Infection after Bellafill. Akin abscess turned into a biofilm infection. PIC line placed.. No improvement...help please! (Photo)

Facial infection after filler is rare but certainly happens and I am so sorry you are going through this! Be sure to have a plastic surgeon involved as well if you don't already, they may need to intervene here.Lisa Vuich, MDAddendum- Speak with your providers about further imaging such as CAT Scan or MRI.

Filler migration and granuloma formation can cause longterm problems with Bellafill and Artefill fillers. This is similar in patients who have Artecoll and PMMA fillers. Longterm filler complications include migration, edema, chronic swelling, and nodularity. If patients have filler migration or nodules, we recommend a combination approach of filler reversal with enzymes, corticosteroids, and scar tissue modulators. Our HIDEF approach can break down filler scarring and granulomas so that they are less apparent. If the filler material itself does not dissolve, it either means the filler is likely not HA material or is unresponsive to conservative therapy. This technique may be followed by surgical removal of the filler if there is a suitable target for removal and the chance of scarring is low.

Surgical removal of Bellafill is possible and we have a wide ranging experience with the treatment. Some areas of the face can be treated because the Bellafill removal scars are barely visible. We have found that Bellafill nodules, if palpated, can be removed from the tissue. Undereye Bellafill, nasolabial fold Bellafill, and lip filler can be treated successfully. Diffuse Bellafill is difficult to treat.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Continue to follow up with your primary care physician (or see an infectious disease doctor) for treatment of cellulitis and continued antibiotic therapy. Best, Dr. Emer