Complications of Dermal Fillers (Restylane/Juvederm) ~ Houston Cosmetic Surgeon
There are several facial filler materials that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States that have been employed by physicians for the past several years. These dermal fillers are very effective and popular cosmetic treatments for today's anti-aging and facial rejuvenation for aesthetic patients. One of the dermal fillers include hyaluronic acid, which is a ubiquitous carbohydrate polymer normally found as a major component of skin where it is involved in tissue repair. Hyaluronic acid injections temporarily smooth wrinkles by adding volume under the skin, with effects typically lasting for six months. Although they seem to be simple procedures, complications may potentially occur.
These complications may include intraarterial embolization of hyaluronic acid (Restylane & Juvederm) which can have disastrous consequences. The dermal filler may be injected accidentally into tiny vessels if not performed properly by a trained medical professional. Intraarterial embolization of hyaluronic acid may lead to superficial to deep necrosis of the skin (premature death of cells and living tissues.) This will then lead to ulceration and severe deformity of the face. Embolization of dermal fillers may also lead to blindness, which is a rare complication.
How can one treat intra-arterial injection of hyaluronic acid? Progression of the skin necrosis can be further prevented by injection of hyaluronidase (Amphadase) into the area of previous injection site. Thus, ask your provider if they have hyaluronidase in their office just in case a complication may arise.
How can one recognize this complication of Restylane or Juvederm? This can be recognized clinically by a bluish discoloration of the face that may eventually progress to necrosis and/or ulceration of the face.
Once this complication occurs, can my provider fix the problem? Once necrosis/ulceration of the face occurs, injection of hyaluronidase into the previous injection site may prevent its progression. Once the necrosis has demarcated, one of your Houston plastic surgeons may perform a plastic surgery procedure, such as removal of dead tissue and possibly a flap, depending on the severity and location of the facial skin necrosis.
Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D.
http://www.delacruzplasticsurgery.com/
There are several facial filler materials that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States that have been employed by physicians for the past several years. These dermal fillers are very effective and popular cosmetic treatments for today's anti-aging and facial rejuvenation for aesthetic patients. One of the dermal fillers include hyaluronic acid, which is a ubiquitous carbohydrate polymer normally found as a major component of skin where it is involved in tissue repair. Hyaluronic acid injections temporarily smooth wrinkles by adding volume under the skin, with effects typically lasting for six months. Although they seem to be simple procedures, complications may potentially occur.
These complications may include intraarterial embolization of hyaluronic acid (Restylane & Juvederm) which can have disastrous consequences. The dermal filler may be injected accidentally into tiny vessels if not performed properly by a trained medical professional. Intraarterial embolization of hyaluronic acid may lead to superficial to deep necrosis of the skin (premature death of cells and living tissues.) This will then lead to ulceration and severe deformity of the face. Embolization of dermal fillers may also lead to blindness, which is a rare complication.
How can one treat intra-arterial injection of hyaluronic acid? Progression of the skin necrosis can be further prevented by injection of hyaluronidase (Amphadase) into the area of previous injection site. Thus, ask your provider if they have hyaluronidase in their office just in case a complication may arise.
How can one recognize this complication of Restylane or Juvederm? This can be recognized clinically by a bluish discoloration of the face that may eventually progress to necrosis and/or ulceration of the face.
Once this complication occurs, can my provider fix the problem? Once necrosis/ulceration of the face occurs, injection of hyaluronidase into the previous injection site may prevent its progression. Once the necrosis has demarcated, one of your Houston plastic surgeons may perform a plastic surgery procedure, such as removal of dead tissue and possibly a flap, depending on the severity and location of the facial skin necrosis.
Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D.
http://www.delacruzplasticsurgery.com/
