Botox and Filler Applications: The Importance of Choosing a Specialist Doctor and Preventing Complications
Botox and filler applications are well-known as popular and effective procedures in the field of aesthetics. However, patients who are not sufficiently informed about the risks and complications of these procedures can experience serious health issues. In this article, we provide information about the risks and potential complications of botox and filler applications and explain what you need to consider when deciding on these treatments.
Research shows that the public lacks sufficient knowledge about the risks associated with botox and filler injections. For example, in a survey, only 38% of participants correctly identified the risk of asymmetry from botox injections, 40% identified bruising, and 49% mentioned the risk of sagging in certain areas of the face. For facial fillers, 40% of participants correctly identified asymmetry risk, 51% mentioned bruising, 18% identified blindness, and 19% noted the risk of vascular occlusion.
Therefore, the success and safety of botox and filler procedures are directly related to the intervention of a specialized dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Here’s what you need to know about possible complications and how to prevent these risks:
Botox Complications:
- Eyebrow Drooping: Botulinum toxin used to treat forehead lines can cause eyebrow drooping due to incorrect injection techniques.
- Eyelid Drooping and Other Eye Complications: Misuse of botulinum toxin can lead to eyelid drooping, ectropion, diplopia, dry eye (xerophthalmia), and lagophthalmos.
- Lip Drooping and Asymmetry: Incorrect botulinum toxin injections can cause asymmetric lips and even difficulty in speaking and eating.
- Difficulty Swallowing, Hoarseness, and Neck Weakness: Misuse of botulinum toxin can result in complications such as difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and neck weakness.
- Injection Site Complications: Common side effects of botox injections include swelling, erythema, bruising, and pain.
Filler Complications:
- Injection Site Complications: Common side effects of filler injections include redness, swelling, pain, and bruising.
- Complications Related to Improper Injection Technique: Improper techniques can result in palpable nodules, visible implants, and over- or under-correction.
- Allergic and Hypersensitivity Reactions: Fillers can cause allergic reactions, hypersensitivity, and foreign body granulomas.
- Vascular Side Effects: Filler injections can lead to vascular occlusion, skin necrosis, and, in rare cases, blindness.
- Infections: Filler injections carry a risk of infection due to the breach of the skin barrier. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections have been associated with filler use. Herpes simplex reactivation is common after lip augmentation. Bacterial infections can cause cellulitis and abscesses, which may require broad-spectrum oral antibiotics.
The Importance of Choosing a Qualified Practitioner:
If you are considering botox or filler treatments, choosing the right specialist is crucial. According to survey results, 43% of participants were unaware of the education and certification of the practitioner performing the procedure. Here are the factors to consider when selecting the right practitioner:
- Certification and Education: Ensure the practitioner is a certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon trained in botox and filler injections.
- Experience and Expertise: Make sure the practitioner has sufficient experience and regularly performs these procedures.
- References and Recommendations: Check references and recommendations from previous patients to gauge satisfaction.
- Communication and Consultation: The practitioner should provide clear and honest information about the benefits and risks of the procedures and communicate well with you.
- Hygiene and Sterilization: Ensure the clinic is clean and hygienic. Sterile materials and injection techniques reduce the risk of infection.
- Customized Treatment Plan: The practitioner should offer a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and desires.
It is important for patients considering botox and filler applications to be informed about the risks and complications. Choosing the right practitioner and understanding the process can help prevent undesirable outcomes. For a successful and safe aesthetic experience, be sure to select a qualified practitioner by considering the factors outlined above.