Dermal fillers were first introduced in the 1970s. Since then, innovations, particularly hyaluronic acid-based fillers, have resulted in continued growth and evolution.

Injectable fillers remain one of the most popular procedures in the world thanks to their effectiveness, versatility and the fact that social media has raised awareness and social acceptability. While it is human nature to assume that if something is ubiquitous, it is safe – it’s important to recognize that just like any plastic surgery procedure, things can go wrong with any type of injectable.

The best way to avoid complications from dermal fillers is to see a highly trained injector, such as a board-certified plastic surgeon. Here is why vetting your injector carefully is in your best interest.

Social media and dermal fillers

Social media has affected the aesthetic industry in both good and bad ways. On the plus side, you can now conduct in-depth research online into the various procedures that may be right for your needs before ever stepping foot into a doctor’s office. The web can also provide you with many before and after photos.

On the downside, you do not always know if these photos have been altered or if the person also had other procedures. Furthermore, an aesthetic procedure is never one-size-fits-all. What provided an excellent result for your favorite influencer may not be right for your anatomy.

This is why scheduling an in-person consultation is always a smart idea, even with something that may seem inconsequential. Dermal fillers have become so normalized that many patients tend to forget that it is still a medical procedure. Anyone with a medical degree can legally administer dermal fillers, depending on the state. However, your dentist is likely not going to have the same skill or artistic eye as someone who is trained in aesthetics.

Skilled injectors are the best protection against filler complications

The skill of your injector is your best protection against developing complications from a filler procedure. You want to choose someone with considerable experience, as he or she will have a deep knowledge of the various fillers currently on the market and the subtle pros and cons of each.

A safe, exemplary result is always going to come down to choosing the right filler for your individual anatomy and needs. Also, this experienced medical professional will know when and when not to perform a filler procedure.

Typically, most patients will require a combination of fillers to rejuvenate the face. A hyaluronic acid filler that is lighter in weight will be better for fine and superficial lines. At the same time, you may need something heavier for deeper wrinkles, nasolabial folds and loss of volume in the mid-face.

Filler can be injected through a needle or a blunt cannula, and a skilled injector will know which is best for each treatment area. Filler injections are one of the safest procedures out there, but no aesthetic procedure is completely risk-free.