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What To Do If Your Body Has a Negative Reaction To Fillers

woman touching her face looking in the mirror with concern

Dermal fillers are made from an injectable gel used for mild-to-deep dermal implantation to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Additionally, fillers can also be used for lip augmentation. Various brands create fillers, and while all brands and formulas of these products may vary, the primary ingredients of many injectables are the same.

Should a provider fail to inject a dermal filler correctly, results can be less than ideal with adverse side effects. Here’s what to do if your body has a negative reaction to receiving dermal fillers and how an experienced provider can significantly reduce the risk of this happening to you.

Above all else, always be sure to contact your provider right away to ensure they are aware of your reaction and can help however necessary.

Allergic Reactions To Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Are Extremely Rare

Allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid fillers are uncommon. Hyaluronic acid fillers are made from substances similar to those already found in the body. That being said, if you have a known allergy to lidocaine, which is used to numb the pain during injections, tell your provider before your treatment.

Every Body Reacts Differently

All of the dermal fillers we offer are FDA-approved. Together with collagen, hyaluronic acid acts as your body’s natural volumizer, cushioning skin cells and helping them to retain moisture.

Everyone reacts differently to facial injections like fillers. However, it’s essential to understand that there are no significant risks of pain associated with fillers. Patients can return to their daily routine after filler injections, and most clients report feeling minimal discomfort during treatment. We see the most common filler side effects are redness and swelling, which usually resolve within a few hours.

Other filler side effects may include:

  • Slight bleeding at injection sites
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Discomfort
  • Bumpiness

Signs You’re Experiencing an Allergic Reaction

Side effects can last up to 5 days, although you should find that any symptoms should ease each day and not increase. Below are five signs that you experienced an adverse reaction to filler injections.

Asymmetrical Fullness

Asymmetric fullness can be a characteristic of many complications. Typically, asymmetrical fullness is an indication that a filler was injected poorly. Injectables must be carefully applied evenly throughout the treatment area to ensure symmetry. Otherwise, a patient can experience uneven results that make fillers incredibly noticeable.

Persistent Puffiness

The first sign of a facial injection filler gone wrong is puffiness long after the initial injection. It’s typical for patients to experience slight swelling or puffiness in the area for up to 24 hours. This is a common side effect that should be no cause for concern. However, should the swelling or inflammation in the area persist past two days, consult your provider.

Visible Signs of an Allergic Reaction

Experiencing asymmetric fullness can also indicate an allergic reaction from the medical ingredient itself or the liquid gel in which the ingredient is suspended. Allergic reactions are uncommon, so they should be treated with care. Other indications of an allergic reaction include tenderness and swelling.

An Unnatural Appearance

An unnatural appearance is most commonly seen following lip fillers. Overfilled lips are known as “duck lips.” It can make a patient self-conscious with their results. Lip fillers should continuously be injected sparingly to create a natural result.

Indications of an Infection

Experiencing painful fullness many days after the treatment can be an indication of an infection. A primary care physician should treat infections, and antibiotics are typically the most common course of action.

Ease Reaction Fears By Using an Experienced Provider

If a dermal filler provider should fail to inject a filler correctly, there can be disastrous, though often repairable, results. The appearance of harmful injections can be embarrassing and even painful. If you believe you’re experiencing an allergic reaction to a filler or believe your injections have been performed incorrectly, seek medical attention and notify your provider. In most cases, the previous filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase and with antihistamines.

The best way to ensure your filler results are everything you’d hoped for with little-to-no side effects, it’s critical to only have filler treatments performed by an experienced provider. Contact Radiance Skincare & Laser Medspa today to schedule an appointment if you’re considering dermal fillers in the Wheaton area.