The quest for a youthful appearance and flawless complexion has led to the widespread popularity of cosmetic injectables. With treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, individuals seek to eliminate wrinkles, get bigger lip volume, and enhance facial contours without undergoing surgery.
However, like any medical procedure, the administration of cosmetic injectables poses certain risks and potential complications that need careful consideration.
The below complications can and may happen, however, if you choose a practitioner correctly who is experienced and insured the risk of this happening is very low. So don’t be put off by having non-surgical treatments.
Infection
With medical procedures that entail skin puncture, infection is a potential hazard. While the probability of such an event is typically low, it remains a possibility.
To help lower the risk of infection, it is important that the procedure be administered by a qualified and proficient practitioner in a sterile setting.
Further still, making sure the aftercare is read and followed will be crucial to the healing process.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the products used in cosmetic injectables. Signs of an allergic reaction can include redness, itching, swelling, and in rare cases, difficulty breathing.
To mitigate this risk, speak with your practitioner about any allergies you have and undergo a patch test before receiving the treatment, if necessary – your practitioner will send you a consent form either before the treatment or on the day. Here you can mention any allergies.
Asymmetry or Uneven Results
One of the most common concerns with cosmetic injectables is the possibility of asymmetry or uneven results. In the hands of an inexperienced practitioner, there is a risk that the injected product may not be evenly injected, leading to an uneven appearance.
Avoid this by researching your practitioner’s qualifications, experience, and client reviews, doing this will make sure you have chosen the right practitioner for you. Many people go off word-of-mouth referrals. Ask friends with practitioners they use, this is the best method!
Overcorrection
Another potential risk is overcorrection, which can result in an unnatural appearance. Overcorrection occurs when too much filler or toxin is injected into the treatment area, causing an exaggerated effect.
This can be particularly noticeable in areas such as the lips, where overfilled lips can look unnatural and disproportionate to the rest of the face. To minimise this risk, work with a practitioner who understands the importance of subtlety and balance in cosmetic treatments. Some practitioners have taken lip master classes, these classes go further into how lip treatments work.
Nerve Damage or Paralysis
Although rare, there is a risk of nerve damage or temporary facial paralysis associated with certain cosmetic injectables.
This can result from the needle accidentally puncturing a nerve or from the injected filler spreading to unintended areas. To reduce the risk of nerve damage, ensure your practitioner is experienced and knowledgeable about facial anatomy and aspirate when injecting the dermal filler.
Granulomas or Nodules
In some cases, clients may develop granulomas (inflammatory masses) or nodules (small lumps) at the injection site. These can be the result of an immune system reaction to the injected substance or improper injection technique.
Treatment for these complications may involve additional injections, oral medications, or in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Even though non-surgical treatments can seem daunting and scary at times, most of the time the treatments all go to plan, and clients are happy with the results. The best thing to do is contact a local practitioner and have a consultation. By doing this the practitioner will go through all the above and put your mind at ease.
