SALT LAKE CITY — Injectable cosmetic fillers are a hot trend right now and are gaining traction in Utah. But experts agree that before you trust your face to the needle, you need to do your homework. There are risks, and not everyone gets the payoff they were hoping for.

Whether it's to help with those fine lines, lighten up those dark circles or just to stay looking as young as possible, women are lining up for the injectable filler treatments.

"Injectable medicine is really exploding in popularity," said Dr. Scott Thompson, a board-certified plastic surgeon with Utah Facial Plastics. "We're seeing younger and younger patients."

Thompson's group has two offices in Utah. They see about 150 patients each week for injectables. He said that lands their practice in the top 3 percent in the nation for the number of injectables administered.

If you're feeling the need for some filler, there are some considerations before you make the appointment.

"It needs to be directed by a physician, or under the guise of a physician's practice," Thompson said.

That wasn't the case for one local woman who chose to get filler at a friend's house and quickly developed a serious infection. Another woman wanted a prettier pout but instead walked away with a lopsided lip.

Thompson warns that Botox carries an additional layer of consideration.

"I've seen some really problematic situations where someone had a facial nerve problem," Thompson said. "For example, you could have a droopy eyelid, like you can't open one eye."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that Botox has also been known to cause problems swallowing, speaking or breathing, and those symptoms can appear days or weeks after an injection.

There are more than 20 different cosmetic filler products on the market, each with their own risks and complications.

According to Thompson, risks increase with the use of semi-permanent fillers like "Bellafill" and "Sculptra." Less-risky options, with brand names like "Juvederm" and "Restalyn," are made up of more natural components and can be reversed.

According to the FDA's website, any dermal filler can cause side effects. While most of those side effects go away within a few weeks, some can be permanent.

Even though Thompson is one of only about eight board-certified facial plastic surgeons in the state of Utah, he said even his clients can sometimes experience side effects.

"It's not as if every time there is an injection, it's perfect," he explained. "Sometimes there are complications."

Thompson also warned people not to take advertisements at face value.

"They're very appealing and attractive, and they put a picture of a beautiful woman, and you think 'oh, I should go there,'" he said.

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They can plump your lips like a reality star's. They can smooth over wrinkles and even shape your nose.

Ultimately, Thompson said you're the one who's responsible for how you turn out.

"Usually the reasons that I have to fix things are because someone had a procedure without really doing the appropriate amount of research," he said.

One resource to check if you're planning a filler procedure is the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing where you can search for providers by name to see if any disciplinary actions have been taken. If your procedure requires any kind of sedative anesthesia, make sure the facility is accredited.

"The truth is, any physician can pretty much do what they want," Thompson said. "It's the responsibility of the consumer or the patient to do the research."

The cost of fillers can range from $300 to $800. The effects of Botox can last three to six months. Other cosmetic fillers will typically last from six months to several years.

The FDA has created a checklist for consumers with helpful information when considering an injectable filler.

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