due to injection into the subcutaneous fat or areas of the muscle that have a lot of movement hence forcing the filler out. Migration is also affected by gravity and the techniques used in injection processes.
Dr Rashmi Shetty, a Cosmetic Dermatologist at Ra Aesthetics & Dermatology, explains that filler migration can result from two different factors. Such as injecting into superficial fat tissue or highly mobile muscle areas. It can also be influenced by gravity and injection techniques.
How to recognise it?
When filler migrates, it can cause changes in facial expression or lumps to appear in places other than where the injection was given.
Dr Amit Gupta, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at Divine Aesthetics Surgery, explains that it doesn’t cause major health problems. However, it can significantly impact a person’s appearance. The appearance of lumps, uneven skin texture, or unintentional placement of filler are all signs.
What are its causes?
Filler migration can result from:
- Improper injection techniques
- The type and placement of the filler
- Natural facial muscle movements
- Gravity over time
Certain areas, such as the lips, are more prone to filler migration due to their mobility, according to Dr Swetha Dilip, an Aesthetic Physician at The White Door.
How to address it?
If filler migration occurs, it is crucial to consult a medical professional immediately to get the appropriate solution.
Fortunately, solutions exist to dissolve filler migration using the hyaluronidase enzyme, according to Dr Dilip. Fillers are most effective when dissolved in water and then re-administered using the correct method and type of filler.
Preventive measures and best practices
To minimise the risk of filler migration, follow these expert advice:
- Avoid overlapping fillers:
Avoid injecting fresh fillers over old ones. You should give tissues time to heal before you fill up the area.
- Conservative treatment:
Space treatments are implemented gradually to lessen the likelihood of migration.
- Advice post-treatment care:
Always remember to advise post-treatment instructions to your clients to prevent complications.
- Use high-quality fillers:
Choose fillers that have been approved by the FDA to guarantee their safety and efficacy.
To sum up
The success of dermal filler treatments depends on our ability to understand how fillers migrate and how to stop them from happening. One can lessen the possibility of filler migration by following preventative measures.
Keep yourself informed of advancements by learning new things and being prepared to apply them in your practice.
Reference Link: https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/beauty-grooming/skin/understanding-the-downside-of-filler-migration-and-how-to-prevent-it/