POTENTIAL RISKS & COMPLICATIONS
associated with dermal filler injections

With any medical procedure there are risks associated with it. Understanding these risks helps you to make an informed decision about the treatment and if it is the right treatment for you.

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These risks are discussed during the consultation and again before the treatment when reviewing the consent form. The prescribing doctor also discusses these risks at the time of authorising the treatment.

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We recommend following our post care instructions to give you the best aesthetic results, and to minimise the risk of any post treatment complication.

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Non-permanent premium dermal fillers are the only fillers used at Restore My Glow that naturally break down with time. They have been researched for many years on their efficacy and safety. For unwanted filler they can also be removed with an injectable enzyme. 

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Patient safety and minimising complications is so important to us at Restore My Glow. We have a team of medical professionals who are our prescribing doctors available 24 hours a day in the unlikely event of a post treatment complication. We are also a member of AMET (Australia’s first aesthetic medical team) which provides medical support 24 hours a day with a team of specialists and medical professionals who are experienced in managing adverse events and complications.

 

Who is not suitable for dermal filler injections

• Must be over 18 years old.

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• Be in good physical and mental health.

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• Not be pregnant, breast feeding or trying for a baby.

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• Any sensitivity to the prescribed ingredients.

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• Not be allergic to lidocaine.

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• Anyone who has had a recent infection such as a UTI, sinus infection, cold or flu.

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• No covid or flu booster 2 weeks before your appointment.

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• Anyone who has a flight booked in 2 weeks following the treatment.

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• No dental work planned for 2 weeks post treatment.

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• Not have reddened or inflamed skin in the treatment areas- this includes rosacea.

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• No cold sores present.

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• History of hypertrophic scarring or keloid scarring.

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• No neuromuscular disorders.

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• No active infections or recent illness requiring antibiotics.

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• No implants/ pins/ plates or surgeries to the treatment areas.

 

 Dermal filler side effects and potential complications

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Please contact the clinic if you do experience any side effects and need further clarification.

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Minimal side effects:

• Redness: At the injection sites or treated areas.

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• Pain and discomfort.  Patient comfort is paramount in clinic so we have a range of anaesthetics as well as use a cannula for most treatments to minimise the risk of a bruise, swelling and patient safety.  This allows for less entry points or breaking of the skin surface vs a needle. 

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• Swelling: The dermal filler does swell in some patients more than others so we recommend avoiding any special events for 2 weeks after a treatment. This will decrease with avoiding alcohol, caffeine and exercise post treatment, as well as sleeping slightly elevated on an extra pillow if you have had a lip filler treatment. Ice will also alleviate swelling and help with discomfort.

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• Bruising: Some patients bruise every time and many don’t bruise at all. It can take a few days up to a week for it to disappear. Oxygenetix post procedure make up will speed up the recovery time as well as cover up the bruise.  Arnica or hirudoid cream is recommended if you do bruise and is also applied post treatment.

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• Itching. At or around the injection sites but is normally minimal.

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• Asymmetry: This can be pre-existing and may be able to be corrected. 

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• Lumps, bumps and unevenness of the dermal filler: The filler takes time to settle so these can all be present until the filler starts to soften up over a few weeks.

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• Cold sores if you already have the cold sore virus.  Breaking the skin surface can cause a cold sore so if you do suffer from them. We suggest a prophylactic medication (Famciclovir) to be taken the day before and the day of your treatment.  This is available over the counter at a pharmacy.

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• Undesired aesthetic outcome. With time the filler will break down or it can be dissolved.

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More severe and rare side effects:

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• Inflammatory reaction: We recommend no covid or flu vaccinations for 2 weeks before your treatment and to be in good physical health before the treatment with no signs of recent illness or infections. A history of autoimmune disorders will need to be discussed with your injector during the consultation to determine your suitability.

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• Vascular occlusion: Very rare but is where a blood vessel is blocked off or occluded by the dermal filler gel. This can result in necrosis, scarring and visual disturbance as well as blindness.   Blindness risk is very rare with 50 cases documented worldwide with an incidence of 0.05%. An injectable enzyme can be used to unblock the blood vessel. 

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• Patients who are allergic to bees and wasps cannot have this enzyme to dissolve the filler as they may be allergic to it also.

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• Granulomas and delayed onset nodules: Very rare but can occur 6 months after a treatment.

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• Migrated filler: Although rare, it can be seen after a lip treatment, where the filler has migrated from the place it was injected. A product used to dissolve the filler can be used to remove it.

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• Viral or bacterial infections.

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• Nerve damage.

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• Discolouration and dyschromia at the injection site.

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• Oedema.

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• Loss of sensation: temporary.

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• Haematomas.

 

Pre-treatment precautions and care:

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Some medications are known to have a blood thinning effect and cause an increase in bruising and swelling. Medications and vitamins such as aspirin, fish oil and omega 3’s, Ibuprofen, NSAID’S, St John’s Wort, ginseng, gingko biloba, evening primrose oil, vitamin e, caffeine and green tea can increase the risk of bruising, bleeding and swelling. We recommend avoid taking these for 2 weeks before your treatment (unless advised to continue for medical reasons).

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If you do bruise easily avoid any exercise, alcohol and caffeine the day before your appointment and the day of your treatment.

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No covid or flu vaccination for 2 weeks before your treatment to avoid any inflammatory reactions.

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If you are taking warfarin or other anti-coagulants, please advise the clinic.

If you have an autoimmune disorder or metabolic disorder, please contact the clinic.

 

Post care instructions for dermal fillers

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Immediately after the treatment, the most common side effects might be temporary redness, swelling and bruising at or around the injection site.  These normally resolve after a few days but lips can be tender & swollen for up to 2 weeks if you had a lip treatment. 

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• Avoid any strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

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• No sun, heat or cold for 72 hours. This includes saunas, hot yoga and solariums.

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• Avoid consuming excess amounts of alcohol or salts to avoid excessive swelling. 

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• No alcohol for 24 hours.

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• No make up except Oxygenetix post procedure foundation that can be applied immediately afterwards.  It is available in clinic to aid healing, recovery, covers up any bruising and also allows your skin to breathe.

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• No active skincare tonight e.g., Retinols, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, AHA's, Glycolics.

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• Avoid touching or rubbing the area. Don’t allow any pets to lick your face.

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• If possible, sleep elevated on your back tonight on an extra pillow.

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• No laser, microdermabrasion’s, chemical peels, facials and facial treatments, waxing, IPL or radiofrequency for 2 weeks post treatment.

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• No dental work for 2 weeks after your treatment.

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• No flying for 1-2 weeks after your treatment.

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• If you have had a lip treatment, avoid any hot or cold drinks or food as the local anaesthetic in the dermal filler may still be present.  

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• Any changes in skin colour anywhere on your face e.g., grey, white or pale colour or purple like mesh colour, pain or excess swelling please let the clinic know ASAP.

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• Avoid exposure of the treated area to intense heat (sun or steam baths, tanning beds) or manipulation (facials, massages, waxing, facial aesthetic treatments) for 2 weeks.

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• It can take up to a month for the filler to integrate into the tissue, settle, and soften so give it time to adjust into the treated area.

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• A review at 3-4 weeks is recommended to compare before and after photos and review the desired results. 

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• A link to the dermal filler website is emailed with additional patient information on the dermal filler that was used for the treatment. It discusses these risks in further detail. These are also given out at the time of the treatment in an implant information leaflet.

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