4. Potential Risks and Side Effects
I understand that all medical procedures carry risks, and while dermal fillers are generally safe, side effects and complications may occur. By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have been informed of the following:
Common Side Effects (Temporary and Mild)
These are typical and usually resolve within a few hours to a week:
Redness: Around the injection site.
Swelling: Mild to moderate, depending on the area treated.
Bruising: Especially in areas with thin skin, such as the lips or under the eyes.
Tenderness or Pain: Common near the injection site.
Itching: Temporary, particularly in sensitive skin areas.
Lumps or Bumps: Small irregularities under the skin; often settle naturally or with gentle massage.
Less Common Side Effects
These occur less frequently and may require additional care:
Asymmetry: Uneven results requiring touch-ups.
Overcorrection: Too much filler causing an unnatural or “overfilled” look.
Under-Correction: Insufficient filler leading to incomplete results.
Prolonged Swelling: Persisting for several weeks in rare cases.
Delayed-Onset Swelling: May occur weeks after treatment due to immune responses.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
These complications are uncommon and may require immediate medical intervention:
Infection:
Bacterial, fungal, or viral infection at the injection site.
Symptoms: Redness, warmth, pain, or discharge.
Allergic Reactions:
Rash, itching, or swelling beyond the treatment area.
Severe cases can result in anaphylaxis (life-threatening).
Tissue Damage or Necrosis:
If the filler blocks blood flow, it can cause tissue death.
Symptoms: Intense pain, discoloration, or ulceration.
Vascular Occlusion:
Filler enters or compresses a blood vessel, blocking circulation.
Symptoms: Blanching, severe pain, or skin turning dark or cold.
Scarring:
Granulomas:
Hard, inflammatory lumps forming around the filler material.
May require corticosteroid injections or surgical removal.
Extremely Rare and Critical Side Effects
Vision Problems or Blindness:
If filler is accidentally injected into or near an artery supplying the eye.
Symptoms: Sudden vision changes, severe pain, or swelling.
Requires immediate emergency care.
Stroke:
Filler entering the bloodstream and blocking vessels in critical areas.
Symptoms: Numbness, slurred speech, weakness.
Migration of Filler:
Long-Term Risks
Chronic Swelling or Puffiness:
Changes in Skin Texture:
Uneven Breakdown of Filler:
Specific Risks by Treatment Area
Lips:
Under Eyes:
Nose (Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty):
Psychological Effects
Dissatisfaction:
Body Dysmorphia: