Delayed Facial Filler Reactions: Causes and Management

A recent retrospective study published in the Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery sheds light on the complexities of delayed infectious reactions following facial dermal filler injections. Dermal filler injections in facial aesthetics have become increasingly common, offering individuals the opportunity to enhance their facial features nonsurgically. However, while immediate complications are well-documented, delayed reactions following such procedures remain relatively rare and poorly understood. Late complications such as cellulitis pose significant risks, including life-threatening consequences.

The study aimed to elucidate the causality of filler material and identify trigger conditions while highlighting prompt and appropriate solutions. Women aged 27 to 55 years were included and 4 cases of foreign-body cellulitis following dermal filler injections were analyzed.

Cellulitis of the face and inflammatory swelling of the lip were observed in all 4 cases, despite the hyaluronic acid filler being injected long before the onset of symptoms. Trigger conditions precipitated the emergence of these complications, which were effectively managed with medical treatment without the need for filler dissolution or removal. Significant improvement in symptoms was observed within 3 to 5 days of antibiotic therapy with no formation of abscesses or recurrence noted during the 1-year follow-up period.

“The screening for dermal filler deposits must be considered for any inflammatory reaction of the face. Their causality should be discussed as well as the infectious and/or immunologic etiology, ensuring prompt and adequate medical treatment,” concluded the study authors.

Reference

Imen MT. Delayed infectious reactions of dermal filler injections in the face: causes and management. J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. Published online ahead of print April 12, 2023. doi:10.1016/j.jormas.2022.11.010