POSTED UNDER Voluma Reviews
Voluma - "Not So Rare" Infection, Biofilm, Nodules, & Abscess
UPDATED FROM Greyeyes4848
8 months post
Update at 7 months
Greyeyes4848September 6, 2018
$800
I haven't updated in awhile. Just a quick update that I continue to have swelling and soreness near my eye. Today I saw my dr. for the first time since early July to have a small dose of the enzyme (10 units). It's been 7 months and I feel like this should be over by now. Ugh.
UPDATED FROM Greyeyes4848
5 months post
Biofilm Infection Continues
Greyeyes4848June 23, 2018
Just a quick update for you who may be following my review of Voluma. It's been 6 months since I received 1cc Voluma to the cheeks on 1/26/18. I had an immediate onset infection and began antibiotics and hyaluronidase to dissolve filler within 2.5 weeks following injection (2/16/18). I have been to the doctor 40+ times (averaging 1-3 visits per week) for more Hylenex and early on in this process, I had bilateral facial abscesses that produced negative cultures. I had 50cc's of gooey substance aspirated from two abscesses. Numerous nodules have popped up on both cheeks. One cheek appears to have had resolution of nodules and inflammation and all signs of infection for the past month. Right side is still terrible. Swelling and nodules have been popping up on the orbital rim near the eye and temple where filler was not placed. They respond well to Hylenex but soon a new area pops up. I've received over 1300-1500 units or more of Hylenex to date but I stopped counting a long time ago. Most visits are between 30units to 75units per cheek and we haven't had to treat the left cheek in about a month. I remain on antibiotics (minocycline 100 mg twice daily). Feedback from doctors is that biofilms can take many months to resolve and as long as there is product in the face, I'll continue having reactions. It's worth mentioning I had 2cc's Voluma 2 years ago in the same area and I probably have some residual filler leftover. This is taking forever to resolve but it appears my case is not unusual amongst those who have been diagnosed with a biofilm. They are very resistant to antibiotics and the only solution is dissolving the filler. But it's not a quick process. Ugh...
Replies (5)
November 28, 2018
Lady45788, I had one additional enzyme treatment after my last post (in August) which worked to control the recurring nodules. However, I caught a minor cold in early November and surprisingly, I had an immunological inflammatory response which caused both cheeks to swell and become tender. I had a small nodule on one side. Swelling and nodule dissipated as I recovered from the cold so I didn’t have more HAdase. Doctor told me this might continue until the product is completely gone (which by his point should be but that is not the case and even micro droplets can cause recurring flare ups). Thank you for checking in on me. I consider myself fortunate that I don’t have permanent damage or scarring except for some minor atrophy/scar tissue on one cheek. I will live with this. This whole experience has led me to adopt a natural aging process and I’m much happier in my own skin as a result. Please reconsider fillers in the future. They are just not worth the risk.
January 31, 2020
I am so sorry for your negative response to Voluma. I have had two injections of Voluma 2 yrs. apart from the 1st injections. Both times, I have had excellent results. No infection, no bumps, no anything but a much lifted check lift. I only go to Drs. Never a nurse injector. All I can say is please do your research before undergoing any facial filler.
Hope you get better soon.
Hope you get better soon.
April 30, 2021
I finally found an Immunologist who said he has a plan to dissolve this devil! When I posted those pics I looked good compared to now! I had a biopsy on my ear and there was a blister there. I don't think she knew what she was doing, very bad experience. You really have to be careful. I developed a new bacteria strain, and have no skin at all, both ears. I continue to have these erupting blisters that drain pus and blood, and clear stuff. It is unbearable! I hate getting up in the morning, I never know what I will see. I tried to get this dissolved for years, no one wanted to help me. I am waiting for this doctor to get my records and he will do an alergy test before we proceed with dissolving it. Do you get better after? I have not left the house over 2 years. I can't be in the sun and heat. I want my life back, but reading these stories makes me wonder if it is possible. Imagine, I the Infectious Disease doctor said I was infected years prior to this Voluma injection. He said I was overdosed on fillers and who knows what else. The Immunologist agreed, hopefully we will get to it soon. I'd like to go outside this summer!
April 30, 2021
Three years later and still running to all kinds of specialists for help. My ears have no skin, erupting blisters. This infection got into my implant from cancer surgery. I see my cancer surgeon in June. I am sure she will chop it off, and it's in my lymph nodes as well. I won the victory over cancer, but this devil, no way! I am not certain of anything right now, just wish I get this out of me soon.
Replies (2)
May 13, 2018
I'm saddened reading all you have been through. You have definitely recieved better care earlier then I did but your situation sounds cery similar to mine. Im 2 years into this as of May 2. I'm gathering the $55,000 to have the tissues in my fave surgically removed. I've been so sick, in so much pain and have tried everything. I want my life back! The surgery is very disfiguring but my quality of life is so low these past 2 years. Its sad when the only choice is to have your health and lose all of the tissues in your face. No, I didn't sign up for this as I'm certain you didn't either! And I'm certain at this point there are many more out there dealing with same type of symptoms! Especially knowing the bacteria most likely, in most cases, gets in at the point of injection due to the skin not being disinfected well enough. I hope more of those people come forward and I hope your ordeal ends soon!
July 4, 2018
Hi RobinInMD - I'm sorry to hear you're also suffering from adverse effects of dermal fillers. What is the surgery you're considering? Do you have an infection, biofilm, or hypersensitivity immunological response? I hope you're doing better. I continue to have nodules though at the moment I have 3 small ones so I am having a good week! My last Hylenex treatment was Friday and I'll have another this Friday.
May 16, 2018
Haven’t seen any updates and was curious as to how you are doing. Also wanted to let you know that while the dr I used came highly recommend I just happened to check and found that she was sanctioned a month before I went to her. Apparently she was doing Lipo and there’s a certain amount of that you can remove in a non hospital setting. She was sanctioned for that as well as sanitary conditions. Not sure if that was overall or just related to the lipo procedure.
July 4, 2018
Hi mbw054, how are you doing? I am sorry to hear about your doctor and hope you've found another that you trust. I'm hanging in there but I still have nodules and pain and this is far from over. I see the doctor weekly and it seems I take one step forward and two steps back.
Replies (2)