What to Do if You Use the Wrong Type of Dermal Filler

So you think you’ve treated a patient using the wrong type of dermal filler - what do you do?

First of all, don’t panic. Secondly, let us help - we highly recommend bookmarking this article on Instagram for emergency reference!

We followed up on our interview about selecting the best filler type for each area with clinical trainer, Dr Victoria Russell.

This time, she explores what you can do if you think you’ve used the wrong type of filler when treating a patient.

What to do if you think you’ve treated a patient with the wrong type of filler

Dr Victoria stresses, “Firstly, patient safety is paramount! Make sure what you have injected is not causing any immediate or serious issues.

“As medical aesthetics practitioners, we have a duty of candour. So the next step is to be honest with your patient and explain the situation.”

She advises, “Fixing the actual problem of injecting the wrong filler type depends on the aesthetic outcome. If you and the patient are happy, you may not need to do anything else.

“However, if your patient isn’t happy, you might need to dissolve the filler with hyaluronidase. You may then need to re-treat the area at a later date.”

Seek support from the medical aesthetics community

“If you are unsure at any point, make sure you ask for help and advice,” flags Dr Victoria.

“If you don’t have a colleague or a mentor to discuss the case with, you can ask other practitioners on the Comma app. This is a dedicated space for medical professionals to discuss all things aesthetics.”

Comma is free for all aesthetic medicine practitioners to join and you will be asked for your professional body registration details as part of the application process.

“You can also contact ACE Group or CMAC if you think there might be a complication,” Dr Victoria tells us.

How to avoid using the wrong type of dermal filler

Many of our trainees ask us “What are the best fillers to use in my clinic?” As long as the brand has passed the necessary regulatory checks and been sourced from a reputable provider, this is an entirely personal preference. However, we would counsel against getting too experimental, too soon.

During your aesthetics training courses, start to get used to what to use, for what you want to achieve and where. Use one product range to start with. This will allow you to appreciate the differences of the products within that range as you start learning.

Obviously, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase. As such, using HA filler products can be more reassuring for novice aesthetics practitioners.

It can be beneficial, when first starting out, to carry on using the same products that you trained with. This gives you a familiarity that allows you to build your confidence as an injector, without the added pressure of having to choose different products so early in your aesthetics career.

You can always start researching the filler brands and products you may wish to explore once you’re ready.

The best filler types for deep v superficial treatments

This general guidance is worth bearing in mind when selecting your dermal filler products. These tips are based on the depth of your treatments.

• For deep placement: The ideal fillers can withstand deformation and compression. They’ll have minimal displacement and maintain their shape
• For more superficial placement: The best fillers are dynamic with facial expressions and integrate well without too much bulk. This allows them to look natural.

We also highly recommend reading our previous article on Choosing the Best Filler Type for Each Treatment Area for further advice.

Harley Academy sets the aesthetics industry standard

Understanding the correct filler types that should be used in different treatment areas is an intuitive skill you’ll develop as you train as an aesthetics practitioner.

Our Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers course is the gold-standard in aesthetic medicine. As you sharpen your injecting skills and anatomical knowledge with our specialist mentors, you’ll gain confidence. This confidence will enable you to consult your patients with ease and tailor treatment plans, allowing you to be a safe and ethical injector.

In our City of London training academy, you’ll get hands-on experience in a real working aesthetics clinic. Each patient will be your own to treat and, as you build your logbook, you’ll be overseen by one of our specialist mentors. Our Level 7 in injectables is designed to give you the power to start your aesthetics career with all the tools you need to be successful.

Book a call with one of our knowledgeable Course Advisors. They’ll support you in choosing the right course for you and answer any questions you may have.

All information correct at the time of publication