Are you hopping on the dermal filler bandwagon?

Over 5 million people have received dermal filler in the last year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The cosmetic procedure has become more prominent with the help of social media influencers and celebrities openly sharing their experiences online.

But are dermal fillers safe and effective?

“The vast majority of dermal fillers are safe and should not cause a problem if done correctly,” says Dr. Michael Patrick Ogilvie, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Advocate Health Care. “It’s also important to understand that adding volume is not the primary solution for sagging skin.”

But like any substance placed into the body, there can be side effects.

Filler migration

While filler migration is possible, it’s not something injectors see often, according to Dr. Ogilvie.

“The bigger issue, specifically with hyaluronic acid fillers, is water absorption that results in volume expansion of the placed filler,” Dr. Ogilvie explains. “So, depending upon the type of filler and its location, volume can expand by 15% to 30%.”

Dermal fillers also have a longer half-life than researchers previously thought. “Water absorption plus the repeated use of the procedure can have an unwanted volumizing effect on the face which can look abnormal and give the illusion of migration,” Dr. Ogilvie says.

That’s why you should seek out an injector who has extensive training and knowledge about cosmetic procedures so you can achieve your desired look.

What about after you leave the doctor’s office?

Some people believe post-procedure activity can also cause migration, but Dr. Ogilvie says there are no set guidelines for activity avoidance after filler placement. Although, he says it’s best to avoid heavy facial strain, such as weightlifting or strenuous exercise, immediately following filler placement so it can settle in.

Allergic reactions

You may also worry about allergic reactions, but Dr. Ogilvie says it’s not common.

“Most dermal fillers are made out of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in the body,” Dr. Ogilvie explains. “Therefore, most patients will not have any reaction. However, make sure to have a thorough conversation with your injector ahead of time if you have an autoimmune disorder.”

No matter what cosmetic procedure you are interested in, it’s important to be open and honest with your injector so they know your goals as well as your medical history so you can achieve the best results possible.

Find a plastic and reconstructive surgeon near you: Illinois | Wisconsin