Wrinkle Injections - Risks

Even though the injection of tissue filler does not constitute a large-scale procedure, there are some risks and possible complications of a medical-functional and aesthetic manner.

After the injection, there are rare cases of tissue damage, e.g. in the form of infections, nerve damage, or necrosis (tissue dying off). In extremely rare cases, patients experience vertigo, feelings of tightness in the chest, or breathing difficulties. Other systematic side effects such as fever, head and muscle aches, nausea, or feelings of numbness can occur. In very rare cases, the site of the injection may display bruises, hardening, or discoloration, which fade after a few months.

If an allergic reaction to collagen was ruled out in advance through an allergy test, the occurrence of such a reaction is thus highly unlikely. Nonetheless, in very rare cases blisters may form or abscesses may occur, which would make an operative correction of the resulting scars necessary. Blood clots (thromboses) can form, which can result in the carry-over of blood vessel closure if collagen was accidentally injected into a blood vessel. ²

After the injection of hyaluranon, inflammatory reddening of the skin can arise. There have been exceptional cases in which temporary pains, itching, and/or discoloration of the injection site occurred. However, such symptoms usually fade within two months. Skin changes similar to acne are also possible; however, these likewise recede after a few days to a few weeks. ²

For an injection of one's own body fat, there may be the formation of small, tactile lumps. ²

The doctor who is treating you will gladly clarify the above-described risks as well as other possible risks and complications.

Sources:
^1,11 Injectable Filler Safety-Study of Humboldt University's Clinical Centre Charité in Berlin
² University of Bochum Clinical Centre
³ German Society for Aesthetic Dermatology
⁴ German Society for Aesthetic-Plastic Surgery
⁵ American Society of Plastic Surgeons