The Case Against Dermal-Fillers

There is a growing, loud movement to “cancel” dermal filler.

We see the viral videos, the ominous warnings, and the pervasive narrative that filler is inherently “evil,” “ruining faces,” destined to migrate, and a insidious attempt by big-pharma to capitalize off people’s insecurities.

But before we buy into this and “cancel” one of the most valuable tools in modern aesthetic medicine, let’s take a step back and review this.

The Real Problem: Poorly Trained Providers, Not Poor Product

In reality, bad outcomes, big ducky lips, over-done cheeks, any “bad” work is not the fault of the dermal-filler. The dermal-filler can’t inject itself (yet). The core issue behind the plethora of distorted faces and unnatural outcomes is due to the increasing prevalence of unqualified providers.

The argument we frequently see online is inherently flawed:

• If you get a nightmare dyejob where your hair falls out in clumps and is fried into hay, or you are the recipient of a horrible manicure that results in a fungus and an ingrown-nail, you don’t “cancel” haircuts and manicures. You find a better provider.
• How many instances of bad plastic surgery can you mentally imagine right now? By the same logic being applied to dermal-filler, should we “cancel” plastic surgery?

Dermal filler is the same. In the proper hands, it serves an incredible purpose; in inexperienced hands, the results can be visibly disappointing or, worse, dangerous. Almost always, the results are predicated on the skill-level of the provider.

Fact Check: Separating Science from the Social Media Propaganda

When you hear that filler is “evil,” it’s crucial to consider the following facts:

1. Dermal-Fillers are Natural: The most common and safest dermal fillers (such as Juvederm, Restylane, RHA, and Versa) are made primarily of Hyaluronic Acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in your own body, responsible for binding water and maintaining tissue hydration. You are not injecting something “alien” or inherently harmful, you are injecting something you were already born with.
2. The Reversible Safety-Net: Unlike permanent treatments or plastic surgery, the major benefit of HA-fillers is that they are fully reversible. If you don’t like the look (or it wears off unevenly, you have a complication, etc.) the filler can be dissolved quickly and easily with hyaluronidase. There is no easy “undo” option with other aesthetic treatments.
3. The Scientific Consensus: While complications are possible during any medical procedure, a comprehensive 2019 review published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal noted that severe complications from dermal fillers remain rare when treatment is administered by qualified injector. Although it’s impossible to put an exact number on it because every complication is not reported, a 2020 a study showed that major filler complications only occurred in 0.05 to 0.01% of all treatments.

Why The Hate?

It’s worth considering the source of much of the anti-filler rhetoric. Often, the loudest voices villifying dermal-fillers are from those who benefit the most from converting people to alternative options. Plastic surgery is also invaluable when it comes to acheiving aesthetic improvements, and that’s proven by the industry’s 41% growth last year, in comparison to dermal-fillers 17% decrease.

Filler is not appropriate for every single candidate (we say no all the time!), but for non-surgical candidates, mild to moderate volume replacement, or adding definition to places such as the lips or jawline, there is simply no other option (currently) that provides the same benefits.

The About Face Commitment: Expertise is Your Guarantee

We believe filler is a wonderful, invaluable tool in the aesthetic arsenal when used appropriately.

Your investment at About Face is protected by expertise:

• We Say NO: Our injectors have significant training. If dermal-filler is not going to be helpful or appropriate for a patient, we politely decline and offer our recommendations on a better solution. (Sometimes this is referring them to a plastic surgeon, sometimes it’s doing nothing, and most times it’s something in-between.)
• Safety First: Our goal is to provide safe, discreet, and artistic results.
• Mastery of Anatomy: We understand how all of the parts of the face work with each other, and we know what a natural, proportional face should look like. Within these confines, we are able to help create rejuvenated, refreshed, organic-looking results.
• Problem Management: Unexpected things can occur with any treatment. Our team knows the steps to take to mitigate possible complications, they know the tell-tale signs to look for, and they know exactly what to do if something unexpected happens.

When you read the horror stories and crimes commited by Dermal-Filler, take it with a grain of salt and think about the motive of the messenger.

For the right people, in the right expert hands, dermal filler is a safe, beautiful, and wonderful treatment option.

Ready to trust an expert? Click the link up top to schedule a consultation, we can’t wait to meet you.

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