Complications of Self-Injected Facial Fillers: A Treatment Conundrum in the UK

The document discussed the complications arising from self-injected facial fillers, highlighting a case of a 24-year-old female who experienced upper lip swelling after using a dermal filler purchased online. The patient initially presented with symptoms that could be mistaken for oral cancer, but it was determined to be a granulomatous reaction to the filler. The case underscored the lack of regulation and awareness regarding the risks of self-administered fillers, as well as the absence of a defined treatment pathway for such complications within the UK healthcare system. The report called for better regulation, public awareness, and training for healthcare professionals to manage these complications effectively. The total cost of the patient's treatment to the NHS was £323.17, and the case emphasized the need for a conversation about the NHS's role in managing complications from private cosmetic procedures.