Hello! While exceedingly rare, vascular occlusion can occur with any experienced injector. It seems to be less likely with cannula injections, so be sure to request a cannula rather than a needle, and of course ensure that your injector is experienced. Good luck!

Hello and thanks for your question. The risk of injury to the angular artery is very low when performing nasolabial fold filler injections. It is important that the practitioner performing these injections is a plastic surgeon who is fully trained in the speciality. Many times the person injecting patients is not a plastic surgeon and doesn't have the knowledge of the anatomy to help avoid arterial injury/tissue necrosis.All the best,Alex Zuriarrain, MDCleveland Clinic Trained Plastic Surgeon

Hi @melesatl! A vascular occlusion is a very rare complication. I recommend seeking treatments from expert injectors who have the skill and experience to precisely inject fillers into treatment areas and avoid risks and complications.

You are describing a very rare complication of filler injection. There are certain precautions we take to avoid this complication and also have readily available medications that are able to dissolve most of the common fillers. It is very important that you seek a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This should be done in a medical office with trained personnel.

Thank you for your question. Vascular occlusion is very rare, but not impossible. One of the best ways to avoid this is to find an experienced and qualified injector.

Artery occlusion after filler injection is not very common- especially if done by someone who has knowledge of the anatomy in the region and injects with proper technique. Problems with artery occlusion occur when the filler is injected within or very close to an artery with a high injection pressure- this can cause the filler to go either backwards or forwards within the artery and potentially cause problems by blocking it and preventing blood flow. Again, this is a rare occurrence but it is a known complication. Injections, in my opinion, should be done by someone with proper training and knowledge of the arterial anatomy- in the nasolabial folds the course of the angular artery should be known. I do not recommend injections by someone who is not an MD, RN, or PA.

Hi,While there is always some risk of a serious complication from filler injection, those risks are minimized when the injector is experienced and uses safe techniques. In the rare event that you have a complication, the most common fillers (hyaluronic acids) are reversible. Best,

Hello and thank you for your question. Arterial occlusion is possible with fillers. It is rare though. Using caution and proper technique can avoid this complication and if it happens the occlusion can be treated if addressed immediately. Good luck with your filler procedure. Oxana Popescu MD

You've done your research! Educated patients are able to make better decisions and be involved with their healthcare. The risk is low, and this low risk can be further minimized by 1. seeing an expert who is experienced in facial injections. 2. Cannula usage has been shown decrease the risk of intravascular injection. 3. There are protocols and medications that need to be available in the event of intravascular injection.

The risk of occlusion is very rare. I recommend injections with cannulas to limit complications. Keep in mind, a combination approach will give the most improvement to this area. I recommend fillers for the folds themselves but also lifting around the mouth and cheeks to build underlying anatomical support. In our practice we combine sculptra with other fillers "layered" on top and lasers, rf treatments, J Plasma and peels to get the most conservative natural look. Please see a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer