Would mixing a filler primarily with saline reduce the risk of occlusion?

Question

I know some doctors do saline injections so you can see what the final outcome of a filler would look like. Would using saline as a base, and then mixing in a little HA be safer method of injection since it would be a thinner substance, and (presumably) unlikely to clog an artery? Of course it would take multiple trips to the doctor to reach the level of HA you want in a given area since the saline will absorb away, but I would be willing to do this if it was safer.

Alix J. Charles, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The risk of arterial occlusion has nothing to do with the viscosity of the filler. It has to do with a needle entering an artery and injecting filler inside OR injected filler compressing a nearby artery after it has been injected. While you can never eliminate this risk, being treated by an experienced and well trained physician injector can help to reduce the risk. Best of luck to you!

Anna Toker, MD, FACS · Answer

The occlusion risk from filler would still exist due to either mass effect or direct embolization of the vessels. Furthermore, dilution would make the effect more short lived- in otherwords, you would have the same risks but decreased benefit. Do not do it that way!

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

No, I don't think this would be an appropriate way to reduce risk. In my opinion, slow, low pressure injections using a 25 gauge or larger cannula performed by experienced injector is the best way to minimize risk of filler treatment.

Yasmine Darwish, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

well i don't think that mixing the HA filler with saline will decrease the incidence of vascular complications. Vascular complications depend mainly on the site of injection and the pressure used to inject. Even if filler is mixed with saline but injected in the wrong place with bad technique it may lead to vascular complications. The good doctor should suspect any risk during injecting by the presence of sudden severe pain that alerts him to stop and inject hyaluronidase in suspected case immediately.

Would mixing a filler primarily with saline reduce the risk of occlusion?

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Answer: Mixinag saline with filler is this a good idea

Answer: Mixinag saline with filler is this a good idea

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Would mixing a filler primarily with saline reduce the risk of occlusion?

Answers (4)

Answer: Mixinag saline with filler is this a good idea

Answer: Mixinag saline with filler is this a good idea

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.