How to prevent infection from filler injection?

Question

Hello I have read about risks of filler injection and I wanted to know how can infections be prevented? It seems this is an uncommon occurence but one with disastrous consequences. I was looking into a more long term filler so I am concerned about infection

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Preventing infection after receiving dermal filler injections is essential to ensure optimal healing and minimize complications. Here are some key steps to help prevent infection:

-Avoid Touching the Injection Site: Minimize touching the injected area to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria from your hands.

-Keep the Area Clean: Cleanse the treated area gently with a mild soap and water as recommended. Avoid harsh cleansers or scrubs that could irritate the skin.

-Use Ice Packs (if advised): If swelling or bruising occurs, applying ice packs wrapped in a cloth can help reduce inflammation. However, avoid direct contact between ice and the skin immediately after injection.

-Monitor for Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pain at the injection site, as well as fever. If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

-Avoid Makeup and Sun Exposure: If advised by your provider, refrain from applying makeup or exposing the treated area to direct sunlight or UV rays until any swelling or redness has subsided.

-Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to support your body's healing process.

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant for any signs of infection, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications after receiving dermal filler injections. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

With appropriate aseptic injection technique, the risk of infection after filler injections is extremely low. That being said, you can minimize your risk by also choosing a provider who upholds the highest standards in treatment, and by practicing good hand hygiene. Avoid touching your face unless you have washed your hands, and be mindful to avoid using skincare or makeup that may harbor bacteria.

Any signs or symptoms of infection after treatment should be communicated to your provider immediately. With appropriate antibiotic treatment the vast majority of injections will resolve quickly.

Any signs or symptoms of infection after treatment should be communicated to your provider immediately. With appropriate antibiotic treatment the vast majority of injections will resolve quickly.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

HA fillers are associated with infection and bio film in a small percentage of people. That's because HA is a sugar molecule. If you are planning on getting an HA filler, proper skin cleaning by your doctor is the best way to prevent infection. In our practice, we specialize in the use of micro droplet Silikon 1000 for permanent soft tissue filling. This is not associated with infection since it does not promote bacterial growth. I hope this helps and I wish you were moving forward. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Using permanent fillers is like playing with fire. I have been warning my regular followers for years that permanent fillers can translate into persistent to permanent problems that can be exceedingly difficult to treat if there are adverse reactions or unwanted cosmetic outcomes. 
Unlike HA fillers that can be relatively easily dissolved should the need arise, permanent fillers of all kinds do not have such a dissolving potential. Disfiguring nodules and granulomas or other post-treatment issues that may arise following the use of permanent fillers can be devastating. Even surgery to remove them can leave people scarred and disfigured. It's like playing with fire. 
Robust HA l lifting fillers have been successfully for nonsurgical nose jobs, for straightening dorsal hump and bumps, raising droopy tips, and even improving columella issues, for many years already and give rise to results that may last up to 1.5 years and can be dissolved quite readily with hyaluronidase should the need ever arise. 
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler expert. Proper injection techniques and attention to sterility can significantly diminish the risk of infection, which is quite rare in my experience 
And one further piece of advice. Don't go into any consultation asking for a particular treatment that you may have picked up from Drs. Google, Instagram or TikTok because, to your later disappointment, frustration, and financial loss, you are very likely to get exactly what you ask for. 
Hope this helps and best of luck.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Preventing infection from filler injections involves a combination of choosing the right practitioner, ensuring proper sterile techniques, and following post-procedure care instructions. Here are some detailed steps to help minimize the risk of infection:

Choosing the Right Practitioner
1. Qualified Professional: Ensure that the filler injection is performed by a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other qualified healthcare professional with extensive experience in administering fillers.
2. Reputable Clinic: Choose a reputable clinic or medical facility known for maintaining high standards of hygiene and patient care.

Pre-Procedure Precautions
1. Medical History: Provide a thorough medical history to your practitioner, including any allergies, previous infections, or immune system issues.
2. Skin Condition: Ensure that the skin in the area to be treated is healthy, free from infections, rashes, or open wounds.

During the Procedure
1. Sterile Environment: The procedure should be performed in a clean, sterile environment. The practitioner should use sterilized instruments and maintain aseptic techniques.
2. Hand Hygiene: The practitioner should wash their hands thoroughly and wear sterile gloves.
3. Skin Preparation: The area to be treated should be cleaned with an antiseptic solution, such as chlorhexidine or alcohol, before the injection.
4. Single-Use Products: Ensure that the filler product and needles are single-use and sterile.

Post-Procedure Care
1. Follow Instructions: Carefully follow the post-procedure care instructions provided by your practitioner.
2. Avoid Contamination: Avoid touching the treated area with unwashed hands. Keep the area clean and dry.
3. Monitor for Signs of Infection: Be vigilant for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or pus at the injection site. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

General Tips
1. Avoid Makeup: Refrain from applying makeup to the treated area for at least 24 hours post-injection to reduce the risk of contamination.
2. Avoid Strenuous Activities: Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and hot tubs for at least 24-48 hours after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
3. Regular Follow-Ups: Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended by your practitioner to monitor the treated area and address any concerns promptly.

Long-Term Considerations
1. Choose Approved Fillers: Opt for FDA-approved fillers, which have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy.
2. Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the specific type of filler being used, including its potential risks and benefits.

By adhering to these guidelines and choosing a skilled and reputable practitioner, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection and ensure a safer filler injection experience. If you have any specific concerns about the procedure or the type of filler, discuss them with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

How to prevent infection from filler injection?

Answers (5)

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