The administration of dermal fillers is not without health risks. Besides the usual inflammatory reactions such as bruising, redness, and swelling that are associated with the minimally-invasive injection process, there are other side effects that patients should be made aware of.
Infections, though an uncommon secondary effect of aesthetic filler implantation, can happen due to viruses, bacteria, fungi, or even biofilm. Pathogens can camouflage themselves within a biofilm and avoid detection by the immune system and antibiotics. These pathogens can then lead to other serious side effects, such as nodules, granulomatous inflammation, abscesses, and recurrent infections. Since biofilms are resistant to the actions of antibiotics, patients may need to undergo surgical debridement or excision to remove the foreign materials.
The formation of nodules or granulomatous inflammation usually happens due to an abnormal tissue reaction. The latter is a type 4 hypersensitivity reaction that is mediated by T-cell or macrophage interaction. Patients displaying this reaction may require triamcinolone acetonide injections, cortisone injections, or topical application of 5-florouracil.Severe cases may need to be treated via surgical excision.
Additionally, anaphylactic reactions, though rare, are still possible. These must be treated immediately to avoid other life-threatening health complications. Injectors must be highly skilled, trained in the latest anaphylaxis management method(s), and have anaphylaxis equipment on hand in order to administer life-saving medications accurately if the need ever arises.