Dermal Filler Safe Practice – What is Aspiration?
Dermal filler safety is a hot topic in the aesthetics industry and is of course, extremely important. The industry is an under-regulated one and as such it is up to responsible injectors to give patients the safest and highest quality treatment options. There are a number of things that practitioners can do to ensure each and every treatment is as safe as possible. This includes aspiration. But what does it mean to aspirate and why do injectors do it?
What is Dermal Filler Aspiration?
Aspiration is the technique of putting the needle tip into the point you are about to inject and pulling back on the plunger to ensure no blood has pulled back into the syringe. This is considered to be absolutely essential practice by many practitioners.
Why is Aspiration Important?
The theory behind aspirating is that if you pull back on the plunger of a syringe and blood is present, it implies that you have hit a blood vessel. If you continue to inject dermal filler into this point, this could cause serious problems for your patient including a vascular occlusion which could lead to scarring, skin necrosis or blindness. Aspiration is an important step but it is also essential that the injector performing the treatment is an experienced expert. Moving the injection point even by mere millimetres can mean you still hit a blood vessel so accuracy and skilful technique are absolutely paramount.
How Does Aspir8 Promote Dermal Filler Safety?
Aspir8 devices help injectors to aspirate effectively and minimise the risk of vascular occlusion by making the process easier. The Aspir8 thumb ring simplifies the process of pulling back on the plunger of the syringe, whilst aiding stability to make injecting accuracy easier than ever.
Other Steps to Minimise Dermal Filler Risks
- Slow and steady: When it comes to dermal filler, the slow and steady approach is often best. Whilst it isn’t unusual to use multiple mll across the whole face, volume can be built upon over a number of sessions for the safest application and the most natural looking results.
- High quality product: Using only the highest quality products such as from the Juvederm VYCROSS range helps to keep patients safe and application smooth and seamless.
- Using the correct product in the correct place: Specific products are designed for specific areas of the face. Some are light and smooth for areas such as the lips and under the eyes, whilst others are denser to add definition and strength to the lower face. Choose your product wisely for expert placement and the highest quality results.
- Using expert techniques: Technique is so important when it comes to injecting dermal filler. Using the correct technique means more effective application, less risk and a reduced chance of discomfort and complications.
- Continued training: In an industry that is continually evolving, ongoing training is key, even for the most experienced injectors. This will keep you up to date with the latest techniques, products and treatments so you can ensure you continue to offer your patients the safest procedure options.