Can you describe some of the most common risks of injectable fillers?
Dr. Williams: The most common are pain, infection, bleeding (and of course bruising associated with bleeding), asymmetry and palpable nodules. In the hands of a well trained, experienced injector these are very rare. The first three are caused by the mechanism of placing the material in the right place. Fillers are injected with a needle. With every injection there is a risk of bleeding and bruising – this risk can be increased by certain medications, high blood pressure, larger needles and other factors. Injections can be painful and depending on the patient and the area being injected, it can hurt a little more or a little less. Both of these problems can be reduced with cold compresses prior to treatment – a practice that we use regularly. In very sensitive areas like lips or for patients that are particularly sensitive topical or injectable anesthetic can be used. Infection is exceptionally rare.
