POSTED UNDER Collagen Injection REVIEWS
Evolence Left Terrible Long Lasting Bumps Under and Around my Eyes - Indianapolis, IN
ORIGINAL POST
Evolence is the worst dermal filler ever! My...
6999anonApril 7, 2010
$600
Evolence is the worst dermal filler ever! My plastic surgeon who I have been to for 20 years decided to use it under my eyes. BIG MISTAKE. He hit a vein and it left a huge soft bump and in other areas around my eyes you can see where he injected it. He has tried small doses of cortisone but apparently there is no way to reverse it's effect except hope it finally goes away.
It has been 6 months and there is no improvement. He tried to minimize the bump by adding restylane but it just made it look like a longer raised scar. Now he is going to try to laser the area in hopes that it tightens the skin.
I have made countless visits to his office. It has been a waste of money and time. I look worse than prior to this procedure and have grown very impatient besides dissatisfied. My plastic surgeon appears to be lost as to how to correct it. He does not want to try and surgically remove it for at least a year.
Don't ever use this filler especially around your eyes.
Updated on May 7, 2010:
Warning to anyone thinking of using Evolence.. Disfiguring Results..never let anyone inject you with this product My long time Plastic Surgeon injected the hollow of my eyes in November 2009. It has been a on going disaster since the day he performed this disfiguring act. I trusted him and believed he knew what he was doing and at no time was I made aware of the side effects. There are lumps in every area that he injected. There is severe swelling under one eye (that looks like a eye bag) that will not go down (after 5 shots of cortisone) and 5 months after the injections a huge granuloma spontaneously formed in the corner of my eye. This large pea shaped type cyst oozes liquid and makes my left eye becomes partially swollen shut. Cortisone shots only keep the swelling down for around 4 days and then it returns swelling the entire eye to being partially closed. I was given Prednisone to stop the infection (my body trying to reject the product) and experienced terrible side effects from this wicked drug. Once again I was not warned of the side effects of this drug. The prednisone did stop the infection an of course did not effect the side of granuloma and about put me in psych ward due to the psychotic side effects this drug does to you. I work with the public on a daily basis and this experience has not only disfigured my face but impacted my ability to perform at my job, and caused me a great deal of mental anxiety and stress along with loss of income. My Plastic Surgeon did not want to surgically remove any of the bumps but now has agreed to excise the granuloma since it is so unmanageable and disfiguring. Of course there is trepidation as to how it will look after he removes it and how big of scar will be left. My PS has appeared to be doing everything he knows to correct the problem but I am sensing little compassion and in fact some irritability by the staff in trying to correct this. I am now being viewed as the problem, not the problem the Surgeon and product created. Now, that I am having very serious complications that require more time than just a quick cortisone shot there is growing concern with both parties of who will pay for fixing his error. I believe he delivered poor medical service and choose the wrong filler resulting in a detrimental outcome. I do not want to file a medical malpractice suit but with each month of this nightmare I am starting to consider this. I know there is a class action suit filed in Canada against Johnson & Johnson in regards to evolence and disfigurment. I have done intensive research on line and I am not a plastic surgeon but here our a few of my personal findings. Evolence is not FDA approved to be put in the hollow of your eyes. The majority of PS's would never use evolence due to this, it's thickness and the fact there is no way to reverse it. I am also questioning his technique as it appears to have possibility been injected too superficially and with too much filler. I cannot wait for this nightmare to end. What I thought would be a simple dermal filler to enhance my looks turned out to one of the worst experiences in my life in trying to freshen my look. The long term results may be scaring and 18 months or more of bumps and lumps around my eyes.
UPDATED FROM 6999anon
A YEAR LONG SUMMARY OF MY NIGHTMARE JOURNEY OF...
6999anonOctober 18, 2010
A YEAR LONG SUMMARY OF MY NIGHTMARE JOURNEY OF DISFIGUREMENT CAUSED BY EVOLENCE
I have posted many updates/reply's on this site of my almost year long journey since I was first injected with the terrible filler Evolence and it's devastating effects. Here are a few things one should know about Evolence.
I have discovered these facts both personally and on line in my desperate attempt to restore the damage evolence did. I am so grateful for this website and the threads by other victims and plastic surgeons remarks that has assisted me in coming to the below conclusions and informing me of the true facts of evolence and it's ability to MAIME your face.
Here are my conclusions and personal story about Evolence and it's terrible and ill reversible effects:
1. NEVER USE A FILLER THAT CAN'T BE REVERSED... I have had other dermal fillers injected in my face before but never in the hollow area of my eyes nor I had ever used Evolence. Evolence requires no prior testing yet left granulomas starting the first day of injection. I did not request this filler it was selected by my Plastic Surgeon with no warning nor did I sign any consent. This is the only filler that has ever caused terrible ill reversible side effects. I was never told that there was no drug to reverse it once it's injected under your skin.
2. NEVER USE EVOLENCE IN THE HOLLOW PART OF YOUR EYES... From my on-line research and from this evolence nightmare I have found out that evolence is too thick and requires a larger needle plus lots of massage immediately after injection. My PS started out with a big needle hitting a vein then switched to a smaller needle for the other side of my face. There was a huge hematoma where he hit the vein, very little massage and all sites appeared way over filled. I contacted Johnson & Johnson who took evolence off the market. All I was told by them is that it is not approved to be used in the hollow part of your eyes. When I shared with my PS head nurse she said all PS used products off the label.
