What to do when fillers go wrong

Dermal fillers come in a variety of materials and are used to subtly improve the appearance of the ageing face by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as replacing some of the volume loss that occurs as we lose fat from various parts of our face as we age.

Dermal Fillers Mistakes Blog

At our centre, we aim for a subtle, natural look that enhances your natural beauty rather than making it obvious you’ve undergone a cosmetic procedure. We start with a minimum amount of filler and can add more upon review.

Sometimes, patients come to us for help fixing problems with filler procedures they’ve received from other centres. Our Aesthetic Doctors are experienced in correcting mistakes which might leave you with an uneven facial structure, sensitivity, swelling, bruising or droopiness.

In the first week after receiving dermal fillers, it is normal to experience some bruising and swelling. So how do you know if the side-effects you’re experiencing are normal or a result of a poorly performed procedure?

Wait around seven to 10 days for all the products to “mature”. If the treatment site still looks lopsided or bumpy, call your doctor to discuss a correction. If you have painful, large or odd-looking bruising or discolouration at any time, you should call your doctor straight away.

But what should you do if your treating doctor doesn’t seem competent in resolving the issue, or if you would rather consult a physician who will get it right the first time? Try to educate yourself as much as you can about the procedure and bring a list of questions for your doctor. Be respectful but direct in asking for a correction of the treatment area if you are unhappy with the results and remember that it’s reasonable to see a different physician to receive corrective treatment if your initial doctor cannot or will not help. If they are defensive about this, it’s a warning sign.

If you wait for the dermal fillers to wear off naturally, it could take anywhere from four months to two years, depending on the specific product that was used. You should always check with your doctor about the materials they inject.

Our Aesthetic Doctors can help correct most filler mistakes to restore a natural look. We use hyaluronidase, which is an enzyme that “melts” hyaluronic acid fillers. This partially or completely resolves filler problems straight away.

If you are unhappy with the results of your cosmetic procedure at another centre or need advice about fixing a poorly performed dermal filler treatment, talk to one of our experienced Aesthetic Doctors. We would love to help restore your confidence and rejuvenate your look.