Dermal fillers are commonly performed dermatological cosmetic procedures to treat static wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected into the skin to plump up wrinkles and smooth out lines on your face.
Dermal fillers are generally harmless and, in most cases, do not lead to any serious side effects or complications. However, patients often express worry regarding misconceptions about dermal fillers and their ability to cause cancer. In this blog, we will discuss if dermal fillers can cause cancer and whether dermal fillers in cancer patients are safe.
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What are the Chances of Cancer After Dermal Fillers?
There has been no evidence or studies that suggest a correlation between dermal fillers and cancer. The misconception that dermal fillers can cause cancer primarily results from the involvement of certain compounds, such as BDDE, that have been found to cause cancer in some a
nimal experiments. BDDE is a compound that is used in dermal fillers to keep HA chains stuck together and make them last longer. However, the dose of BDDE used in dermal fillers is too small to have any side effects on adult humans. Therefore, the chances of developing cancer of any kind after a dermal filler procedure are almost negligible.
Dermal fillers can be composed of a variety of substances. While most of these substances are found in our skin itself, some are synthetic as well. One of the most common compounds that is used in dermal fillers is Hyaluronic Acid or HA. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is found in the skin and plays a huge role in keeping the skin hydrated and volumized.
Due to this reason, the risk of a reaction to HA-based dermal fillers is very low. Dermal filler procedure is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic dermatological procedures in the world. These fillers have a long safety-based profile with no reports of cancer or any long-term side effects.
Are Dermal Fillers Safe for Cancer Patients?
In most cases, yes, a dermal filler procedure is safe to undergo, even for patients diagnosed with cancer or undergoing cancer treatment. Dermal fillers do not affect the immune system. Therefore, dermal fillers in cancer patients are considered safe. However, it is still risky to subject an immunosuppressed patient to a cosmetic procedure. If you are considering a dermal filler procedure, it is crucial to consult with your oncologist first.
Any injury to the skin during the procedure can lead to an infection and cause serious complications. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, your oncologist may advise you to wait or postpone treatment until your white blood cell count returns to normal.
Side Effects of Dermal Fillers
As is the case with any other medical procedure, there are risks involved with dermal fillers as well. Most side effects associated with dermal fillers are minimal in nature and should resolve on their own in a few days after treatment. However, if they persist or worsen over time, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Some dermal filler side effects that may occur after your procedure are given below:
- Bruising
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Itching
- Rash
- Difficulty in performing certain activities
In some rare cases, you may even notice complications such as:
- Inflammation, such as swelling or redness that develops near the injection site following a viral or bacterial illness or infection
- Raised bumps in or under the skin may need to be surgically removed.
- Infection
- Open or draining wounds
- A sore at the injection site
- Allergic reaction
- Necrosis
Why Choose Pristyn Care?
Dermal filler injections are one of the most commonly performed dermatological procedures that can be a great way to improve the appearance of facial lines and volume loss caused by age or certain medical conditions. Generally, dermal fillers are considered to be safe. There have been no studies or pieces of medical literature that hint towards a correlation between cancer and dermal fillers or complications from the use of dermal fillers in cancer patients. So if you are worried that your dermal filler procedure could lead to long-term side effects or even lead to cancer, there is no need for it. However, there are still risks and complications that need to be considered, and proper consultation with a qualified and experienced dermatologist remains essential.
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