Why did my cheek get infected after Voluma injection? (Photo)

Question

One week ago I did a voluma filler for my cheeks and around the eyes . The 2nd day i started having a pain & infection in my while mouth .3rd the infection was on my one my cheeks where the filler was placed . It got swollen , blisters and white bubbles as shown in the picture below . The nurse that did the injections right away prescribed away antibiotic and steroid which help the infection to start to subside fast right after I started taking it . My question is why this happened ?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to see your complications. The timing of your symptoms and distribution of "infection" appears to be more related to an accidental injection into an artery during your treatment rather than bacteria.  That said treatment will be supportive with antibiotics, antiviral, aspirin, cold compresses and dissolution of filler.  I would mention this adverse reaction at any additional treatment session.  Luckily, once fully healed you should not maintain any significant signs of this injury. Best wishes.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your injector about your treatment and any remaining questions you have. Infections can happen any time our immunity is depressed and there is a breach in the skin (injections). See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Lisa Jenks, MD · Answer

I am so sorry this happened to you.  It is possible to get an infection anytime the skin is broken with a needle.  While this is rare with fillers, it is always a possibility.  It is important that the skin be thoroughly cleansed before injections and that the needle not be touched by the injector.It is appropriate that you have been prescribed antibiotics and a steroid.  I would also recommend having the Voluma dissolved.  This is important because the bacteria causing this infection can live and proliferate inside the Voluma where there is no blood flow and, therefore, your body cannot get the antibiotics into the bacteria.  I would inject a large amount of hylenex, which dissolves fillers such as Voluma.  If your injector will not do this, I strongly recommend seeing a physician who specializes in aesthetic medicine. Best of luck to you.

Anthony J. Wilson, MD · Answer

Infection in filler is quite uncommon. It does occur every once in a while and there is no real identifiable source. It is important that the injector prep the skin well prior to injection. Now that you have had the infection it is critical for you to let any future injector know. It would be appropriate to pretreat you with antibiotics and perhaps antiviral medications. Good luck.

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

Infection is a possible side effects with any injection since your skin is punctured. In my experience it is very important to disinfect the skin prior to any filler and follow important precautions during the injecting process. Some injectors have the bad habit of bending the needle with their fingers! But with that in mind infections are very rare. It is more common the occlusion of a blood vessel and that is very serious. You did not mention if a physician looked at your face and that is my first and most important recommendation.

Kyle S. Choe, MD, FACS · Answer

Infections can happen with any injections as skin bacteria is introduced into the skin during your injections. However, it is also possible given your history of pain etc that you may have had an occluded arterial vessel from your injection. This happens when needle is used for injections and a small amount of material is accidentally injected into an artery. I would follow-up with your provider and discuss your issues.

Val Lambros, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

anytime you break the skin you have a possibility of getting an infection. It is quite uncommon, but not never.

Why did my cheek get infected after Voluma injection? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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