What to do first
If you have any change in vision, signs of a stroke, or swelling of the lip, tongue or throat with trouble breathing, go to the nearest emergency department. Call 995 if you cannot travel there safely. Do not wait for a reply from any clinic.
If your skin turns white, dusky or mottled after filler, or pain is severe or getting worse, you need urgent assessment now. That can be with us, the clinic that injected you, or another doctor. Do not try to manage urgent signs yourself.
Aesthetic complication care: how urgent is it?
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| Any vision change: blur, loss of vision, double vision or eye pain | Emergency department now, or 995 |
| Facial weakness, slurred speech or limb weakness | Emergency department now, or 995 |
| Lip, tongue or throat swelling with trouble breathing | Emergency department now, or 995 |
| Trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing after botulinum toxin | Emergency department now, or 995 |
| White, dusky or mottled skin after filler | Urgent assessment now |
| Severe or worsening pain | Urgent assessment now |
| Fever, spreading redness or pus at a treated site | Same-day review |
| Thick, yellow or oozing crusts, blisters, or rising pain, swelling or warmth after laser | Contact the clinic promptly |
| A heavy brow or drooping eyelid after botulinum toxin | Report it for assessment |
| A firm or painful lump, months or years after filler | Book an assessment |
| Some swelling, redness or bruising, or warmth and fine crusting after laser | Usually expected; follow your written aftercare |
After filler
The main worry is a vascular event, which is called vascular occlusion. Filler can enter or press on an artery and block blood flow. Warning signs are blanching, dusky, purple or mottled skin, and pain that is severe or getting worse. Rarely, vision is affected, which is why any vision change is an emergency. Read our filler warning signs guide. Later on, a firm or painful nodule may be an inflammatory reaction, such as a biofilm or granuloma. That needs examination, not guesswork. Mild swelling, redness or bruising on its own is usually expected. It is swelling with blanching, mottled skin, worsening pain or a vision change that needs urgent assessment.
After laser
Warmth and fine crusting can be expected, as your written aftercare will explain. Thick, yellow or oozing crusts, blisters, or increasing pain, swelling or warmth may point to infection or a burn. Dark marks that appear later may be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Please do not pick at crusts, and keep the area protected from the sun. Our scab care guide covers the ordinary course.
After botulinum toxin
A heavy brow or a drooping eyelid should be reported, so that it can be assessed. Difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing is an emergency. In either case, tell the doctor which product was used and when, if you know.
What hyaluronidase can and cannot do
Hyaluronidase is used only for hyaluronic acid filler. It is kept on hand where hyaluronic acid filler is injected, and its use is decided after examination.
It has no effect on Sculptra, Ellansé or Radiesse. These cannot be dissolved, and they are managed case by case.
Allergy is screened for. The enzyme also acts on the body's own hyaluronic acid, so it is not a casual step.
Aftercare that helps you spot trouble
Avoid pressing or massaging the area unless advised. Put off strenuous exercise, saunas, alcohol and facials with heat or pressure for a short period.
Keep the area clean and moisturised, use any prescribed ointment, and let scabs fall off on their own. Use daily broad-spectrum sun protection.
Read your written aftercare. It lists what is normal and what to report, so that you can tell the two apart.
Tell the doctor about planned dental work, and about past reactions to filler or anaesthetic.
How to contact the clinic
What to have ready when you are seen
If you were treated elsewhere
You are not turned away because another clinic treated you. Urgent signs should go to the injecting clinic, another doctor or A&E, whichever is fastest. Concerns that are not urgent can be assessed at a consultation, even if the product is unknown or the treatment was overseas. Please bring the product name, the treated areas and the dates if you have them. See our second opinion page.
What care cannot do
Care after a complication cannot always reverse what has happened. Recovery and results vary between people. Some fillers cannot be dissolved. No one can promise an outcome. Problems outside aesthetic practice, such as skin disease or plastic surgery needs, are referred rather than managed alone. Prompt care still matters. That is why written aftercare lists the signs to report, and why you should act on them early. Our clinic standards page explains what we keep ready.