Dermal fillers are becoming more popular in the world of cosmetic medicine. As we age, we lose volume in our faces due to bone loss, muscle wasting and fat loss. Cosmetic dermal fillers help restore volume to the face. However, with more fillers being done, more complications occur. Although the risk of complications is rare, the complications can also be very serious. Fortunately, complications can be managed successfully, if it is diagnosed early and treated promptly.
The second use of the ultrasound is to allow me to see what fillers have been used in the past. Most people do not remember what fillers were injected in them or may not even know what was placed in them. For instance, in Southeast Asia, it is common practice to mix silicone oil with fillers to make the fillers last longer. However, silicone oil is considered a more permanent filler and putting new filler in the same area is not advisable. The third use of the ultrasound is to allow me to do ultrasound guided injections to ensure the filler is placed in the correct area of the face. The fourth use of ultrasound is the allow me to be more precise in treating complications, because with the ultrasound, I can visualize the location of the fillers and be more precise in the placement of the medication that may be necessary to dissolve the filler. Using facial ultrasound in our practice improves procedure outcomes and enhances patient safety.