3. DERMIAL FILLER INJECTION IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN YOU THINK... Since I had used other dermal fillers in the past and botox I thought this procedure would be a quick innocent cosmetic procedure to assist in a younger look. I had no idea the complications of Evolence and because I was using a PS that I have been going to for over 15 years felt confident in his abilities. It is my understanding that this filler cannot be injected the same way as Restylane or Juvederm. It is apparent to me that my granulomas are the results of evolence. being used off the label and perhaps the lack of skill of the PS injector.
4. FEW PLASTIC SURGEONS WILL ADMIT THEY MADE A MISTAKE.. So far my PS has taken many steps to try and reverse the damage evolence has caused. The only thing he has said is that in any plastic surgery there is always the possibility of side effects. My granulomas have been very severe and yet the real picture was not spelled out for me. They first said the product would dissolve in 12 months, they mentioned allergies, too thin of skin in my eye area, too many previous laser surgeries and at times it seemed like they gave any excuse except that it was the result of evolence. They implied that the steroid shots would take care of it. It appears looking back they said as little as possible including me having to find out on my own just how permanent of filler evolence is and the bleak road for restoration. In the first 3 months of this long journey my PS stated that he would not want to try to surgically remove them until a year. November 2010 will mark a very long year of terrible complications, results, missed work and emotional agony. Surgery appears to be my last hope but will leave scars with the severity depending upon how he surgically removes them. He is considering going under the bottom eye lid on those that he can but on some he can't reach them under the lid including the nose area.
5. FAILED PROCEDURES TRIED TO REVERSE GRANULOMAS CAUSED BY EVOLENCE
I have had 5-7 steroid injections over the past year with varying strengths. Some would reduce the bumps for maybe 24-48 hours only for them to return. I had one granuloma that became so swollen that it closed my left eye and oozed. This required taking oral prednisone that caused terrible physical and emotional reactions but made the swelling go down yet started to create a moon sized face. My PS tried to use restylane to smooth out many small bumps in a row and it failed miserably only resulting in making it appear like one long raised puffy scar. I have had fraxel laser surgery that tightened the area around the granulomas but did not effect the granulomas. The last attempt was 10 months after the initial injection where they injected each site with saline solution and massaged the area. This actually made it worse. My bumps are now more prominent and harder.
6 .DAMAGES CAUSED BY EVOLENCE
My evolence experience has dramatically effected me in how I look physically, damaged my self esteem, left me to feel very self conscious and I feel very victimized. For the past 340 days it has been a struggle. I have looked in the mirror each day to see a maimed face full of large lumps, bumps, brusing, oozing. I have dealt with missed time off work, drug reactions, made over 13 office visits back into the PS office and have dealt with repeated forms of mild to painful injections in addition to fraxel surgery without the aid of twilight. I spent $600.00 for a procedure that has resulted in disfiguring results. In as much as my PS has continued to try to resolve the issue he and his staff haven't appeared to demonstrate the compassion or full understanding for the problem they created. The effects of this procedure has been a nightmare and emotional living hell. They see me every 6 weeks or so but I see the damages every day in the mirror! My phone calls have felt at times as a nuisance to the head nurse. I have dreaded calling the office each time to report that another bump has appeared, or grown bigger, or that the last injection or method used did not solve the bumps. I feel it is my plastic surgeons medical responsibility and integrity to see this through until the problem is resolved. So far he has not abandoned me but his head nurse over the past year has mentioned that they would gladly refund my money and I could be on my way to find my own solution, or that they feel they have exhausted all means to fix it and perhaps it was time for them to refer me to someone else. I reminded his nurse that the doctor had said in the early stages that he wanted to wait one year and then would attempt to surgically remove them. So, I am waiting to see if indeed they will take full responsibility for their mistakes and schedule me in for surgery for restoration to a huge problem they caused. I called today for a scheduled surgery date but did not get a returned phone call. Since surgery appears to be the last hope. I am still facing the issues of scaring.
He might be able to reach most the bumps in my eye area by going under the bottom eye lid but maybe not.
Then there is the injection he made by my nose that has left a long bump. His nurse said that the incision has to be as big as the bump to remove it... and the long one by my nose looks impossible to remove without leaving a very long scar. This is a area I might have to leave as is as it might looks worse that the bump. My background is in Marketing, Sales and PR. I have not sought legal counsel as of yet because my PS has been trying. If we hadn't had the 20 years of association prior I would have filed a law suit and brought this to media attention months ago. Hopefully, he will see this through to removing the bumps surgically. I will keep you updated on the final outcome.
I am desperate for answers and would welcome any comment from a victim of evolence or other Plastic Surgeons that has found a way to resolve this issue.
I have posted many updates/reply's on this site of my almost year long journey since I was first injected with the terrible filler Evolence and it's devastating effects. Here are a few things one should know about Evolence.
I have discovered these facts both personally and on line in my desperate attempt to restore the damage evolence did. I am so grateful for this website and the threads by other victims and plastic surgeons remarks that has assisted me in coming to the below conclusions and informing me of the true facts of evolence and it's ability to MAIME your face.
Here are my conclusions and personal story about Evolence and it's terrible and ill reversible effects:
1. NEVER USE A FILLER THAT CAN'T BE REVERSED... I have had other dermal fillers injected in my face before but never in the hollow area of my eyes nor I had ever used Evolence. Evolence requires no prior testing yet left granulomas starting the first day of injection. I did not request this filler it was selected by my Plastic Surgeon with no warning nor did I sign any consent. This is the only filler that has ever caused terrible ill reversible side effects. I was never told that there was no drug to reverse it once it's injected under your skin.
