Dermal Fillers

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF DERMAL FILLERS?

Dermal fillers are generally considered safe when administered by a qualified healthcare professional. However, like any medical procedure, they carry some risks. Some potential risks and complications associated with dermal fillers include:

1. Bruising, swelling, and redness: These are common side effects of dermal filler injections and usually resolve within a few days.

2. Infection: There is a risk of infection at the injection site, which can lead to redness, swelling, pain, and pus-like discharge. This is rare but can be serious if left untreated.

3. Allergic reaction: Some people may be allergic to the filler material or other ingredients in the filler, which can cause itching, rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.

4. Nodules or lumps: Dermal fillers can sometimes form nodules or lumps under the skin, which may be visible or palpable. These can usually be treated with massage or injections of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid fillers.

5. Migration or displacement: Dermal fillers can sometimes migrate or become displaced from the injection site, which can lead to asymmetry or other aesthetic concerns.

6. Vascular complications: Dermal fillers can sometimes be injected into blood vessels, which can lead to vascular complications such as bruising, swelling, pain, or skin necrosis (death of the skin tissue).

7. Blindness: In rare cases, dermal fillers can be injected into blood vessels in the face, which can lead to blockage of the blood supply to the eye and blindness.

8. Granulomas: Dermal fillers can sometimes cause the formation of granulomas, which are small, hard lumps under the skin that can be painful or tender.