Dermal filler injections have emerged as a treatment of choice for millions of people seeking anti-aging skin care procedures for the face that do not involve surgery. The procedure avoids all the risks and complications that are typically associated with a surgery. As a result, a growing number of people choose dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation.

However, it is still important for a patient to have a clear understanding of the potential risks and side effects of filler treatments before they make a decision. A responsible provider will apprise the patient of these risks during the initial consultation. Experienced dermatologist Dr. Steven Zimmet provides dermal filler injections to patients in Austin, TX, and surrounding communities.

Biocompatible Fillers

Many of the popular facial filler injections available today are based on hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a biocompatible compound. HA occurs naturally in the body to perform the role of supporting the skin structure. Several FDA approved fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero Balance and Voluma have HA as their active ingredient.

As a result, no prior skin allergy tests are necessary while receiving HA-based filler treatments. But if the patient chooses a filler that includes animal extracts, such as bovine collagen, the treatment provider may have to order an allergy test before administering these injections.

Stronger dermal fillers such as Radiesse, which includes calcium compound microspheres, and Scultpra Aesthetic, which is based on poly-L-lactic acid, are also considered safe fillers. Unless the patient has a history of skin allergies, the dermatology treatment provider may not require a prior allergy test to be performed before administering these fillers.

Signs of Abnormal Side Effects

In the post-treatment phase, the patient should be alert to the signs of any abnormal side effects or reactions. The dermatologist will guide them about this beforehand. Although the chances of these side effects occurring are rare, but the patient should still be alert in the first few days after the treatment and contact the provider if these signs are noticed:

• Swelling, bruising and redness have not subsided even after a week, and continue to be severe. This could indicate an infection or an allergic reaction.
• Pain in the injection sites as well as asymmetry persists even after a week to 10 days.
• Nodules or bumps in and around the injection areas have emerged.

The patient should diligently follow the post-treatment care instructions given by the dermatologist in order to minimize the risks.

Risk Mitigation

To begin with, the patient should select a qualified and experienced dermatologist to receive dermal filler injections. The appropriate fillers should be chosen for specific facial sites, and the gel should be administered in correct volumes. Smooth consistency fillers should be chosen for sensitive areas such as under the eyes.

Dermal filler treatment should be avoided for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If the patient is a smoker, they should avoid smoking for a few days prior to the filler treatment. Dr. Zimmet receives patients from Austin, TX, and other smaller cities and suburbs across the horizon for dermal filler injections.

If you would like to learn more about the procedures and treatments by Austin TX Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Steven Zimmet, please contact us at (512) 485-7700.

According to the figures published by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), dermal filler injections are the second most popular cosmetic skin care injectable procedure in the US. A wide range of FDA approved dermal fillers are available today, but the procedure to perform each treatment broadly remains very similar.

At the time of initial consultation, the treatment provider will explain to the patient the steps involved in the procedure. Judicious dermatologist Dr. Steven Zimmet provides dermal filler injections to patients in Austin, TX, and other cities and communities in this part of West Texas.

Preparing for the Treatment

As a first step, the dermatologist will determine the patient’s candidacy for facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers. The right type of filler injections and a customized injection plan will be created to match with the patient’s unique needs. The dermatologist will give a few instructions to the patient such as refraining from smoking and avoiding blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs for a certain time period prior to the injections.

Although the first choice of the dermatologist will be to provide non-animal dermal filler injections, which do not require prior allergy testing, but if the patient has a history of skin allergies, a skin allergy test may be ordered before the treatment. The patient should avoid wearing makeup when they visit for their filler injection appointment. After the treatment, they can resume their makeup and skin care routine as per the provider’s advice.

Injection Procedure

The dermatology office will typically receive the dermal filler injections packed in a sterile, ready to use syringe form. The size of the needles for the procedure will differ according to the type of dermal filler gel to be injected. Fillers with a smooth gel consistency can be administered using thinner needles and the provider will apply less pressure to deliver the gel to the deeper skin layers.

Before the filler injectable treatment is started, the provider will numb the targeted area of the face with a topical anesthetic cream. Depending on the patient’s condition and the amount of correction required, the filler gel will be injected into the mid to deep dermis. The entire injection procedure can usually be completed in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Patients in Austin, TX, and nearby areas have an opportunity to receive remarkable, poignant, and effective dermal filler facial treatments and various other minimally invasive or non-invasive cosmetic procedures from experienced dermatologist Dr. Zimmet.

Retreatment and Recovery

The patient should avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for a day or two after the injection treatment. They should also avoid sun, wind, and environmental exposure for about two weeks after the injections. The patient should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and avoid makeup products that include alcohol.

In a few cases, follow up filler treatments may be recommend, particularly where some of the facial wrinkles were missed the first time. Advanced fillers such as Sculptra Aesthetic may require a series of three treatments planned in advance. The results of an average hyaluronic acid based dermal filler injectable treatment may last for about six months to a year.

If you would like to learn more about the procedures and treatments by Austin TX Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Steven Zimmet, please contact us at (512) 485-7700.