Did you know dermal fillers are the second most popular non-surgical beauty treatment after Botox? They’re a safe and effective way to achieve a more youthful look. They restore volume and smooth out wrinkles.
That being said, no procedure is 100% risk-free. The chance of problems drops when you use a licensed professional. Still, it helps to know why fillers can go wrong and what happens when they do.
This article covers all you need to know about face fillers gone wrong. We’ll explain what they are, why problems happen, and how to spot issues. Most importantly, we’ll explore how to fix bad fillers and avoid them in the first place.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
The first thing we need to understand is what dermal fillers actually are. In short, the procedure consists of an injection under the skin. Inside the needle is a gel-like substance that works to add volume and fullness to the face.
You’ve likely heard of lip augmentation, lifting cheekbones, or filling in wrinkles. These are usually done with dermal fillers.
Common Types of Fillers
So, what magical substance can be injected into your face to erase lines and restore volume? It turns out it’s not magic but science. The vast majority of fillers on the market today contain hyaluronic acid (HA). This is a natural substance found in your eyes, joints, and skin.
HA is an ideal choice for fillers because our bodies already produce it naturally.
Other types of fillers include:
- Calcium hydroxylapatite: A mineral-like compound found in our bones. It’s thicker than HA and lasts longer.
- Polymethyl methacrylate: These are semi-permanent fillers that contain tiny plastic beads. They aren’t dissolved by the body.
- Polylactic acid: This synthetic filler actually stimulates your own collagen production. It doesn’t just fill – it helps your skin rebuild itself.
Each filler type has specific uses. Some work better for fine lines. Others excel at adding volume to cheeks or chins.
Areas of the Face Treated with Fillers
We’ve already mentioned the lips and cheekbones. Beyond that, fillers are often used on the forehead in place of Botox. It is a popular choice for those with forehead wrinkles. Another common area is the under-eye region. Fillers can help reduce dark circles and hollows.
Surprisingly, dermal fillers can even help reshape the nose and chin. The area surrounding the mouth is also popular. You know, the one where we find those pesky Marionette lines and Nasolabial Folds.
Why Fillers Can Go Wrong
Since most fillers use natural substances and aren’t permanent, you might wonder what can go wrong. Let’s look at the common causes.
Common Causes of Complications
The single biggest cause of face fillers gone wrong is the practitioner. Due to the price of proper medical treatment, many people turn to dark market alternatives. Either they go to an unlicensed clinic or settle for subpar dosage.
Another cause can be improper aftercare. Patients are advised to follow strict instructions from their injector after getting filler. Failing to follow these guidelines could jeopardize the process.
Finally, the rest of the complications can be chalked down to bad luck:
- Allergic reactions: Some people react to filler ingredients. This is more common with some filler types than others.
- Medical conditions: Things like autoimmune or bleeding disorders increase risks. Certain skin conditions may also cause problems.
- Filler migration: Everyone’s face is different inside, especially inside the body. The filler can move, causing lumps or unevenness. This happens more often in high-movement areas.
- Infection: This can occur if proper cleaning isn’t done during injection. Touching the area afterward increases risk.
Risk Factors
In order to mitigate risk factors, we should look at a few things before even injecting the first dose. First, your injector should review your medical history thoroughly. Product quality is also a crucial factor in how the procedure unfolds. Only use Health Canada-approved fillers from trusted brands. Cheap or counterfeit products can be dangerous.
Finally, your lifestyle affects results as well. Smoking slows healing. Excessive sun exposure breaks down fillers faster. And heavy exercise right after treatment can worsen bruising.
The Role of Unrealistic Expectations
A less talked about risk associated with filler injections is wanting too much. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the results they can achieve with fillers. Fillers enhance your features – they don’t transform your face completely.
Wanting dramatic changes might lead to overfilling. This creates an unnatural, “done” look. Good injectors will be honest about what fillers can achieve. They may suggest combining treatments for better results. Sometimes, they’ll even say no to requests they can’t safely fulfill.
Recognizing Filler Complications
Knowing about the possible complications and their causes is one thing. Knowing how to recognize them and how to react is another. Let’s look at the various filler complications and how they manifest.
Immediate Side Effects vs. Serious Complications
One thing to note is that there are some common side effects to dermal fillers. In order to avoid unnecessary panic, familiarize yourself with the following:
- Redness: Some redness at the injection site is normal and should fade within a few hours.
- Swelling: Some light swelling is normal but should subside within one week.
- Pain: Mild discomfort at the injection site is expected but should not be severe.
- Tenderness: The treated area might feel tender to touch for a few days.
- Itching: Mild itching can occur but should not persist beyond a few days.
Types of Complications
Complications are much like filler side effects. The only difference is that they carry the risk of long-term effects or require medical attention.
Swelling and Bruising
Some minor swelling and bruising are normal after a filler. However, excessive swelling or bruising may indicate an allergic reaction or infection. If the swelling does not go down within a week or the bruising is severe and painful, seek medical attention.
Asymmetry or “Overfilled” Look
This may happen if a filler migrates or there is an error in injection. One side of your face will look different from the other, or an area may appear unnaturally puffy. A skilled injector can correct this by massage, dissolving the filler, or adding more filler to balance out the area.
Nodules and Granulomas
These are lumps of filler under your skin. They form when your body reacts to the filler. They’re usually temporary and treatable. In some cases, you might feel these more than you see them. They feel like small, firm bumps under the skin. Some nodules form right away. Others develop months after treatment.
Infection Signs
Infection is a more serious complication that can occur after injection. It is essential to monitor the treated area for any signs of infection. These include redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. Infections can be easily treated with antibiotics if caught early. However, they may lead to more serious complications if left untreated.