2. NEVER USE EVOLENCE IN THE HOLLOW PART OF YOUR EYES... From my on-line research and from this evolence nightmare I have found out that evolence is too thick and requires a larger needle plus lots of massage immediately after injection. My PS started out with a big needle hitting a vein then switched to a smaller needle for the other side of my face. There was a huge hematoma where he hit the vein, very little massage and all sites appeared way over filled. I contacted Johnson & Johnson who took evolence off the market. All I was told by them is that it is not approved to be used in the hollow part of your eyes. When I shared with my PS head nurse she said all PS used products off the label.
3. DERMIAL FILLER INJECTION IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN YOU THINK... Since I had used other dermal fillers in the past and botox I thought this procedure would be a quick innocent cosmetic procedure to assist in a younger look. I had no idea the complications of Evolence and because I was using a PS that I have been going to for over 15 years felt confident in his abilities. It is my understanding that this filler cannot be injected the same way as Restylane or Juvederm. It is apparent to me that my granulomas are the results of evolence. being used off the label and perhaps the lack of skill of the PS injector.
4. FEW PLASTIC SURGEONS WILL ADMIT THEY MADE A MISTAKE.. So far my PS has taken many steps to try and reverse the damage evolence has caused. The only thing he has said is that in any plastic surgery there is always the possibility of side effects. My granulomas have been very severe and yet the real picture was not spelled out for me. They first said the product would dissolve in 12 months, they mentioned allergies, too thin of skin in my eye area, too many previous laser surgeries and at times it seemed like they gave any excuse except that it was the result of evolence. They implied that the steroid shots would take care of it. It appears looking back they said as little as possible including me having to find out on my own just how permanent of filler evolence is and the bleak road for restoration. In the first 3 months of this long journey my PS stated that he would not want to try to surgically remove them until a year. November 2010 will mark a very long year of terrible complications, results, missed work and emotional agony. Surgery appears to be my last hope but will leave scars with the severity depending upon how he surgically removes them. He is considering going under the bottom eye lid on those that he can but on some he can't reach them under the lid including the nose area.
5. FAILED PROCEDURES TRIED TO REVERSE GRANULOMAS CAUSED BY EVOLENCE
I have had 5-7 steroid injections over the past year with varying strengths. Some would reduce the bumps for maybe 24-48 hours only for them to return. I had one granuloma that became so swollen that it closed my left eye and oozed. This required taking oral prednisone that caused terrible physical and emotional reactions but made the swelling go down yet started to create a moon sized face. My PS tried to use restylane to smooth out many small bumps in a row and it failed miserably only resulting in making it appear like one long raised puffy scar. I have had fraxel laser surgery that tightened the area around the granulomas but did not effect the granulomas. The last attempt was 10 months after the initial injection where they injected each site with saline solution and massaged the area. This actually made it worse. My bumps are now more prominent and harder.
6 .DAMAGES CAUSED BY EVOLENCE
My evolence experience has dramatically effected me in how I look physically, damaged my self esteem, left me to feel very self conscious and I feel very victimized. For the past 340 days it has been a struggle. I have looked in the mirror each day to see a maimed face full of large lumps, bumps, brusing, oozing. I have dealt with missed time off work, drug reactions, made over 13 office visits back into the PS office and have dealt with repeated forms of mild to painful injections in addition to fraxel surgery without the aid of twilight. I spent $600.00 for a procedure that has resulted in disfiguring results. In as much as my PS has continued to try to resolve the issue he and his staff haven't appeared to demonstrate the compassion or full understanding for the problem they created. The effects of this procedure has been a nightmare and emotional living hell. They see me every 6 weeks or so but I see the damages every day in the mirror! My phone calls have felt at times as a nuisance to the head nurse. I have dreaded calling the office each time to report that another bump has appeared, or grown bigger, or that the last injection or method used did not solve the bumps. I feel it is my plastic surgeons medical responsibility and integrity to see this through until the problem is resolved. So far he has not abandoned me but his head nurse over the past year has mentioned that they would gladly refund my money and I could be on my way to find my own solution, or that they feel they have exhausted all means to fix it and perhaps it was time for them to refer me to someone else. I reminded his nurse that the doctor had said in the early stages that he wanted to wait one year and then would attempt to surgically remove them. So, I am waiting to see if indeed they will take full responsibility for their mistakes and schedule me in for surgery for restoration to a huge problem they caused. I called today for a scheduled surgery date but did not get a returned phone call. Since surgery appears to be the last hope. I am still facing the issues of scaring.
He might be able to reach most the bumps in my eye area by going under the bottom eye lid but maybe not.
Then there is the injection he made by my nose that has left a long bump. His nurse said that the incision has to be as big as the bump to remove it... and the long one by my nose looks impossible to remove without leaving a very long scar. This is a area I might have to leave as is as it might looks worse that the bump. My background is in Marketing, Sales and PR. I have not sought legal counsel as of yet because my PS has been trying. If we hadn't had the 20 years of association prior I would have filed a law suit and brought this to media attention months ago. Hopefully, he will see this through to removing the bumps surgically. I will keep you updated on the final outcome.
I am desperate for answers and would welcome any comment from a victim of evolence or other Plastic Surgeons that has found a way to resolve this issue.
