Both lip implant and lip filler procedures are usually carried out without complication, however where complications arise, the resulting consequences and symptoms of same can be most distressing.

Lip fillers

Dermal fillers are used to enhance the lips and create a fuller, but natural looking, lip line. Commonly used are hyaluronic acid fillers, that are specifically designed to restore natural fullness and to shape the lips. There are several hyaluronic acid fillers on the market, including the following:

  • Restylane, Restylane-L, Restylane Silk
  • Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus
  • Belotero Balance
  • HylaForm
  • Elevess
  • Prevelle Silk
  • Captique

The effect usually lasts up to six months, after which more injections are required to sustain the desired look of fullness and volume.

When dermal fillers are injected incorrectly however, this can result in facial imperfections and in some cases, disfigurement. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), 69% of surgeons have witnessed issues with dermal fillers. In most cases, surgical corrective treatment or reversal procedures are required.

Some common symptoms of lip filler complications include:

  • The filler migrating to a different part of the face, or body
  • The injection site become infected
  • The formation of granuloma nodules (skin tissue inflammation)
  • Prolonged swelling or bruising
  • Lip asymmetry
  • Lumps and irregularities in the lips
  • Infection
  • Injection into a blood vessel, causing tissue loss
  • Ulceration, scarring, or stiffening of the lip
  • Allergic reaction causing redness, swelling, or itching around the lips.

Lip implants

Lip implant surgery involves the insertion of implants with a permanent result. The operation is performed under general anaesthetic.

The procedure involves two small incisions being created at the corners of the mouth, followed by a longer incision along the lining of the lips. The implants are then inserted, and the incisions are stitched.

The following are amongst the most common lip implant options:

  • Alloderm
  • SoftForm
  • GORE-TEX
  • Ultrasoft
  • Perma Lip Implants

Much of the complications arising out of lip implant procedures are similar to those arising out of lip filler procedures, listed above, the most common, particular to lip implants, being:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Allergic reactions
  • Hardening/solidifying of implant material.

Compensation may be achievable for anyone suffering from the above mentioned symptoms/complications arising out of negligence in either the performance of the procedure, or the manufacture/supply of the product itself. Compensation for both pain and suffering, together with the costs of any required revisionary/reparation surgery may be recoverable.

How we can help

If you have been affected by a similar issue, the team at Coleman Legal LLP can advise you. Contact our team to discuss your case. Call 01 531 3800 or complete our contact form.

Coleman Legal LLP advises people across Ireland whose medical treatment fell below the standard it should have met.

Claims of this type are subject to statutory time limits. You can read how those limits work in our guide to the Statute of Limitations in Ireland.