What Else Can Go Wrong with Permanent Fillers? Side Effects in Sight

In this presentation, Maida Younges, a Brazilian dermatologist, discusses the potential complications associated with permanent fillers, particularly focusing on side effects that can arise from their use. She highlights that complications from permanent fillers, such as nodules, skin hardening, and edema, are more complex to manage compared to temporary fillers, with certain serious adverse reactions like hypercalcemia and renal failure occurring in approximately 20% and 16% of patients, respectively. Younges emphasizes the growing concern around procedures like the Brazilian butt lift, which can involve high volumes of filler, leading to these severe complications. She introduces non-surgical treatment options for managing complications, such as corticosteroids, methotrexate, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, showcasing case studies where these treatments successfully improved patient conditions. Her own success with JAK inhibitors in treating granulomatous diseases and conditions related to permanent fillers suggests a shift away from surgical interventions toward more effective pharmacological alternatives. Younges concludes by advocating for early intervention and thorough research into immunosuppressive therapies to further improve outcomes for patients experiencing complications from permanent fillers.