A 32-year-old woman from Florida, USA had multiple strokes just a few hours after getting dermal fillers injected into her face. She is now left partially paralyzed and blind.

What Happened?

The woman, whose name has not been released, went to a local cosmetic clinic to receive dermal filler injections primarily aimed at enhancing her lips. She had reportedly undergone similar treatments in the past without any complications.

However, just a few hours after the procedure, the woman felt a severe headache and weakness in her left arm and leg. She was rushed to the emergency department where a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that she had suffered a stroke.

Over the next few hours, she had multiple strokes that left her partially paralyzed on the right side of her body.

An MRI scan showed that the strokes had been caused by emboli (blood clots) that had traveled from her facial blood vessels to her brain. The emboli had been formed due to damage to her facial arteries caused by the filler injections.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to fill up wrinkles, folds, and other depressions in the skin. These can include substances like hyaluronic acid fillers, calcium hydroxyapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid.

Fillers can also be used to add volume to areas such as the lips, cheeks, and jawline, giving a more youthful appearance.

While dermal fillers are generally considered safe and have few side effects, serious complications like infection, allergic reactions, and blindness have been reported in rare cases.

How Could Fillers Cause Strokes?

Fillers are typically injected into the face through small needles. These needles can cause small tears in the blood vessels, leading to bleeding and damage to the lining of the vessel.

When the filler is injected, it can also theoretically create a pathway for injected material to travel to other parts of the body, such as the brain.

In the case of the Florida woman, it is believed that the filler was inadvertently injected into a facial artery, causing damage to the blood vessel walls.

This led to the formation of blood clots (emboli) which then traveled to her brain, causing the strokes.

It’s important to note that cases like this are extremely rare. Millions of people have received dermal filler injections with no serious complications.

How Could This Happen?

There are a few potential reasons why the Florida woman suffered from multiple strokes following her dermal filler injection. It’s possible that the practitioner who injected the filler was not experienced or trained enough to do so safely.

It’s also possible that the injection was made too deep, or that the correct precautions were not taken to avoid blood vessels.

Another possibility is that the woman had an underlying condition, such as a blood disorder or heart disease, that made her more susceptible to the formation of blood clots. However, at this time, it is unclear if this was the case.

Most reputable cosmetic clinics will have strict protocols in place to minimize the risk of complications, such as using smaller needles, avoiding injectable fillers when there is a high risk of complications, and carefully monitoring patients after the procedure. However, it’s important for patients to do their own research and ensure that the clinic they choose has experienced practitioners, clear protocols, and proper training and certification.

What Should You Do If You’re Considering Dermal Fillers?

If you’re considering dermal fillers, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable clinic with experienced providers.

Look for clinics that have a track record of satisfied customers and positive reviews, and make sure the staff is trained and certified. Ask questions about the procedure, potential complications, and aftercare, and make sure you’re comfortable with the answers before proceeding.

It’s also important to disclose any underlying health conditions or medications you’re taking to the provider before the procedure. Certain health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, can increase the risk of complications.

Conclusion

The case of the Florida woman who suffered multiple strokes following a dermal filler injection is a rare but serious reminder of the potential risks associated with cosmetic procedures.

While millions of people undergo these procedures with no complications, it’s important for patients to do their own research and choose a reputable clinic with experienced practitioners and clear protocols. By taking these precautions, patients can minimize their risk of complications and ensure their safety.