Replies (30)
October 18, 2010
I want to sincerely thank everyone who has posted, responded and shared their Evolence nightmare. This site has truly been a blessing in connecting us with others who have gone through the same thing. Plus many of the Plastic Surgeons on this site have been very up front and frank about the dangers of evolence. Unfortunately, we found out after the fact the devastating results. I just posted my hideous pics of how Evolence can mutilate and my year long journey. Here is what I posted. I hope you all keep me and others updated on your journey.
A YEAR LONG SUMMARY OF MY NIGHTMARE JOURNEY OF DISFIGUREMENT CAUSED BY EVOLENCE
I have posted many updates/reply's on this site of my almost year long journey since I was first injected with the terrible filler Evolence and it's devastating effects. Here are a few things one should know about Evolence.
I have discovered these facts both personally and on line in my desperate attempt to restore the damage evolence did. I am so grateful for this website and the threads by other victims and plastic surgeons remarks that has assisted me in coming to the below conclusions and informing me of the true facts of evolence and it's ability to MAIME your face.
Here are my conclusions and personal story about Evolence and it's terrible and ill reversible effects:
1. NEVER USE A FILLER THAT CAN'T BE REVERSED... I have had other dermal fillers injected in my face before but never in the hollow area of my eyes nor I had ever used Evolence. Evolence requires no prior testing yet left granulomas starting the first day of injection. I did not request this filler it was selected by my Plastic Surgeon with no warning nor did I sign any consent. This is the only filler that has ever caused terrible ill reversible side effects. I was never told that there was no drug to reverse it once it's injected under your skin.
2. NEVER USE EVOLENCE IN THE HOLLOW PART OF YOUR EYES... From my on-line research and from this evolence nightmare I have found out that evolence is too thick and requires a larger needle plus lots of massage immediately after injection. My PS started out with a big needle hitting a vein then switched to a smaller needle for the other side of my face. There was a huge hematoma where he hit the vein, very little massage and all sites appeared way over filled. I contacted Johnson & Johnson who took evolence off the market. All I was told by them is that it is not approved to be used in the hollow part of your eyes. When I shared this with my PS head nurse she said all PS used products off the label.
3. DERMIAL FILLER INJECTION IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN YOU THINK... Since I had used other dermal fillers in the past and botox I thought this procedure would be a quick innocent cosmetic procedure to assist in a younger look. I had no idea the complications of Evolence and because I was using a PS that I have been going to for over 15 years felt confident in his abilities. It is my understanding that this filler cannot be injected the same way as Restylane or Juvederm. It is apparent to me that my granulomas are the results of evolence being used off the label and perhaps the lack of skill of the PS injector.
4. FEW PLASTIC SURGEONS WILL ADMIT THEY MADE A MISTAKE.. So far my PS has taken many steps to try and reverse the damage evolence has caused, yet the only thing he has said is that in any plastic surgery there is always the possibility of side effects. My granulomas have been very severe and yet the real picture was not spelled out for me. They first said the product would dissolve in 12 months, they mentioned allergies, too thin of skin in my eye area, too many previous laser surgeries and at times it seemed like they gave any excuse except that it was the result of evolence. They implied that the steroid shots would take care of it. It appears looking back they said as little as possible including me having to find out on my own just how permanent of filler evolence is and the bleak road for restoration. In the first 3 months of this long journey my PS stated that he would not want to try to surgically remove them until a year. November 2010 will mark a very long year of terrible complications, results, missed work and emotional agony. Surgery appears to be my last hope but will leave scars with the severity depending upon how he surgically removes them. He is considering going under the bottom eye lid on those that he can but on some he can't reach them under the lid including the nose area.
5. FAILED PROCEDURES TRIED TO REVERSE GRANULOMAS CAUSED BY EVOLENCE
I have had 5-7 steroid injections over the past year with varying strengths. Some would reduce the bumps for maybe 24-48 hours only for them to return. I had one granuloma that became so swollen that it closed my left eye and oozed. This required taking oral prednisone that caused terrible physical and emotional reactions but made the swelling go down yet started to create a moon sized face. My PS tried to use restylane to smooth out many small bumps in a row and it failed miserably only resulting in making it appear like one long raised puffy scar. I have had fraxel laser surgery that tightened the area around the granulomas but did not effect the granulomas. The last attempt was 10 months after the initial injection where they injected each site with saline solution and massaged the area. This actually made it worse. My bumps are now more prominent and harder.
6. DAMAGES CAUSED BY EVOLENCE
My evolence experience has dramatically effected me in how I look physically, damaged my self esteem, left me to feel very self conscious and I feel very victimized. For the past 340 days it has been a struggle. I have looked in the mirror each day to see a maimed face full of large lumps, bumps, brusing, oozing. I have dealt with missed time off work, drug reactions, made over 13 office visits back into the PS office and have dealt with repeated forms of mild to painful injections in addition to fraxel surgery without the aid of twilight. I spent $600.00 for a procedure that has resulted in disfiguring results. In as much as my PS has continued to try to resolve the issue he and his staff haven't appeared to demonstrate the compassion or full understanding for the problem they created. The effects of this procedure has been a nightmare and a emotional living hell. They see me every 6 weeks or so but I see the damages every day in the mirror! My phone calls have felt at times as a nuisance to the head nurse. I have dreaded calling the office each time to report that another bump has appeared, or grown bigger, or that the last injection or method used did not solve the bumps. I feel it is my plastic surgeons medical responsibility and integrity to see this through until the problem is resolved. So far he has not abandoned me but his head nurse over the past year has mentioned that they would gladly refund my money and I could be on my way to find my own solution, or that they feel they have exhausted all means to fix it and perhaps it was time for them to refer me to someone else. I reminded his nurse that the doctor had said in the early stages that he wanted to wait one year and then would attempt to surgically remove them. So, I am waiting to see if indeed they will take full responsibility for their mistakes and schedule me in for surgery for restoration to a huge problem they caused. I called today for a scheduled surgery date but did not get a returned phone call. Since surgery appears to be the last hope. I am still facing the issues of scaring.
