Would diluting hyaluronic acid with saline reduce the chances of occlusion?

Question

I want to receive filler in the safest way possible. Would a saline/HA mix help with safety?

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear zarazi,Based on our current information, dilution with fillers with saline will not reduce the chance of embolization. It may also make the injection less predictable due to the carrying potential of the saline.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  RealSelf Top Doctor and RealSelf Hall of Fame

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

I often use lidocaine to thin out an HA filler if I am injecting very superficially so that it integrates more smoothly into the tissue. It is safer because superficial injections are less likely to cause fillers going into a blood vessel. However, if the thinned out filler is injected deeper into a vessel, it may actually be more likely to cause an embolism (travel further into the vessel) and cause serious complications like vision loss. I like using micro cannulas when injecting deeper.

Kristen Aliano Messina, MD · Answer

Hi, Thanks for your question.  Diluting filler with saline will not increase the safety.  Using blunt cannulas, slow-injection technique, and having a trained, qualified plastic surgeon to perform the injections can improve safety.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

No, diluting the filler with saline will not reduce chances of occlusion in my opinion. Slow, low pressure injections using a 25 gauge or larger microcannula and treatment by an experienced injector will help minimize but not eliminate risk.

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Mixing a hyaluronic dermal filler with saline will not make it safer to inject. This mixture will also result in less efficacy of the product.  There are precautions that an injector can take to ensure that the filler is being injected in a safe and effective manner. It is important to consult with an experienced injector to minimize complications.

Would diluting hyaluronic acid with saline reduce the chances of occlusion?

Answers (7)

Answer: Dermal fillers and minimizing risk

Answer: Dermal fillers and minimizing risk

Answer: Mixing hyaluronic acid with saline

Answer: Mixing hyaluronic acid with saline

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Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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Would diluting hyaluronic acid with saline reduce the chances of occlusion?

Answers (7)

Answer: Dermal fillers and minimizing risk

Answer: Dermal fillers and minimizing risk

Answer: Mixing hyaluronic acid with saline

Answer: Mixing hyaluronic acid with saline

Browse related questions

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.