Can I ask my doctor to inject saline in my face to simulate Restylane/Juvederm or is this useless?

For many years I have been routinely using either dilute saline or more often dilute injections of local anesthetics to simulate the effects of fillers and volumizers for use in the nose, temples, cheeks, and jawline. Since the consistency of the actual materials differs from that of the injected saline or local anesthetic, it typically takes somewhat more of the saline or anesthetic to recreate the actual effect of the injectable. Nevertheless, this is one of the best ways in the real world to give a decent impression of what the actual effects of treatment would look like. 

I think it would be best to approach it conservatively with small amounts of filler. Perhaps start with one syringe in the areas of greatest concern and reevaluate at 2 weeks. The juvederm and restylane are dissolvable if you really did not like it. I have never had to dissolve the filler for a patient when we have used this approach. 

This is a very good question. You can always inject a test amount of saline to give you a rough idea of what your filler results would look like. The saline is reabsorbed rather quickly, yet it doesn't give you completely accurate results of what your filler injections would look like. I would advise against this because saline injections still involve using a needle along with its associated risks of bleeding, bruising, scar tissue formation, etc. If you choose an experienced injector and view their before and after photos then you will get an idea of how skilled the injector is and how natural your results will look. Worse comes to worse, if you do not like your results with Juvederm or Restylane you can have it reversed with Hyaluronidase. Hope this helps answer your question!

You are a smart cookie. This is exactly what I do for my patients when I am not sure whether to use a filler in a certain area or not. Saline is safe and goes away in a day. RegardsDr. J

Yes you can do this, but I don't see a reason to.  The HA fillers you talked about, Restylane/Juvederm/Belotero are reversible and if you don't like them they can be dissolved in the office without any consequence very quickly.  More injections means more swelling and bruising, I would find a dermatologist who performs filler with cannula for the tear trough.  Then, you have almost no risk of bruising or swelling and if you don't like it, it can be reversed!  Simple as that.  Best of luck, Dr. Emer.

Your question is a great one.  In the movie "The First Wive's Club" the actress was actually injected with saline instead of filler into her lips to make them unusually large for the movie.  However, in other areas, such as the temples, and under eyes I would not suggest it.  If you consult a board certified physician with expertise in facial fillers, they will choose the right volume, filler, and have the right technique to make your injections a great experience.

while injection of saline or other products might simulate the volume restoration achievable with fillers, this is certainly not the norm. saline would not have the 'lift' capacity of a typical injectable filler, and might give misleading results. it would also potentially expose you to the possibility of bruises and post-treatment swelling. hyaluronic acid fillers are 'reversible' if the results are not what you were looking for, but hopefully you will have a long discussion about your expectations with your doctor and happily i think most people are pleased with their results.

Certainly this is an option however I'd recommend instead seeing a doctor with extensive experience injecting filler into the face.  It is not only the amount of product but the filler that is chosen and the level in which is is injected that contributes to the final result.  See and experienced oculoplastic, facial plastic or plastic surgeon or a dermatologist who does comprehensive facial rejuvenation and they can explain in detail where they will inject, why and what it will do so that you don't have to undergo a "test" procedure. We perform these procedures all day, every day and can show you faces similar to your own that have had the different fillers so that you can rest assured.  Also, if the doctor uses and HA based filler, it is reversable with Vitrase if you are unsatisfied for any reason.

Yes, I suppose you can do this. I have done it for one or two patients in the past. This was for lip augmentation before they committed to the filler product.

I would advise you to seek out plastic surgeon who frequently does injections. Also, you should check with your friends and see if any of them can give you a word of mouth referral. The risks that you are concerned about should be minimal with someone familiar with performing injections. I think that there is little to no benefit to injecting saline. There is still the pain of the injection and the risk of bruising. Furthermore, the results are a rough approximation at best since saline is so different from Juvederm.I would explain to your physician that you want a gradual improvement with a natural look. You can have this done and return in a few weeks if you would like more.