How Do I Know If My Fillers Are Botched?

Severe headaches or **facial pain.**

It’s important to note that these are just some potential signs of trouble. If you have any concerns at all about your fillers, regardless of how minor they may seem, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical advice.

Remember, early detection and treatment can minimize complications and ensure a better outcome.

Consult a Medical Professional

Knowing when to seek help after receiving dermal filler injections is crucial for ensuring the best possible outcome and minimizing potential complications.

While some minor swelling, bruising, and redness are normal after filler treatment, certain signs indicate a need for immediate professional attention.

Here are some situations where you should consult a medical professional:

• Severe Pain or Discomfort: If you experience intense pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relievers, seek medical attention immediately. This could indicate an allergic reaction, infection, or other complications.

• Rapid Swelling or Redness: While some swelling is expected, sudden and excessive swelling or redness beyond the treated area could signify a severe allergic reaction or vascular compromise.

• Blurred Vision or Double Vision: If you notice any changes in your vision after filler treatment, especially if accompanied by pain, it’s crucial to seek medical help promptly. This could be a sign of vascular occlusion, where the filler has blocked an artery supplying blood to the eye.

• Numbness or Tingling: Persistent numbness or tingling in the treated area or surrounding tissues could indicate nerve damage or compromise.

• Pus or Drainage: Any signs of pus or discharge from the injection site are indicative of infection and require immediate medical attention.

It’s important to remember that early intervention is key in addressing complications related to dermal filler injections.

If you have any concerns about your results, don’t hesitate to contact the practitioner who administered the treatment or seek a second opinion from another qualified medical professional.

Red Flags that Require Immediate Attention

Facial Paralysis or Numbness

Facial paralysis or numbness after dermal filler injection should be considered a serious medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

This can indicate a blockage or compression of nerves, blood vessels, or lymphatic vessels by the injected material.

Prompt medical intervention is crucial to minimize potential long-term damage.

Do not delay seeking help if you experience any of the following:

– Facial drooping on one or both sides

– Inability to smile, frown, or close your eyes fully

– Numbness or tingling sensations in the treated area or surrounding regions

– Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth extending beyond the injection site

Immediate action is essential because early treatment can often reverse or significantly reduce these complications. Delaying medical attention can lead to permanent nerve damage and facial deformities.

Contact your injector immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. If they are unavailable, go to the nearest emergency room without delay.

Difficulty Breathing

Difficulty breathing after dermal filler injections should be considered a serious medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Filler migration, while concerning, doesn’t typically cause breathing difficulties. However, it could indicate that the filler has entered a blood vessel, leading to potentially life-threatening complications like an embolism or airway obstruction.

Arrange a Dermal Filler Consultation with Dr. Laura Geige

Immediate action is crucial in such situations. Seek emergency medical care without delay.

Other red flags that require immediate attention include swelling beyond the injection site, severe pain, fever, redness extending from the injection area, and signs of infection (pus, warmth, increasing pain).

It’s important to remember that even minor concerns after filler injections should be discussed with your injector. They can assess the situation and determine if further intervention is needed.

Vision Changes

Identifying a “botched” filler treatment can be tricky, as results often take time to settle and individual healing varies.

However, some immediate red flags signal potential issues requiring urgent attention:

• Severe pain or swelling that worsens over time: While some discomfort is normal initially, escalating pain or swelling could indicate infection or vascular complications. Seek medical attention immediately if this occurs.
• Visible lumps or bumps under the skin: Uneven or irregular filler placement can lead to noticeable lumps. This often indicates improper technique and may require professional intervention to dissolve and redistribute the filler.
• Asymmetry or distortion of facial features: If one side of your face appears significantly different from the other after treatment, it could suggest uneven filler injection. Immediate correction is necessary to prevent permanent asymmetry.
• Blurred vision or double vision: Filler migrating near vital blood vessels in the eye area can cause significant and potentially dangerous complications like blindness. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any changes in your vision after treatment.
• Numbness, tingling, or coldness in the treated area: This could indicate nerve damage, which is a serious complication requiring immediate medical evaluation.

Vision changes are particularly concerning and must be addressed as an emergency. Do not delay seeking medical attention if you notice any alteration in your vision after filler injections.

Remember, it’s crucial to choose a qualified and experienced injector who prioritizes safety and uses high-quality products. If you have concerns about your results, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for professional guidance.