When Volume Causes Pain: Complications with Transitory Fillers

In a lecture about complications associated with transitory fillers, dermatologist Maria Fernando Tambra highlights the dangers of overfilling in cosmetic procedures, often resulting in undesirable aesthetic outcomes such as a 'pillow face.' She and her multidisciplinary team have spent over a decade studying dermal filler complications, emphasizing that injectors must manage patient expectations about filler use. As the trend shifts to filler removal rather than addition, proper diagnosis and treatment planning are crucial before reversing fillers that may be irreversible, particularly with silicone. Ultrasound is recommended for diagnosing the type and location of previous filler injections, allowing for appropriate treatments to be offered. Tambra mentions that high volumes or even small amounts of fillers in certain areas can lead to serious issues, including allergic reactions, infections, and psychological impacts resulting from dissatisfaction with aesthetic changes. She discusses various scenarios of complications arising from excessive volumes, including sterile abscesses and occlusions, urging practitioners to proceed with caution. The presentation underscores the importance of individualized treatment plans, the use of ultrasound for accurate assessment, and careful management of patient outcomes in cosmetic procedures.