Cutis Uses Ultrasound Imaging for Facial Injections

As cosmetic dermal fillers rise in popularity, so do their complications. And although the risk of unwanted side effects is low, it is still important to take extra precautions to avoid adverse complications. These include choosing a trained and experienced injector and following all the after-care instructions.

We at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics are committed to improving patient safety and outcome, which is why we are using ultrasound or ultrasonography for supported facial injections. We use it to visualize facial and superficial anatomy to assess and prevent filler complications.

Visualization of the underlying facial anatomy also plays an important part, especially in the diagnosis and prevention of filler-related complications. This involves the use of ultrasound examination, which has been found to improve the safety of hyaluronic acid fillers. 

How does ultrasound imaging help with facial injections

With the use of ultrasound or ultrasonography, it is now possible to identify the amount, location, and depth of the injected dermal fillers. As this provides imaging, it allows aesthetic doctors to check their treatment and detect the location of the fillers. This can improve the injector’s technique, with the added benefit of learning more about facial anatomy. 

Another important benefit is that ultrasound can help avoid intravascular injections or injections within a blood vessel. The imaging lets providers know where to avoid structures in critical areas that are either very shallow or deep. This is particularly helpful in vascular areas like around the nose, which with wrong needle placement can cause blindness. 

The ultrasound scanner we use

Our clinic uses the Clarius L20 HD, which is a US FDA-cleared and CE-marked high-frequency handheld ultrasound scanner. Dr. Sylvia Ramirez has been trained by Clarius, a leader in the medical imaging field. The L20 HD can be used in different settings, including aesthetics,  dermatology, plastic surgery, MSK, rheumatology, pediatric anesthesia, and others. 

The Clarius L20 HD is designed to provide high image quality in the near field, skin line to 4cm. We specifically use it for dermal filler applications to assess the area anatomically and avoid vascular structures in critical areas, as well as injections in the wrong place that can cause adverse complications. 

As the device provides high-definition imaging, it can help enhance patient safety, as well as improve confidence in diagnoses and accuracy in guided procedures. Here are the ways ultrasonography contributes to improved patient safety and filler outcomes. 

• Prevent complications – The device provides vascular mapping in just minutes. This lets injectors know where to avoid structures during the filler treatment, which then prevents complications. 
• Assess filler complications – Remaining fillers from years ago can sometimes lead to non-vascular complications like nodules and swelling. Ultrasound imaging enables aesthetic doctors to see where these fillers are to dissolve them. This then eliminates the need for surgical procedures like blepharoplasty. 
• More confidence in needle placements – As ultrasound imaging enables injectors to know where to inject the filler, this translates to improved confidence and outcomes.

Get the most out of your injectable treatments

The key to having safe and effective injectable treatment is finding the right doctor to administer the procedure. Skills, training, and experience are important to make sure that you are in the right hands. You may also want to learn more about the procedure or whether your chosen provider uses ultrasound imaging. 

Here are a few other tips on getting the most out of your injectables:

• Have a pre-treatment consultation.
• Start with a conservative approach. 
• Be wary of those that offer discounted Botox/filler deals.
• Be sure  to follow the after-care guidelines. 
• Avoid extra pressure or repeated movements on the treatment site.

Check out our previous post to know the 5 things to look out for when doing fillers.

Schedule a consultation today

Want to learn more if you’re a good candidate for fillers? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez. 

Sources: 

https://www.imcas.com/en/academy/blog/935/dr-pether-velthius-presents-ultrasonography-for-injections

https://clarius.com/blog/why-handheld-ultrasound-is-essential-for-safe-consistent-dermal-fillers-outcomes/