Injectable Fillers: Risks and Complications

Filed in archive Injectables , Procedures , Skin and Wrinkles on April 12, 2010

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In spite of our ominous danger warning to the left, there is not a great deal of risks or complications associated with the use of injectable fillers, and most people tolerate and react well to fillers that are naturally derived. The small incidence of risk that does exist depends on the specific filler used and the permanence of the treatment. Some fillers that are derived from non-human or non-natural sources may require a pre-treatment allergy test before use, and a greater risk of complication is associated with the use of "permanent" and artificially derived fillers like silicone.

Some of the complications may include:

• Infection at the injection site

• Lumping over time: Fillers that are not completely fluid and contain microscopic granular substances carry a risk of "clumping" as a result of facial movement and the natural aging process. Over time, these can result in lumps or nodules that may require surgery to treat

• Acne-like skin eruptions

• Antibodies to filler material may reduce the effectiveness of future injections

• Asymmetry

• Bleeding, bruising and swelling

• Filler material may migrate from the original site and produce temporary paralysis of other muscle groups or other unintended effects

• Necrosis of the skin

• Skin rash, itching, swelling, and redness

• Skin sensitivity

• Under or over correction of wrinkles

It's important to note that some of these are extremely rare reactions to the more "permanent" or artificially derived substances in some fillers and are by no means common, however it's always important to research filler product thoroughly before considering this cosmetic surgery procedure.