From Hollywood to TikTok: The controversial rise of dermal fillers and long-term safety concerns
Once upon a time, the idea of cosmetic fillers was seen as something out of reach, a luxury reserved only for the rich and famous.
However, the landscape of beauty and self-improvement has undergone a remarkable transformation, and fillers have become a mainstream phenomenon, embraced by Hollywood and everyday individuals alike.
If you’ve been keeping up with #BeautyTok on TikTok, you’ve probably noticed that dermal fillers have become a hot topic recently. The beauty community on the platform has been buzzing with debates after a viral video raised some serious concerns.
The controversy kicked off recently when Dr Kami Parsa, a plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, shared a video that quickly gained attention.
In the clip, Parsa discussed a female patient who had undergone an MRI scan several years after receiving dermal fillers.
What he claimed shocked many: the fillers were still visible on the scan, and, even more concerning, they had migrated significantly from where they were initially injected.
@kamiparsamd #kamiparsa #fillers #hylenex #dissolvingfiller #dermalfillers #lips #teartroughfiller ♬ Blade Runner 2049 - Synthwave Goose
According to Parsa, the 33-year-old patient had received 12 syringes of filler over a six-year period. However, the MRI scan reportedly detected almost double that amount of hyaluronic acid filler under her skin.
This, Parsa suggested, could be because hyaluronic acid is hydrophilic, meaning it has an affinity for water, which might lead to tissue expansion over time.
The video went viral, sparking widespread concern and raising important questions: Are dermal fillers really dissolvable? And could they potentially have adverse effects on one’s health in the long run?
Parsa didn’t stop there. He followed up with several more videos, delving deeper into the subject, which only fuelled the discussion further — both online and among professionals in the beauty and medical communities.
While more research is certainly needed and some questions remain unanswered, it’s important to note that dermal fillers are not entirely new territory.
We know enough about them to provide patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, he said.
Despite the alarm caused by the video, experts say there’s no need to panic. Dr Judey Pretorius, a respected biomedical scientist and the founder of Biomedical Emporium Skincare, has stepped in to separate fact from fiction.
According to Pretorius, while it’s crucial to approach dermal fillers with caution and awareness, the situation is not as dire as some may fear.
Separating fact from fiction:
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are substances injected into the skin by a professional to smooth wrinkles, add volume, and enhance facial features like lips or cheekbones.
Most fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that attracts moisture. When applied properly, fillers can restore a youthful appearance or help achieve a desired look.
Are dermal fillers dissolvable?
Yes, hyaluronic acid fillers dissolve naturally over six months, which is why repeat treatments are needed. However, if necessary, a professional can inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler instantly.
Can dermal fillers migrate?
Although uncommon when done by an experienced professional, dermal fillers can sometimes move away from the original injection site.
This can be caused by overfilling, incorrect injection depth, or pressure on the skin shortly after the procedure. Fortunately, the migrated filler can be dissolved by a professional.
Are dermal fillers safe?
The safety of dermal fillers depends on the quality of the product and the expertise of the injector.
When using reputable brands and a trained professional, fillers are generally safe, with minor side effects like swelling or bruising that usually go away quickly. Serious complications are rare.
Why do some faces look puffy after fillers?
A “pillow face” or puffy appearance can result from overfilling, using the wrong type of filler, or not allowing enough time between treatments. This bloated look happens when too much product is injected into the skin, especially in sensitive areas.
Which brands are trusted?
Top brands for dermal fillers include Juvéderm, Belotero, and Restylane. These are widely trusted and approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA, ensuring safety and reliability.
“Research the doctor who will be performing the treatment, as well as the clinic or salon. If you come across bad reviews online or any red flags catch your eye, look elsewhere.
“If you find a clinic that offers filler at a highly discounted price, or at a much lower rate than others, beware. They may be using black market, bad quality or unregulated products. When it comes to professional treatments such as filler, Google is your friend!”