He might be able to reach most the bumps in my eye area by going under the bottom eye lid but maybe not.
Then there is the injection he made by my nose that has left a long bump. His nurse said that the incision has to be as big as the bump to remove it... and the long one by my nose looks impossible to remove without leaving a very long scar. This is a area I might have to leave as is as it might looks worse that the bump. My background is in Marketing, Sales and PR. I have not sought legal counsel as of yet because my PS has been trying. If we hadn't had the 20 years of association prior I would have filed a law suit and brought this to media attention months ago. Hopefully, he will see this through to removing the bumps surgically. I will keep you updated on the final outcome.
I am desperate for answers and would welcome any comment from a victim of evolence or other Plastic Surgeon that has found a way to resolve this issue.
A YEAR LONG SUMMARY OF MY NIGHTMARE JOURNEY OF DISFIGUREMENT CAUSED BY EVOLENCE
I have posted many updates/reply's on this site of my almost year long journey since I was first injected with the terrible filler Evolence and it's devastating effects. Here are a few things one should know about Evolence.
I have discovered these facts both personally and on line in my desperate attempt to restore the damage evolence did. I am so grateful for this website and the threads by other victims and plastic surgeons remarks that has assisted me in coming to the below conclusions and informing me of the true facts of evolence and it's ability to MAIME your face.
Here are my conclusions and personal story about Evolence and it's terrible and ill reversible effects:
1. NEVER USE A FILLER THAT CAN'T BE REVERSED... I have had other dermal fillers injected in my face before but never in the hollow area of my eyes nor I had ever used Evolence. Evolence requires no prior testing yet left granulomas starting the first day of injection. I did not request this filler it was selected by my Plastic Surgeon with no warning nor did I sign any consent. This is the only filler that has ever caused terrible ill reversible side effects. I was never told that there was no drug to reverse it once it's injected under your skin.
2. NEVER USE EVOLENCE IN THE HOLLOW PART OF YOUR EYES... From my on-line research and from this evolence nightmare I have found out that evolence is too thick and requires a larger needle plus lots of massage immediately after injection. My PS started out with a big needle hitting a vein then switched to a smaller needle for the other side of my face. There was a huge hematoma where he hit the vein, very little massage and all sites appeared way over filled. I contacted Johnson & Johnson who took evolence off the market. All I was told by them is that it is not approved to be used in the hollow part of your eyes. When I shared this with my PS head nurse she said all PS used products off the label.
3. DERMIAL FILLER INJECTION IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN YOU THINK... Since I had used other dermal fillers in the past and botox I thought this procedure would be a quick innocent cosmetic procedure to assist in a younger look. I had no idea the complications of Evolence and because I was using a PS that I have been going to for over 15 years felt confident in his abilities. It is my understanding that this filler cannot be injected the same way as Restylane or Juvederm. It is apparent to me that my granulomas are the results of evolence being used off the label and perhaps the lack of skill of the PS injector.
4. FEW PLASTIC SURGEONS WILL ADMIT THEY MADE A MISTAKE.. So far my PS has taken many steps to try and reverse the damage evolence has caused, yet the only thing he has said is that in any plastic surgery there is always the possibility of side effects. My granulomas have been very severe and yet the real picture was not spelled out for me. They first said the product would dissolve in 12 months, they mentioned allergies, too thin of skin in my eye area, too many previous laser surgeries and at times it seemed like they gave any excuse except that it was the result of evolence. They implied that the steroid shots would take care of it. It appears looking back they said as little as possible including me having to find out on my own just how permanent of filler evolence is and the bleak road for restoration. In the first 3 months of this long journey my PS stated that he would not want to try to surgically remove them until a year. November 2010 will mark a very long year of terrible complications, results, missed work and emotional agony. Surgery appears to be my last hope but will leave scars with the severity depending upon how he surgically removes them. He is considering going under the bottom eye lid on those that he can but on some he can't reach them under the lid including the nose area.
5. FAILED PROCEDURES TRIED TO REVERSE GRANULOMAS CAUSED BY EVOLENCE
I have had 5-7 steroid injections over the past year with varying strengths. Some would reduce the bumps for maybe 24-48 hours only for them to return. I had one granuloma that became so swollen that it closed my left eye and oozed. This required taking oral prednisone that caused terrible physical and emotional reactions but made the swelling go down yet started to create a moon sized face. My PS tried to use restylane to smooth out many small bumps in a row and it failed miserably only resulting in making it appear like one long raised puffy scar. I have had fraxel laser surgery that tightened the area around the granulomas but did not effect the granulomas. The last attempt was 10 months after the initial injection where they injected each site with saline solution and massaged the area. This actually made it worse. My bumps are now more prominent and harder.
