In the Realm of Noninvasive Cosmetic Treatments: The Growing Popularity and Misconceptions of Fillers
In the domain of noninvasive cosmetic procedures, injectables hold a prominent position. While Botox might be the leading choice, fillers are steadily gaining more traction. Based on data from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, filler injections witnessed a 78% increase between 2012 and 2019. (This is in contrast to only a 60% rise for wrinkle relaxants like Botox.) Dermal fillers have a 94% Worth It Rating among Ruli members, and novel types of filler keep entering the market each year. Nevertheless, not everyone is convinced.
The notion that fillers will “damage” your face is widespread – conducting a Google search on the term brings up numerous alarmist contents. There are terrifying before-and-after images on social media (not to mention cartoonish filler filters) and entire Reddit threads dedicated to this topic. “Before fillers became popular, people would look at someone like Jocelyn Wildenstein and say, ‘Oh, she had a bad facelift.’ They would blame plastic surgery. Now, they point fingers at fillers,” remarks Dr. Sarmela Sunder, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. But why? We solicited the opinions of top doctors to understand why fillers struggle to shake off their negative reputation – and why it's unjustified.
The Origins of the Belief that Fillers Spoil Your Face
The doctors we conversed with identified several contributing elements. The primary culprit: social media. “It undoubtedly plays a significant role in shaping our perception of beauty and aesthetics. People go overboard because they want to look perfect in photos. The truth is that you might look good in person, but certain lines or creases will still show up on camera,” elaborates Dr. Sunder. These are the individuals who ultimately end up appearing overly filled in real life.
Dr. Sunder also attributes some of the blame to certain plastic surgeons, who she claims might not be proficient with fillers and feel threatened by them, thus promoting a negative narrative. “A large part of it stems from surgeons who don't perform filler injections and aren't truly aware of what fillers can achieve,” she clarifies. “It's somewhat of a territorial dispute.”
Dr. Heidi Waldorf, a board-certified dermatologist in Nanuet, New York, points out that fillers themselves often become the scapegoat – it's actually the injector who is at fault. “Patients frequently point to a celebrity or mention a friend who had filler and comment on how unnatural or strange they look. I emphasize that it's not the material or the tool but the artist who creates a masterpiece,” she explains.
The Truths and Constraints of Fillers
Dermal fillers have a diverse range of applications, but it's crucial to bear in mind that they aren't a universal solution. “Fillers don't ruin your face. They simply can't address everything – and attempting to do so by injecting excessive amounts can look odd,” states Dr. Waldorf. Yes, the location where the filler is injected is extremely vital, but the quantity of filler is what has the greatest impact on the overall outcome, as Dr. Sunder asserts. You can administer a small quantity in the wrong place, and it won't be detrimental. However, if you inject too much filler in one spot or do it too frequently, not only does the result start to look unnatural, but you also increase the likelihood of medical complications, she elaborates. (More on this point to follow.)
That being said, with numerous different types of filler available – both in the hyaluronic acid and biostimulatory categories – the list of their potential uses is extensive, which is part of the appeal for injectors. “Fillers have transformed the cosmetic industry,” remarks Dr. Raja Mohan, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Irving, Texas. “They have the flexibility to be utilized not only across the entire face but also on specific parts of the body, and they can accomplish everything from re-volumizing, filling in lines, to enhancing features such as the jawline or cheeks.” They can also reshape or rebalance facial proportions, and biostimulatory options (Sculptra, Radiesse) can even enhance skin quality over time, adds Dr. Waldorf.
The Potential Complications
No cosmetic procedure is risk-free, and fillers are no exception. While alarmist propaganda leans towards one extreme, some serious medical complications are feasible – and the risk escalates when the injector is inadequately trained. All the doctors we consulted stress the significance of people being cognizant of these risks, once again highlighting that seeking an experienced injector is the best approach to minimizing them. “Obtaining filler is not the same as getting a facial. It's a genuine medical procedure with genuine risks and should be conducted in a responsible medical environment,” cautions Dr. Waldorf. Dr. Mohan notes that since the entry barrier for someone to become an injector is relatively low and each state has varying regulations regarding who can inject, the responsibility lies with the patient. It's essential to conduct thorough research and find a provider who is licensed, trained, and experienced, both in administering the filler and handling any complications that might arise.
Temporary bruising and swelling are the most common side effects associated with filler. Hard, inflamed nodules and allergic reactions are also possible, although much less frequent. Skin necrosis and blindness are the most severe, yet rarest of all. Once again, the risk of all these is reduced when you have experienced injectors with an in-depth understanding of anatomy, the filling agents, and injection techniques, as Dr. Waldorf explains.
Related: Injectable Bruises? Been There. Here's How to Deal with Them Without Hiding.
But it's worth noting that fillers do have a long and verified history of being safe. “There's an abundance of long-term safety data on fillers,” says Dr. Waldorf, citing the fact that the first hyaluronic acid filler received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. “Millions of filler treatments have been carried out worldwide.” Similarly, hyaluronic acid fillers are distinctive in that they are, one, composed of a substance that occurs naturally in your body and, two, can be dissolved, notes Dr. Mohan. While this isn't the ultimate safeguard, it does offer a degree of reassurance knowing that the effects can be reversed, he says.
The Conclusion
In the hands of an unqualified provider, any type of cosmetic procedure could “spoil your face.” According to the doctors we interviewed, fillers undoubtedly don't deserve to be singled out. Discovering an experienced injector with an aesthetic similar to yours is the simplest way to ensure safe and successful outcomes – whether with filler or any other treatment.
