When a filler treatment doesn’t look good???

Dr. Irwin
March 27, 2015
Dear Dr Irwin, two weeks ago I saw a Dermatologist here in Sydney, Australia (who is well known for her skill with injectable fillers), and she injected a "light" version of the new Juvederm product Volbella(?) into the small vertical lines above my top lip. I had asked for a solution to the lines. However, without telling me what she was about to do, she injected the same product along the sides of my nose, under the inside corner of my eyes. After she had done this, I asked why she had injected there. She said that it would give a "more youthful look" to my face. I have never had any problems with wrinkles or lines or hollows around my eyes and I am 58 years old. I used to like my eyes! Now, I have deep, dark coloured hollows under my eyes that make me look like a very sad raccoon and also now have small wrinkles directly under the middle area of my eyes above my cheekbones. In addition, I have two deep, 1 inch hollows in my face near my nose which look like I have worn spectacles that are too tight. I now look 10 years older and exhausted. Is there anything I can do about this? Even though it is just over 2 weeks since this was done, nothing is changing for the better. I don't want this Dermatologist to damage my face more and I am afraid she would suggest another filler touch up in grooves which she has created. I would be so grateful for any advice you could give me. Thank you very much.

I’m glad you wrote because I know this is a common problem.   Generally, here are some guidelines.   And……..you’re right of course, even a good or great aesthetic doctor can make a mistake sometimes…………..the biggest difference is that she/he will know how to fix problems.

Here are some thoughts:

  • You’re smart to give the filler or Botox/Dysport a week or 10 days to “mature.”   Many fillers fluctuate just slightly for that first week or so and are better 7-10 days later;
  • If you can, feel confident to go back and ask for the filler (HA fillers only) to be removed with hyaluronidase, the enzyme that can dissolve or partially dissolve the lump, bump or puffiness.  You don’t need to agree to any more filler injections at that appt;
  • It’s  important generally, to give the doctor who caused the problem, a chance to fix the problem, within reason.  Usually this would be no or low cost to you.;
  • Here are other readers’ problems and how they could solve them.
  • Very large or dark bruises, especially around the nose, should be reported right away to the doctor who treated you.

Hope this helps,  Dr. i

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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