What are the odds of vascular occlusion happening twice in the lips?

Question

It happened once before with a new injector I picked and it was a nightmare. I want to get lip filler again (by someone highly experienced now) but I'm traumatized. Are the odds of this happening a second time very low?

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Some statistics suggest vascular problems occur with 1 in 350 to 1 in 10,000 dermal injections. For it to happen twice, your looking at the mathematical odds of 1/100,000 or less. However, I cannot speak for your injector's technique and experience which will have a dramatic influence of these odds. I suggest you seek a highly experienced injector next time and consider blunt micro-cannula instead of sharp needles.

Best of luck!

Dr. ALDO :)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Best of luck!

Dr. ALDO :)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your vascular occlusion in the past.  Anything is possible, but the chances of a repeat occlusion in the lips are very small, especially with an experienced injector.  Best wishes.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Vascular occlusion is extremely rare and we dont know if having it once increases your chances of having it again. I recommend seeing an expert in injections for best results. These fillers, (Restylane, Volbella, Juvederm) are good to create a symmetrical and full lip. Implants or fat are alternative options.  Use cannula if you are concerned.  See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Vascular occlusion in the lip related to filers should be exceedingly rare.  I recommend that you choose a Core Trained MD injector and provide all of the pertinent details about your previous episode.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

This is a serious complication.  Most likely you and your injector got unlucky.  However, it is also that your anatomy is anomalous and you are more prone to this complication.  How will you feel if this happens to you again?

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

I hate to hear what happened to you - vascular occlusion is an exceedingly rare complication.  It is highly unlikely that you would suffer from the same troubles a second time.  Seeking an experienced injector is always a good plan! Best of luck.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

There are no set odds as to whether this will happen again. Picking an experienced injector is the best way to prevent this. Obviously let the person know exactly where the area was occluded so extra precautions are taken there. It should go very smoothly.