Using ultrasound and dermal fillers together

Dermal fillers, known for their ability to restore facial volume and smooth wrinkles, are a popular non-invasive option for enhancing facial aesthetics. However, their application requires precision to minimise potential complications. In recent years, ultrasound technology has proven to be an invaluable tool to improve the safety, accuracy, and effectiveness of dermal filler procedures.

This article provides an expert insight into the combined use of ultrasound and dermal fillers, highlighting the benefits, techniques, and considerations for incorporating ultrasound into aesthetic practice.

What is the purpose of using ultrasound with dermal fillers?

Ultrasound imaging is employed in dermal filler procedures to provide a detailed, real-time view of facial anatomy, allowing your aesthetic specialist to visualise the skin’s underlying structures, including blood vessels, nerves, and muscle layers.

As a result, this real-time imaging enables precise placement of fillers, ensuring the product is deposited in the desired area while avoiding sensitive or high-risk regions. Additionally, it helps avoid complications such as vascular occlusion, which can occur if fillers inadvertently block blood vessels.

Ultrasound is invaluable in cases involving complex anatomy and previous filler placements - for example, identifying filler migration. It provides your aesthetic specialist with a non-invasive way to identify complex areas, map out new or existing filler deposits, and plan new treatments accordingly.

Is it safe to use ultrasound and fillers together?

Yes, ultrasound is non-invasive imaging technique. The combination of ultrasound with dermal fillers is not only safe, but it also significantly improves patient safety during the aesthetic procedure.

Dermal fillers, while generally low-risk when performed by a qualified aesthetic specialist, carry potential complications such as swelling, bruising, or, in rare cases, vascular occlusion. Ultrasound allows your aesthetic specialist to:

• Identify the precise location of blood vessels before injecting the filler, avoiding these areas to prevent unintentional blockage.
• Monitor the placement of the filler in real-time, ensuring the material is deposited in the desired area.
• Detect, assess and resolve issues if complications arise. For example, it can help identify whether a filler is causing pressure on a blood vessel or tissue. It can then guide immediate treatment.

What types of dermal fillers can be visualised using ultrasound?

Ultrasound is particularly effective in visualising hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which are among the most commonly used products in aesthetic medicine. These fillers appear as hypoechoic (dark) or hyperechoic (bright) areas depending on their density and the surrounding tissue.

In addition to HA fillers, ultrasound can also visualise other types of fillers, including calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and permanent fillers. High-frequency ultrasound probes provide detailed imaging of superficial tissues, making them ideal for assessing a wide range of filler materials.

What is the future of ultrasound in aesthetic medicine?

The role of ultrasound in dermal filler procedures is expected to grow as technology advances and awareness of its benefits increases. In the future, ultrasound may become a standard practice for dermal filler procedures, transforming the quality of care in filler treatments.

For patients, this means increased confidence in the safety and accuracy of their procedures, enabling aesthetic specialists to deliver personalised care and tailored treatments that address each individual’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.