Vascular Occlusion
This rare but serious complication happens when filler blocks a blood vessel. Symptoms include severe pain and tightness in the area. The skin might turn white, then blue-gray. This indicates that the tissue isn’t getting blood. As you can imagine, this is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
When to Seek Immediate Help
We always preach the value of “better safe than sorry.” It’s always better to seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms after a filler injection:
- Severe pain
- Discolored skin
- Numbness or tingling
- A feeling of tightness in the treated area.
Even symptoms outside of those could be cause for concern, so never hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any concerns.
How to Choose a Qualified Practitioner
Most face fillers gone wrong can be avoided by picking the right injector. Good practitioners have proper training and experience.
Credentials and Experience Matter
It is important to research the credentials and experience of any practitioner before deciding to go ahead with a procedure. Of course, you’ll want to start by looking at their education. Are they certified in the field of cosmetic procedures? Do they have any additional specific certifications related to filler injections?
Next, consider the injector’s experience. An injector fresh out of school doesn’t necessarily have the same nerves of steel as a practitioner who has been injecting fillers for years.
The Consultation Process: What to Ask
Coming in for a consultation is your chance to do a second round of vetting. A consultation should feel like a two-way conversation between you and the injector. This is your opportunity to ask them about their experience.
You can also see what kind of contingency plans they have in place should something go wrong with the filler. Take the opportunity to ask for before/after photos of their past patients.
Red Flags to Avoid Unsafe Clinics
Watch for these warning signs:
- Super low prices: Quality fillers are expensive. Too-good-to-be-true deals usually are.
- No medical background: Your injector should have proper medical training. A weekend certification course won’t cut it.
- Pressure to get more than you wanted: A good clinic will listen to your goals, not push you to do more.
- No medical history check: If they don’t ask about your health history, allergies, and medications, walk away.
- Unclean setting: The space should be clean and medical-looking.
Safe Filler Practices for Prevention
Although your choice of practitioner makes a big difference, some of the responsibility also falls on your shoulders. Both you and your injector play roles in preventing problems.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
Before the treatment, it is your injector’s job to ask you the relevant questions to ensure your safety. Are you taking any medication that can potentially interact with the filler? Have you had any previous experiences with fillers or cosmetic injections? They may also do a general health check.
On your end, it’s crucial to answer truthfully.
Injection Techniques to Minimize Risks
During the procedure, it’s up to your injector to minimize cosmetic filler risks. They should aim to keep you comfortable and safe throughout the entire process. That means a slow and steady hand, taking into consideration any risks.
Post-Treatment Aftercare Steps
Once the injections are complete, it will be up to you to follow proper aftercare steps. These typically include:
- Avoid touching the treated area
- Skip intense exercise for 24-48 hours
- Don’t use makeup on the area right away
- Apply ice if recommended
- Avoid alcohol and blood thinners
Managing Filler Complications
Unfortunately, even with all the precautions in the world, there is still a risk of complications. Thankfully, there are also solutions.
Hyaluronidase for HA Fillers
An instant solution exists for hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronidase treatment works with an enzyme of the same name. One that dissolves the filler. It works within 24-48 hours and can fix lumps, asymmetry, or overfilling. This “eraser” for HA fillers is why many injectors prefer them. Other filler types can’t be dissolved this way.
The procedure is simple. Your specialist injects small amounts of hyaluronidase into the problem area. You might need multiple sessions to make complete corrections.
Medical Treatments
Other complications may need different treatments. Steroids can reduce inflammation. Antibiotics fight infection. Your injector will choose the right approach for your situation.
Long-Term Management and Revision
If the complication is mainly cosmetic, there may be some way to salvage the results. This is where the practitioner’s artistry comes into play. They may have a way to use additional filler or make other adjustments to improve the overall appearance.
Prevention Strategies
Ideally, problems can be avoided before they arise. Here are some prevention strategies adopted by the industry.
Setting Realistic Goals
Set reasonable expectations. Fillers make subtle improvements. They won’t make you look 20 years younger or completely change your features. Talk openly with your injector about what’s possible.
Choosing the Right Filler Type and Volume
Different areas need different fillers. Thicker ones work for cheeks but look odd on lips. Trust your injector’s recommendation on type and amount. Less is often more when it comes to fillers – it’s easier to add more later than to deal with an overfilled look.
Importance of Follow-Up Appointments
Don’t skip your follow-up visits. They let your treatment specialist check how well the filler settled and make adjustments if needed. They also give you a chance to ask questions.
Alternatives to Traditional Fillers
If you’re worried about filler risks, consider these options. Remember that all procedures carry risk.
Biostimulatory Fillers
Biostimulatory fillers work by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production. Treatments like Sculptra and Radiesse offer more gradual results that can last longer than HA fillers. They work from within, encouraging your skin to rebuild its support structure naturally.
Non-Invasive Skin Tightening
These laser skin treatments use energy to tighten your skin without needles. Ultrasound and radiofrequency devices heat deeper skin layers to boost collagen. They have minimal downtime and fewer risks than injections.
Final Recommendations for Safe Dermal Filler Use
The best way to stay safe is to find a qualified injector who explains everything clearly. Make sure you understand what’s being injected and why.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to find a qualified cosmetic dermatologist. If you’re in the Greater Toronto Area, SpaMedica has been operating for over 22 years. With the acclaimed Dr. Amber Chen and Dr. Paul Cohen, you are in safe hands. Book a consultation today to learn more about filler correction in Toronto. Discover how we can help you achieve natural-looking results with minimal risk.
