In aesthetic medicine, although rare, complications can and do happen. But rather than seeing them as failures, it’s time to shift the narrative.
Although these complications occur infrequently, their potential impact necessitates transparency, preparedness, and ongoing education.
During our recent international webinar, bringing together Members from Australia and the USA, Fresh Clinics co-founder Dr John Holbrook led a candid discussion on complication management, breaking down stigma, and ensuring patient safety remains the top priority in aesthetics.
A New Perspective on Complications
“Bad things happen. They’ll happen to all of us,” Dr Holbrook stated. “What matters more than anything is recognising, escalating, and managing it appropriately.”
One of the most critical complications discussed was vascular occlusions (VO). Vascular occlusions are a rare but serious complication associated with dermal fillers. They occur in fewer than 0.05% of treatments.
Dr Holbrook reinforced that quick recognition and treatment are key: “Anytime you see vesicles, think necrosis. The answer is simple - open up the vessel with hyaluronidase.”
Vascular occlusion can sometimes be misdiagnosed due to varying symptoms, but practitioners were urged to act swiftly. “Pain is a helpful sign, but just because it’s painless doesn’t mean there’s no occlusion,” Dr Holbrook advised.
Real case studies shown in the webinar.
The Reality of Infections
While vascular occlusions require immediate dissolving of filler, infections can be more challenging. Immune-mediated inflammatory reactions can present anywhere from days to years after HA filler was initially injected. The swelling and tenderness in the distribution where the fillers were injected are often, but not always, triggered by illness in the patient a couple days prior to the swelling.
NSAIDs and prednisone are typically used to manage these reactions. If an infection is suspected, antibiotics and dissolving the filler are standard therapy. Dr Holbrook highlighted, “You are obliged to dissolve any filler post-infection, no matter what.”
Practitioners were reminded to take a proactive approach with close patient monitoring to prevent further complications such as abscess formation.
Seeking to maintain adverse events at less than 1% of treatments that occur is a shared mission. The Monthly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) meetings hosted by Fresh Clinics highlight where and how practice can continuously improve.
No Practitioner is Alone
Breaking the stigma around complication management requires a collective shift in perspective.
Complications are not a reflection of incompetence but are part of cosmetic medicine and an opportunity to learn, improve practice, and enhance patient safety. Fresh Clinics offers ongoing support through its medical team, software, and training to ensure all practitioners have the knowledge and confidence to navigate complications.
If you want to be part of a network that prioritises safety, education, and professional growth, explore how Fresh Clinics can support you. Reach out to our team today, call us, or schedule a time to chat below.