Dermal fillers rarely create complications but, they do happen. Necrosis, infections, filler migration, lumps and strange looking results are all possible side effects.
We specialise in non-surgical aesthetics and it’s becoming more popular so if there is more transparency about the risks involved, they can be overcome quickly and safely. Examples are:
Swelling
Some people experience swelling, bruising and/or lumps after their dermal filler treatment has completed. It’s quite usual and harmless, however, that could also indicate a bigger problem.
This lady had cellulitis and found the swelling was severe after cheek fillers. She woke up unable to breathe properly and had to go AE for treatment. The swelling went from one cheek to the other affecting her throat, nose and cheeks. It lasted around 8 - 10 days.
This can be due several things:
1. The injections disturb the skin and soft tissue causing trauma to the area and the swelling is your body’s reaction while it heals.
2. A reaction to the filler itself.
3. If it’s going into more delicate tissue like in the lips.
4. The filler was put in the wrong place.
5. Use of low grade fillers
6. Infection
This is a before photo of the lady above.
If you haven’t had fillers before it can be worrying but if you choose an experienced and experienced practitioner it shouldn’t happen. In this example, the lady was told the placement and amount could have caused this amount of recurring swelling.
It was treated with a cocktail of strong antibiotics and anti-inflammatory’s until the practitioner dissolved the filler in the area.
Skin necrosis
Vascular Occlusion is very rare. If dermal filler is injected near or in a blood vessel it can cause skin necrosis and even blindness.
It is a very rare and serious complication of hyaluronic acid fillers. It happens when the filler goes into an artery or by compression of the artery limits the blood flow. This suffocates the skin damaging it. This incident needs to be treated fast.
Vascular occlusion can progress to tissue necrosis if not treated quickly. This includes a change in tone of the skin, intense pain and bruising or blanching of the skin . It can happen immediately and be corrected but symptoms don’t always happen right away.
Asymmetric face features
We all have asymmetric faces and some times face fillers don’t help. Luckily this can be corrected quickly by increasing the filler amount or dissolving some. Don’t panic, just pop back to your practitioner.
Puffiness
You will swell straight after fillers in the face so wait a bit and it should naturally reduce. Some fillers are used deeper and may bruise causing tenderness and swelling. Contact your practitioner if you are concerned.
Disappointed of the result
Most practitioners will err on the conservative side with dermal filler until they know what expectations the client has. Going slow is good as you need to see how you react to the product. You can always go back in a few weeks for more if you need it.
Left with bumps
Some people report lumps and bumps under the skin. They are mostly small bruises under the filler. They usually smooth out in 8 – 12 days after the treatment. Sometimes a bump that is bothering you can be dissolved with hyluronadase.
Our best advice?
Before having dermal fillers book a consultation so you can ask about your practitioner. Where did they study. Are they non medic based or from a medical background. How much experience have they had? Check they have insurance.
If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t do it.
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