Clinical Pearls-Dermal Filler Complications

Wm. Philip Werschler, MD

It is important to keep in mind that complications can occur when using dermal fillers in clinical practice…It’s important that you:

• Recognize complications and promptly treat them
• Not hesitate to see patients in follow-up and refer them if necessary
• Are truthful with your patients and stay in close contact with them

What about impending necrosis? Remember that impending necrosis as a proposed MOA and patient’s actions may have an impact on the development of impending necrosis…Dr Werschler provides us with some practice tips:

• Educate staff on concept of impending necrosis
• Educate and consent patients on risk of necrosis
  • “Scabbing, shedding, discoloration and shallow scarring which may result in prolonged healing and/or the need for reconstructive surgery may occur in rare instances”
• When patients call and complain of increasing pain, discoloration, headache or other unusual symptoms, instruct staff to have pt. take a NSAID, discontinue cold/ice packs, and come to office for evaluation

 

Concern of an impending or acute necrosis is a clinical consideration and you should act immediately! Apply a warm compress, nitropaste, confirm NSAID use, and massage as the first step. You should then evaluate the response and consider the use of hyaluronidase and cover with antibiotic, also consider oral corticosteroids. If frank necrosis occurs, utilize HBO2. If necrosis has already occurred, HBO2 speeds tissue repair and healing. Be sure to consult plastic surgery early.