Fillers that are approved for use in the face, such as Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane, are made from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid a naturally occurring ingredient produced by the body.
If an injectable contains an ingredient that isn’t produced naturally by the body, such as the botulinum toxin found in Botox, then that ingredient is specially treated and purified so that it can be injected into the body without causing problems.
But there’s no guarantee that you’re getting an ingredient that’s naturally produced by your body, an ingredient that’s pure, or even an ingredient that is labeled correctly when you use illegal or black market fillers.
The Black Market Is Risky
Medical grade fillers that are FDA-approved are only available from licensed medical professionals. Going to the black market might seem like a way to save money or to experiment with a product that’s not available in the United States. But seeing an unlicensed provider that injects an unlicensed or mislabeled substance can easily lead to increased cost, pain, and suffering.
These risks still don’t stop many people. Doctors are seeing an increasing number of patients come to them for help after an injection gone wrong. Although many people get black market injections in an effort to look better, the damage they can cause can in many cases leave a patient permanently disfigured.
A Number of Things Can Go Wrong
One possible complication from using illegal fillers is that they can cause an infection or chronic inflammation in the body. If the inflammation is mild, the fillers can cause swelling, redness and nodules, or bumps, beneath the surface of the skin.
In other cases, there’s the risk that the injected substance will travel to another area of the body, triggering an infection. If the infection gets into the bloodstream it can lead to a very serious condition known as sepsis, causing inflammation throughout the entire body.
Ways To Protect Yourself
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to know how to spot a fake. Always check the credentials of the person who will perform the injection. You want someone with medical training, such as a plastic surgeon or a registered nurse with experience performing injections.
A real, trained medical professional will be happy to take the time to answer your questions about any filler option and to review your medical history with you to make sure that filler is the best one for you. If you feel rushed into the procedure at all or notice any other red flags or warnings that make you feel uncomfortable, for your own safety, it’s best to see someone else.
Always Avoid Silicone Injections
Be very wary of anyone offering to inject any part of your body with silicone. Although many medical grade devices are made of silicone, such as breast implants, it’s not approved for use as a filler. In many cases, those claiming to inject “medical grade” silicone were actually using something from the hardware store.
Book a Complimentary Injectable Dermal Filler Consultation Today
To learn more about the dangers of illegal fillers and your options for safe, medical grade, FDA-approved injections, contact Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique and book a consultation today. During this meeting one of Mirror Mirror’s expert estheticians will perform skin assessment, review your medical history, and a treatment plan will be discussed. Reasonable and expected outcomes will also be discussed, including more about the recovery, risks, costs, and financing options.
A patient coordinator is available during our office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 281-810-9083. You can also reach us by email. Every treatment is monitored by Dr. Paul Vitenas. He has practiced in the Houston area since 1990. He has been named one of Houston’s Top Doctors and America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He’s also been awarded Houston’s Most Compassionate Doctor and a Top Doctor for Women.
The office of Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery and the Fine Art of Natural Cosmetic Surgery is conveniently located in the heart of Houston. If you are not in the area, we can consult with you online and assist with travel arrangements. We think you will see the reflection of something great at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique.