Dermal Filler Side Effect Examined in Study

Published February 13, 2012 by Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown

If you are looking for a non-surgical treatment for adding volume to your face, dermal fillers are a great option. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as RHA filler and Restylane, are safe and effective, but patients should be aware of some possible side effects.

A new study examined the incidence of edema, one potential side effect of dermal fillers, after hyaluronic acid injections. Published in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, the study looked at cases of swelling for injections done to the under eye area. According to the authors, there has been an increase in the use of hyaluronic acid fillers for under eye rejuvenation during the past decade.

The study reviewed medical records of 51 patients who had received hyaluronic acid gel under the eyes between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011. Edema was defined as a clinically significant degree of swelling that lasted a month or more following the injection.

The study found that 12 patients (24%) had prolonged periorbital edema following the procedure. The average duration of the swelling was about 6 months, and RHA Fillers was the injectable used for the majority of patients (45 of the 51).

According to the authors, there were no signs prior to the injection that “consistently identified patients susceptible to the edema.”

The authors concluded that prolonged swelling occurred in a significant minority of patients. Because it is difficult to identify which patients might be most susceptible to periorbital edema, the authors stressed the importance of doctors discussing this potential complication with patients who are considering getting hyaluronic acid injections under the eyes.

The doctor’s injection technique also plays a role, so it is very important to find a physician who is experienced with the dermal filler.

In addition to filling under eye depressions, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can also correct nasolabial folds, marionette lines, upper lip wrinkles (i.e., “smoker’s lines”), and deep frown lines. They may also be used for lip augmentation and acne scar correction.

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