Complications of dermal fillers - an experience from Middle-East

Background Dermal fillers have become exceedingly common globally in recent years for body rejuvenation, but with their widespread use and increasing profitability, cases of complications of dermal fillers are being widely reported. Objective To document the complications related to dermal fillers as managed by the authors while working in different hospitals of Riyadh city. Patients and methods Demographic and clinical data of 47 cases, reporting with complications of dermal fillers over a period of two years from June 2009 to June 2011, were analysed. The complications were categorised by a self designed category system based on management and outcome. Results 44 females and 3 males, ranging in age from 23 years to 62 years were managed for complications of dermal fillers affecting face, hands, buttocks and external genitalia. 83% of cases had moderate to severe complications, and 51% were unaware of the nature of dermal filler received by them. 20 cases (42.5%) required surgical treatment and interventions under anesthesia. Conclusion With increased use of dermal fillers, the complications are also being frequently encountered. Dermatologists should be wary of these avoidable untoward effects and their proper management.