Looking for a solution to treat flat cheeks, thin lips or dramatic under-eye hollows? Well, ask any dermatologist in the industry and they’ll probably tell you dermal fillers are the answer. However, while fillers can create a youthful, natural-looking outcome for many, they’re not necessarily a good option for everyone. So, we tapped New York dermatologist, Sejal Shah, MD, for the rare instances in which you should opt for something other than fillers. Read on!
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If you’re allergic to any of the components within fillers:
“Some dermal fillers contain lidocaine, which some people can be allergic to,” explains Dr. Shah. “It’s also possible to be allergic to the filler substance itself.” But that’s not all. Dr. Shah also says that some fillers are produced from a bacterial fermentation process that may introduce other compounds that can also (rarely) result in allergic reactions.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding:
“There are no studies evaluating the safety of fillers in women who are pregnant or nursing therefore those women should avoid fillers,” explains Dr. Shah. While there’s not much research suggesting that fillers could be harmful to an unborn child, it’s certainly better to be safe than sorry in this instance.
If you have any viral, fungal or bacterial infection at the injection site:
“If you have any viral, fungal or bacterial infections, you should avoid fillers to those areas,” says Dr. Shah. “Post-injection, there is a potential risk of these types of infections developing as well, with bacterial likely more common than fungal or viral.” Additionally, Dr. Shah asserts that there can be reactivation of herpes simplex infections on some people who already have the infection, especially when injecting the lips.
