Serious Adverse Events With Injectable Fillers: Retrospective Analysis of 7,659 Patient Outcomes

In total, 2.7 million injectable filler treatments were performed in 2019 in the United States. Although generally considered to be a safe treatment modality, adverse events may occur in rare situations.

Analyze serious adverse events from injectable filler treatments, including infections, cutaneous necrosis, blindness, or delayed-onset nodule formation, spanning 11 years for 3 board-certified dermatologists and review their incidence, management, and outcomes.

A retrospective analysis was performed of injectable filler treatments spanning 11 years at a multipractitioner outpatient clinic. Serious adverse events were identified, and treatment measures were documented. A literature search was performed to determine recent trends and outcomes for comparison.

Between January 2009 and August 2020, 18,013 mL of injectable filler was administered to 7,659 patients. Of the 18,013 mL administered, 74.1% comprised hyaluronic acid derivatives, 19.19% poly-l-lactic acid, and 6.71% calcium hydroxylapatite. Four serious adverse events were identified. Three events were delayed-onset skin nodule formation. One adverse event was related to vascular compromise and subsequent cutaneous necrosis. After appropriate treatment, all adverse events resolved without significant long-term sequelae.

Serious adverse events associated with injectable fillers, when performed by board-certified dermatologists, are extremely rare and can be successfully managed with appropriate treatment.