Permanent fillers may seem appealing, but they carry serious risks that far outweigh the benefits. Unlike temporary fillers made from hyaluronic acid, permanent fillers cannot be dissolved if complications arise. They have been linked to chronic inflammation, granulomas, and disfigurement that is extremely difficult to correct. At Blooming, our plastic surgeons strongly advise against permanent fillers and always recommend safe, reversible alternatives. In this article, we explain exactly why and what you should consider before any filler treatment.
In the television programme RTL Verminkt, we saw Amsterdam hairdresser Pierre having permanent fillers injected into his face - something that was quite normal in the 1990s. We now know better, and permanent fillers for cosmetic purposes are prohibited in the Netherlands.
Not surprisingly. Because several years later Pierre still deals every day with the consequences of the then seemingly safe permanent fillers. He has hard and unsightly lumps in his face and is certainly not alone in suffering such lasting effects.
Why do people choose fillers?
Common reasons why someone considers a filler include volume loss in the face, an angry appearance, under-eye bags or a tired appearance. With a filler you create a fresher and younger look. Placements where volume has been lost are replenished. A fine solution that for most people can be long-lasting. Yet permanent fillers are not an option in this case. Imagine if it is injected incorrectly - there is no way back.
Long-term problems
Permanent fillers can cause serious problems in the long term. Think of infections and encapsulation. In some cases, permanent fillers even migrate through the body. Inflammation or allergic reactions after the use of permanent fillers are the cause of lumps, red and painful patches. As the years pass, your face changes, and a permanent filler can then suddenly look very strange.
What does the Dutch Association for Plastic Surgery say?
The Dutch Association for Plastic Surgery strongly advises against the use of permanent fillers for cosmetic purposes. The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate also keeps a watchful eye. The risks of permanent fillers are too great and can cause lasting problems.
We only use non-permanent fillers
At our clinic, only treatments with non-permanent fillers are available. This means that the filler is broken down by the body after a certain period of time. Our plastic surgeons are very experienced in the field of injections. There are many general practitioners with less cosmetic experience who also offer fillers. Always inform yourself thoroughly about the medical specialist and the fillers to be injected before any treatment.
We work with hyaluronic acid and Radiesse
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar in the body. It ensures that the skin retains moisture, which is beneficial for maintaining elasticity. Well-known brand names include Restylane and Juvederm.
Radiesse contains very fine calcium phosphate microspheres, a substance naturally found in the body, which immediately fills wrinkles and additionally stimulates the skin to produce new collagen. After approximately three months, the injected gel is broken down by the body.
Read here more about treatment with non-permanent fillers at Blooming clinic.