Complications of botulinum toxin and fillers : a narrative review

Abstract

Background Cosmetic surgery and esthetic procedures have become a billion dollar industry owing to the ever-growing demand of the population to stay young. The injectable treatments including fillers and botulinum toxin have become highly popular because of their quick, predictable and lasting results in the management of facial wrinkles and rejuvenation. Although these treatment modalities are relatively safe, they are associated with certain side effects.

Aims In this review, we will focus on the complications of fillers and botulinum toxin.

Patients/Methods The literature research considered published journal articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) and reference lists of respective articles. Only articles available in English were considered for this review.

Results Brow ptosis and asymmetry are common adverse effects of botulinum toxin while the most common adverse effects associated with fillers are the local injection related effects manifesting as erythema, edema, pain, and ecchymosis.

Conclusion It is important that the treating physician is well verse with the various fillers and botulinum toxin complications and their management as some of the complications can be severely debilitating.