At Upsize one of the most common questions we get is whether or not we do permanent fillers. This article will discuss the differences between permanent fillers and semi-permanent fillers (such as the hyaluronic acid fillers that are used at Upsize.)
Permanent vs. Semi Permanent Fillers
Permanent Penis Fillers:
1. Risk of Complications: Because permanent fillers, such as silicone or PMMA, are not dissolvable, there are inherent risks in injecting them. Known risks of permanent fillers include granulomas (lumps formed due to immune reactions), vascular occlusions (blockage of blood flow to the penis), cosmetic imperfections, infections and allergic reactions.
2. Difficulty in Removal: Sometimes it is necessary to remove dermal fillers. For example, many of the issues above would require removal. Permanent fillers have no ability to be removed without de-gloving surgery. De-gloving refers to peeling the skin of the penis back to expose the internals of the penis so that the filler can be manually removed. This of course has the potential for serious permanent complications such as erectile dysfunction, loss of sensation, scar tissue, peyronies disease, infection, etc.
3. Long-Term Safety Concerns: Many permanent fillers such as silicone have not undergone long term testing in the skin. Therefore there are potential concerns that unforeseen issues could occur in the future.
4. Potential for Permanent Damage: Due to all of the issues above, and that removing the filler can require major surgery, or the filler itself can cause infection and vascular occlusion, the potential for permanent damage is non negligible.
5. Permanent Filler are Not Really Permanent: In reality, fillers such as PMMA and silicone that are advertised as being permanent, last about 5 years if not surgically removed sooner. The issue with 5 years is that over time some of it may degrade before the 5 year point is over and then you are left with imperfections due to random parts of the filler having disappeared.
Hyaluronic Acid Penis Fillers:
1. Semi-Permanent Nature: Hyaluronic acid fillers are considered semi-permanent due to the duration being an average of 2-3 years. This is a happy medium between permanent fillers and temporary fillers. The duration of action of the hyaluronic acid fillers is determined by the level of hyaluronidase enzyme in the body which may differ between individuals based on genetics and metabolism.
2. Reversibility: Hyaluronic acid fillers are quickly and easily dissolved with hyaluronidase enzyme (the same enzyme found in the body.) Although some of the risks of injecting hyaluronic acid fillers are the same as permanent fillers (granulomas, vascular occlusions, infections, etc), should any of these occur, they are easily fixable by immediately dissolving the filler. This creates an incredible level of safety that’s unique to hyaluronic acid fillers.
3. Natural Component: Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the human body. Because of this, patients are less likely to see allergic reactions and other immune mediated reactions. Essentially hyaluronic acid is already in your body just as water and electrolytes are thereby making it a particularly safe and natural appearing/feeling option.
4. Extensive Safety Profile: Hyaluronic acid fillers have been in use for approximately 25 years and as such we have an extensive body of knowledge on their side effects and overall safety. Hyaluronic acid fillers are considered by many to be the safest fillers available on the market.
What We Have Seen at Upsize
It is unfortunate that many men opt to go with permanent fillers due to the perceived value without regard to the safety or other potential issues of permanence. Due to this being the case, we routinely see men with permanent filler in our offices with disfigured penises seeking help to fix them. Unfortunately however, we are unable to do so, because as discussed above, they need surgery to be removed. It is because of this that we highly recommend patients avoid permanent fillers.
After performing over 1000 procedures at Upsize, we have yet to see an outcome that requires surgery to fix, again due to the semi-permanent nature of the fillers, and the fat that they can be easily dissolved.
Are you considering fillers? Or do you have questions? Contact us for your free phone consultation and to book your in office appointment with an Upsize physician.
