SIDE EFFECTS
& AFTERCARE

Tens of thousands of Dermal Filler treatments are carried out around the world each year, with very few serious or lasting side effects. The side effects detailed below are not necessarily a list of what will happen to you. Different people react to Dermal Fillers in different ways.

You may experience all or none of these effects. However, all of the effects listed are temporary and will diminish with time.

Dermal Filler treatment involves injecting a very small amount of the substance under the surface of the skin, which has the effect of ‘plumping up’ the skin under wrinkles and therefore reduces their visibility.

• As the treatment involves injections, you may experience some localised bruising, slight swelling or redness around the treated area. This will normally disappear within a few days.
• If you have treatment around the lips, swelling may occur and can last for a few days.
• If you are taking aspirin or similar medication, bruising and bleeding from the injection site may be increased.

• Different types of Dermal Filler are produced from different sources – some from animals. If you have particular religious beliefs or dietary restrictions, discuss which type of material will be best for you with your practitioner.
• Allergy to Dermal Fillers is extremely rare but can include: redness; itching; swelling and hardness or small bumps under the skin. These effects may last for weeks or months and sometimes in extreme cases, even longer.
• On very rare occasions prolonged firmness, abscess formation or discolouration at the treatment site has been reported. These reactions can last for weeks or even months but normally resolve with time. Even more rarely, scabbing and shedding of tissue around the treatment site have been noted, which could result in a shallow scar.
• You should not have treatment if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you have a history of cold sores, Dermal Filler treatment in the area may cause a recurrence. Your practitioner may prescribe a course of anti-viral tablets to reduce the likelihood of this happening.
• As the Dermal Filler material is broken down by the body, the effect will lessen. You can choose to have the area ‘topped-up’ if you wish.