6. DAMAGES CAUSED BY EVOLENCE
My evolence experience has dramatically effected me in how I look physically, damaged my self esteem, left me to feel very self conscious and I feel very victimized. For the past 340 days it has been a struggle. I have looked in the mirror each day to see a maimed face full of large lumps, bumps, brusing, oozing. I have dealt with missed time off work, drug reactions, made over 13 office visits back into the PS office and have dealt with repeated forms of mild to painful injections in addition to fraxel surgery without the aid of twilight. I spent $600.00 for a procedure that has resulted in disfiguring results. In as much as my PS has continued to try to resolve the issue he and his staff haven't appeared to demonstrate the compassion or full understanding for the problem they created. The effects of this procedure has been a nightmare and a emotional living hell. They see me every 6 weeks or so but I see the damages every day in the mirror! My phone calls have felt at times as a nuisance to the head nurse. I have dreaded calling the office each time to report that another bump has appeared, or grown bigger, or that the last injection or method used did not solve the bumps. I feel it is my plastic surgeons medical responsibility and integrity to see this through until the problem is resolved. So far he has not abandoned me but his head nurse over the past year has mentioned that they would gladly refund my money and I could be on my way to find my own solution, or that they feel they have exhausted all means to fix it and perhaps it was time for them to refer me to someone else. I reminded his nurse that the doctor had said in the early stages that he wanted to wait one year and then would attempt to surgically remove them. So, I am waiting to see if indeed they will take full responsibility for their mistakes and schedule me in for surgery for restoration to a huge problem they caused. I called today for a scheduled surgery date but did not get a returned phone call. Since surgery appears to be the last hope. I am still facing the issues of scaring.
He might be able to reach most the bumps in my eye area by going under the bottom eye lid but maybe not.
Then there is the injection he made by my nose that has left a long bump. His nurse said that the incision has to be as big as the bump to remove it... and the long one by my nose looks impossible to remove without leaving a very long scar. This is a area I might have to leave as is as it might looks worse that the bump. My background is in Marketing, Sales and PR. I have not sought legal counsel as of yet because my PS has been trying. If we hadn't had the 20 years of association prior I would have filed a law suit and brought this to media attention months ago. Hopefully, he will see this through to removing the bumps surgically. I will keep you updated on the final outcome.
I am desperate for answers and would welcome any comment from a victim of evolence or other Plastic Surgeon that has found a way to resolve this issue.
November 5, 2010
I finally saw my PS last week and it feels like he and his staff change directions as often as the wind. I'm scheduled for mid December for them to surgically remove the bumps caused by evolence. I wanted in earlier as recuperating from surgery during the holidays is not my idea of enjoying the season. They claim this is his earliest opening. My guess is he has few paying clients who want surgery that close to the holiday. He had originally said he would go under the eye and now wants to surgically go in from the top. He believes he can remove the majority of the bumps under my left eye with a punch press. Whatever that is? He said there would definitely be no scaring with that procedure but the other remaining 3 bumps (1 in the corner of my left eye and 2 on my right will require larger incisions. The PS didn't seem to be as concerned with scaring as his head nurse had stated in our previous meeting. His comment was "you heal well".
So, I am still feeling trepidation about what I will look like after surgery. I am considering going to another PS for a second opinion prior to surgery just to see how they would surgically remove it and what they predict the results (scaring) would be. They are telling me downtime will only be 7-10 days. I can't wait to get rid of the bumps but also don't want forever scars that would look worse than the bumps. Unfortunately, I am convinced that the bumps will never go away over time and must be surgically removed.
So, I am still feeling trepidation about what I will look like after surgery. I am considering going to another PS for a second opinion prior to surgery just to see how they would surgically remove it and what they predict the results (scaring) would be. They are telling me downtime will only be 7-10 days. I can't wait to get rid of the bumps but also don't want forever scars that would look worse than the bumps. Unfortunately, I am convinced that the bumps will never go away over time and must be surgically removed.
November 10, 2010
Sorry you have to wait til Dec for your surgery. My recovery wasn't too bad...I was just bruised for a couple of weeks. I missed 2 days of work and then had the weekend to recover. I hope it goes well. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know how you do. My scar is looking better each day...hoping it will go away completely on it's own! Looking forward to my follow-up in early Jan. I'll let you know what my Dr says.
October 19, 2010
Thanks for your post. You provided some very important information, and I completely agree with your description of this horrible product!!! Thought I'd let you know that I don't think your pictures posted correctly because I wasn't able to view them. I may have done something wrong, but just in case, wanted to pass that along. Also, I'll be interested to know how your surgery goes. I don't go back for another follow-up for a couple of months, but will keep you posted on my healing process. Hope you get some resolution soon!
October 19, 2010
I believe you can find the hideous pics on my orginal post. Just hit my user name and see if they show. Not exactly the look I was hoping for to restore the hallow area of my eyes.
October 19, 2010
Hi 6999anon,
Thank you so much for your great deal of information, pictures and involvement in our Evolence community. You have provided so much great information for our readers. How are you doing since your procedure? Please keep me updated and please continue to be an important part of our community.
All the best,
-Britt
October 19, 2010
I saw the pictures. Yours is a little worse than mine was. I hope that they fix this for you! No, you're so right...I'll take my hollows any day over the Evolence bumps! Looks like he injected you many times...I assume where each bump is. I hope that they can go under the eye lid to remove it for you. If not, you may need to get some legal advise. No one should have to to through this grief!
