Avoiding Complications with Dermal Fillers

Vascular complications from cosmetic injectables can happen to even the most proficient and experience injectors.

Addressing any issue that arises in a quick and effective manner can make the difference between reversal or a serious, and even disfiguring, result.

“The most common vascular complications are inadvertent intra-arteriolar placement of product that causes local vasoocclusion and the potential for local soft tissue necrosis,” said Boca Raton, Florida oculoplastic surgeon Steven Fagien, M.D., who was a panelist at the discussion during “Avoiding Vascular Complications With Injectables” at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s The Aesthetic Meeting 2017 in San Diego, California.

“Even experienced injectors have caused this when injecting into areas that are felt to be ‘safer’ areas, yet for several potential reasons, an intra-vascular ‘accident’ occurs.”

That might sound like scary news to patients who have done, or are considering doing injectable treatments, but its always important to entrust a skilled medical professional to do your cosmetic treatments because even if there is a complication, an experienced medical professional will know how to handle the situation.

Less common, but more devastating vascular complications with injectable filler agents include vision loss and potential blindness.

While Botox is not 100 percent complication-free, according to Dr. Fagien, Botulinum toxin products may have a leg up when it comes to these sorts of vascular complications.

“There are no long-standing vascular complications that have been reported using neurotoxins that I am aware of,” said Dr. Fagien.

To avoid vascular complications from injectables, cosmetic dermal filler injectors should, at the very least, have a basic understanding of the target treatment area, as well as the vascular anatomy of the face.

“A greater understanding of this usually leads to less [risk of] complications, as the injector understands which areas to avoid or what techniques might reduce the risk,” said Dr. Fagien.

Safe techniques include using smaller volumes and administering slower injections. It may also be advantageous in some regions to appropriately use cannulas and watch for blood in the needle hub with aspiration (in areas of higher risk), prior to injection.

If you have questions regarding dermal fillers, schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicole Hayre at the Cosmetic Dermatology Center in McLean, Virginia.