Does performing facial fillers using ultrasound technology increase the safety profile of facial fillers?

Question

I’ve heard of sonoinject technology that is being used in Toronto for facial fillers. Does this increase the safety profile of facial fillers and will we see more practices using this technology?

Maeve Kenningham, MBChB, MRCGP · Answer

Dear Dannipage,
That is a really good question. I think the safest thing you can do is choose a medical injector who has a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and can recognise and treat (with injectable medicines) un-wanted complications of filler injections intra-operatively or further down the line. 
Injecting an artery with filler gel can create a whole myriad of problems such as skin death and even worse blindness (although exceedingly rare). However I also know that arteries have this annoying habit of not following the anatomy rule book and can be found in areas you weren't expecting them! So I think that using an USS machine is really helpful to ascertain the depth of the artery in that area and therefor taking precautionary measure of injecting above or below that artery to avoid injecting it directly.
I think that it is also very helpful to visualise with an USS where filler has been placed and also the type of filler used (eg Radiesse vs HA) . It helps reduce the amount of hyaluronidase (the prescription enzyme that dissolves HA fillers) injections needed to remove a troublesome area of HA filler eg- in the tear trough that can sometimes cause under eye swelling. 
An USS also helps in identifying the nature of the post filler nodule that in some rare occasions occurs even months after the filler injection. It allows for precise injection of intra lesional steroid if it is needed, to shrink a reactive nodule. If steroid is injected into normal skin it can lead to sunken skin, a bit like a sunken scar.
So I think a clinic offering USS assistance with injections and complication treatments is a great clinic as it is evident they are investing in keeping you as safe and complication free as possible.
I've invested in one and I'm so excited to start using it once lockdown eases here in North Wales.
Best wishesDr Maeve Kenningham

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

In a recent meeting, IMCAS, there was a lot of excitement about ultrasound use for evaluation and treatment of fillers and complications. It was discussed that this will be the standard of care in the next few years. The high frequency probes are used to visualize vessels, anatomy, and previously placed filler. Mapping the vessels is important because everyone's anatomy is different. I'll be doing trainings throughout the US in the near future.

David A. Kimmel, DMD · Answer

This is nothing more then injecting filer using Ultra sound. The needles they use are coated to be more visible under ultrasound.  This really is an old technique used for guided injections of medications. Its a nice thing to do.  Is it necessary ? Very debatable and is just now gaining attention. Frankly finding a talented and experienced injector is far more important .

Stephanie Hanratty, MBChB · Answer

I am not familiar with this technology. Safe injection of dermal filler whether with a needle or cannula is aimed at avoiding vascular occlusion and in the rare and unlikely event of recognizing and correcting immediately with Hyaluronidase.

Does performing facial fillers using ultrasound technology increase the safety profile of facial fillers?

Answers (4)

Answer: Sonoinject

Answer: Sonoinject

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Does performing facial fillers using ultrasound technology increase the safety profile of facial fillers?

Answers (4)

Answer: Sonoinject

Answer: Sonoinject

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