Complications following aesthetic procedures with the use of dermal fillers- identification, severity, clinical management, and reducing the risk - a narrative review

Dermal filler procedures have gained widespread popularity in aesthetic medicine due to their accessibility, relatively low cost, and minimal recovery time. However, with increased demand, reports on complications and adverse reactions have also risen. They range from mild, self-limiting cases to rare, severe, and potentially irreversible outcomes. This article reviews the various types of dermal fillers, their mechanisms of action, and details the spectrum of complications—including local site reactions, complications of aesthetic character, infectious, immune-mediated, and vascular events—while highlighting the importance of correct technique, patient selection, and the constant need for ongoing clinician education. The need for evidence-based protocols and clear guidelines is emphasized to enhance patient safety and optimize outcomes in filler-based aesthetic procedures.