How to talk to your doctor about filler problems after a treatment!

Dr. Irwin
October 2, 2013
Hi Dr. Irwin, I had Belotero injected in my tear troughs to correct (dark circles that weren't very bad) almost 6 weeks ago. I bruised the worst under my left eye which is creating a pretty bad shadow. I also have a really obvious dark spot underin my right eye where the Dr. injected. Im not sure if this is hyperpigmentation or Tyndal, where I was told is rare with Belotero. I should add that ive had restylane and had no shadow or bruising. I don't know where I should go from here. Is this permanent? I can't even cover it with makeup, it looks worse. Will it fade when the filler fades?

Dear readers, I hear you, treatments do not always go perfectly even in the best of circumstances. So assuming you’ve done your homework and picked a doctor or nurse injector who is reputable and experienced, what do you do if it’s not good?? A couple of thoughts.

 

  • Some bruising after injections is normal, but if it’s really dark or very large, please call your doctor/nurse. Ideally they will ask to see you or a at least have you email a photo to evaluate. Many good offices have written bruise prevention protocols that they can give you.
  • It’s very reasonable to wait a week after a filler because they will often evolve a little over that first week (usually just getting even better), but after a week, any continued filler problems need to be reported to the doctor/nurse via a phone call.
  • Some patients are reluctant to call, but it’s our job and our privilege to help you with these things. If you are polite and explain that you had a filler done by Dr. X and you are having a problem and then a brief explanation (a bump, a dark spot, it looks uneven, etc), a good office will respond positively and get the message to the doctor or nurse.
  • It’s reasonable, except in an emergency, to wait 24 hours and then call again if you don’t hear back.
  • Anything that seems like it might be an allergic reaction should get reported right away. Or, call 911 if it’s severe. This situation is very rare.

 

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

 

Read some tips on How to Find a Good Dermatologist.

 

Learn about Filler Mistakes & How to Fix Them.

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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