October 25, 2010
The surgery was outpatient and took about an hour. I was given anesthesia intraveinously...a little stronger than a twilight. My right eye was the worst and had one large bump. He cut it out by going on top of the skin. He didn't go under the eyelid for any of my surgery. He thought it was too risky. The bump is gone. I do have a very small line where the incisision was made, but it has improved greatly over the past three weeks. I am continuing to put Bio Oil on it 3 x a day to help prevent scarring. My stitches haven't dissolved completetly yet, so time will tell about the scar. I will say that what I have now looks better than the big bump looked. Under my other eye, I had 3 small bumps. One he left alone. It isn't very noticeable anyway, so he didn't want to cut me there. The one on the corner of my nose is gone. He was able to remove it, & I can't even see the incision. The one in the middle is still slightly visible. I cannot see the incision sight at all under this eye, but I can still see a small bump. It looks better than it did before the surgery, but isn't completely gone and is still palpable. I don't go back to my surgeon until early January. He said that total healing will take 6 months, so I am following his protocol and giving it time to heal. He has assured me that any scarring could be taken care of through laser re-surfacing, & I trust his opinion. He isn't the same provider who injected my eyes, so his opinion is really impartial. He said he couldn't believe that they injected that stuff under my eyes. It is so thick...like rubber! He didn't cut it all out because he was afraid it might leave a divet under my eye...that's why I think he was probably a little too conservative under my left eye...and I still have a small bump. Of course, after all I've been through, I'd rather he be too conservative, honestly. Hope he doesn't have to go back in, but we will see. Will keep you posted. Bottom line...I am glad that I had the surgery!
December 12, 2010
Have you had your surgery yet? Hope it goes well. Pls let me know about your results.
December 16, 2010
Surgery for removal is today at 4:00 PM. I have lots of trepidation in fear of scaring but have no other choice.
Thanks for asking and will update you in the next few days as to how I am recovering.
Thanks for asking and will update you in the next few days as to how I am recovering.
UPDATED FROM 6999anon
Unfortunately, my newest update is not a very...
6999anonMarch 23, 2011
Unfortunately, my newest update is not a very positive one. Yesterday, I went to see my PS as it has been a little over 3 months since he tried to surgically remove the bumps caused by evolence. It is evident by the remaining bumps still on my face that he did not get all the evolence out in surgery. He told me that we need to do another surgery but the earliest opening he had was June 7th. This is only 6 weeks prior to my high school reunion and requiring three more long months of bumps and lumps. I waited in his office for over an hour as I have had to do the last 4 visits. He did inject one of the bumps with a steroid and it has only made a slight difference in the size. I am not looking forward to another painful surgery and concerned about the healing time. Last surgery took at least 3 weeks before it even looked sort of healed. The idea of more incisions causes me great concern about scaring. I see very little scaring as of now and have faithfully applied bio oil but can't imagine repeated incisions in the same area not leaving a worse scar. He claims surgery should be easier and healing time faster as this bumps are not as deep. I am losing faith in what he tells me and in his abilities to totally remove the evolence. I do have an appointment set with an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon for a second opinion. You would think my PS would be tripping over himself to make this right as soon as possible since me has ruined my eye area with this product but he is not. I'm feeling rather hopeless in how to correct this once and for all.
Replies (36)
May 25, 2011
I have lumps from this product TOO! Almost 3 years now. Why are doctors using something that has no way to disolve like the other fillers? And has anyone successfully taken evolence out? or removed? UGH
May 26, 2011
I am scheduled for my second surgery on June 9, 2011 to try an remove the remaining granulomas caused by evolence. The first failed surgery (Dec 2010) only improved the size of the bumps minimally. I can see a few small scars where he made the incision and very concerned the second surgery will not totally correct the entire bumps and fear more scaring, Yet, I am desperate to get this resolved the best one can. There are days when the bumps appear larger and more prominent with some swelling and other days when they are not as large. Yet, every day I am reminded when I look in the mirror the damage evolence has done to my face. As mentioned in a early posting the material he removed was very hard and is not going away on it's own. I even got a second opinion from another plastic surgeon and he really appeared lost. He told me to leave it alone for another 18-24 months as he thought I only had a 50% chance of improving it and it could look worst.
Unfortunately, after the consultation with him I had very little confidence in his real knowledge of evolence, granuloma and fillers in general. I couldn't help but feel he was trying to protect the plastic surgeon that ruined my face with a product that should have never been used there and whose evolence injecting skills are questionable. He knew the plastic surgeon who caused this and I felt he didn't want to hold him responsible or inherit a problem caused by a fellow colleague. He even said that my plastic surgeon was a excellent surgeon that does good work. I do not call maiming someone's eye area for life as 'good work"
I have no idea why a PS would inject a filler that cannot be reversed especially when they are using it off the label. In my instance I think it was a over confident PS who was use to injecting restaylene and tried to inject evolence the same way but ran into complications do to the thickness of the product and location as to where he tried to inject it. He also might have been drawn to using this product because there was more profit in it for him and perhaps truly he thought it would last longer. Prior to ever being injected with evolence I had never had any complications with fillers used in other areas He never warned me of the complications or that we could never reverse this filler. Do to his busy schedule I have had to wait over 3 months for this second surgery and just deal with the obvious bumps. You would think since he caused this that he would be tripping over himself to fix it ASAP but he isn't. I have witnessed very little remorse from his huge mistake, poor judgement and botched injection. I just hope and pray I see some better results after June's surgery.
Unfortunately, after the consultation with him I had very little confidence in his real knowledge of evolence, granuloma and fillers in general. I couldn't help but feel he was trying to protect the plastic surgeon that ruined my face with a product that should have never been used there and whose evolence injecting skills are questionable. He knew the plastic surgeon who caused this and I felt he didn't want to hold him responsible or inherit a problem caused by a fellow colleague. He even said that my plastic surgeon was a excellent surgeon that does good work. I do not call maiming someone's eye area for life as 'good work"
I have no idea why a PS would inject a filler that cannot be reversed especially when they are using it off the label. In my instance I think it was a over confident PS who was use to injecting restaylene and tried to inject evolence the same way but ran into complications do to the thickness of the product and location as to where he tried to inject it. He also might have been drawn to using this product because there was more profit in it for him and perhaps truly he thought it would last longer. Prior to ever being injected with evolence I had never had any complications with fillers used in other areas He never warned me of the complications or that we could never reverse this filler. Do to his busy schedule I have had to wait over 3 months for this second surgery and just deal with the obvious bumps. You would think since he caused this that he would be tripping over himself to fix it ASAP but he isn't. I have witnessed very little remorse from his huge mistake, poor judgement and botched injection. I just hope and pray I see some better results after June's surgery.
June 3, 2011
Yes,,I understand how you are feeling...EVERYDAY reminded of this . I hope your surgery goes well.
The dr that injected me acts same way...I truly believe he just needed to get rid of the product and the fact that he had lumps under his own eyes and injected me anyway says alot about him. I just continue posting update reviews so that other people know to think twice before letting this happen.
Its horrible that he chose to use this product on eye are knowing that there isnt a way to reverse as other fillers...just like your doc...shame shame shame!!!
The dr that injected me acts same way...I truly believe he just needed to get rid of the product and the fact that he had lumps under his own eyes and injected me anyway says alot about him. I just continue posting update reviews so that other people know to think twice before letting this happen.
Its horrible that he chose to use this product on eye are knowing that there isnt a way to reverse as other fillers...just like your doc...shame shame shame!!!
June 3, 2011
also ....have you noticed a "yellowing" of the area? Im noticing this lately...i noticed in a photo of mine. and it is there more and more. also...my other eye is developing more noticeable lumps...ugh...
June 8, 2011
Mine was successfully removed surgically. My surgeon said that the product was so thick...he thinks it would have still been around 20 years from now!!!
June 8, 2011
I will be thinking about you Thursday. I pray that this surgery will be successful, unlike your last one. Thankfully, I am pleased with the results of my surgery to remove the evolence and am so happy with the results. I did go to an oculofacial plastic surgeon who only operates on eyes. The other doctor, who injected the evolence, paid for the surgery though. I still have a small scar, but it has really flattened out and is barely noticeable. Please let me know how you do. I have checked back often for an update. I feel so bad for you, and I hope that your nightmare ends soon.
June 9, 2011
Hope all goes well tomorrow. I know you are nervous...sending thoughts and prayers your way.
June 13, 2011
Thank you so much for the well wishes! The second surgery was much easier than the first in many ways. I stayed asleep for most of it and my eye area is not nearly as swollen and bruised as in the first surgery. I did not have him try to remove the two small bumps on the right side as they are minimal and concerned the scars might have out weighed the risk. He did inject one with another steroid shot. The left side is a whole other story and screamed for second attempt at removal. Since it's only been 4 days, it's too soon to predict the outcome. I feel slightly raised areas where the stitches are which would seem normal. I do not feel any hard bumps underneath as I did last time but there is still swelling and light bruising in the area. Of course, concerned about scar bumps and or any possibility that he was still unable to remove all the granulomas left.
I've been looking for further clarity on just what the bumps consist of and what causes granulomas. They are very hard in content when removed and for months believed it was hardened evolence.
I found an older article on line about granulomas. I think the incidence of granulomas caused from dermal fillers (especially evolence) is now so much higher than reported in this article but it pretty much states some honest facts that your PS will not tell you. Here is the link: http://www.zeel.com/c/granuloma/removal-get-rid-of. This article is very informative and faults the injector. I believe it's a combination of poor injector technique and the filler product selected including placement.
A frightening fact that very little people have addressed is the migration that can happen or granulomas that can appear later...years later including different places.
It will be two years this coming November since my botched injection. The damages have been overwhelming in how it has effected my time, money, self esteem and life. What we all thought would be a harmless quick fix turned out to be disfiguring moment. I am so hoping that I will have good news to report in the near future.
I've been looking for further clarity on just what the bumps consist of and what causes granulomas. They are very hard in content when removed and for months believed it was hardened evolence.
I found an older article on line about granulomas. I think the incidence of granulomas caused from dermal fillers (especially evolence) is now so much higher than reported in this article but it pretty much states some honest facts that your PS will not tell you. Here is the link: http://www.zeel.com/c/granuloma/removal-get-rid-of. This article is very informative and faults the injector. I believe it's a combination of poor injector technique and the filler product selected including placement.
A frightening fact that very little people have addressed is the migration that can happen or granulomas that can appear later...years later including different places.
It will be two years this coming November since my botched injection. The damages have been overwhelming in how it has effected my time, money, self esteem and life. What we all thought would be a harmless quick fix turned out to be disfiguring moment. I am so hoping that I will have good news to report in the near future.
June 14, 2011
WOW ...fantastic...gives me the courage to now go ahead and get the surgery..tired of wearing sun glasses..etc..keep us posted ..'
i agree...a little quick fix can do so much damage..take care ...im sure you will have good results..this evolence is a mess...
i agree...a little quick fix can do so much damage..take care ...im sure you will have good results..this evolence is a mess...
Replies (20)
How long did he say recovery would be.
You wrote that your Dr. said he could take care of the scar with laser surgery. My PS office said that laser cannot remove scars?
Are you happy with the results you are seeing now.