Aesthetic medicine is rapidly gaining wide popularity as a non-surgical method to boost one’s outlook. In the facial region, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are routinely utilized for augmentation of soft tissues. Aesthetic physicians must be familiar with the complications that may occur during their administration and the potential adverse reactions post-injection. Intravascular occlusion of dermal fillers by far reign at the top of the list of potential complications. As initial signs (e.g. the immediate blanching of the soft tissues and pain from vascular compromise) can be masked by the prior injection of local anesthesia with epinephrine, it is key that physicians must familiarize themselves with the subsequent signs and symptoms as well. Recognizing signs of vascular complications at all time intervals is essential in managing its morbidity and is directly linked to its overall severity. In vascular occlusion with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, early intervention with hyaluronidase in key in mitigating the overall complexity and morbidity, providing the best outcome for the patient. Meticulous follow-up over the subsequent few days post- administration of dermal fillers, is of utmost importance to identify any delayed presentation of complications and to monitor recovery. We present a case of vessel occlusion post-hyaluronic acid dermal filler injection with resolution following early administration of hyaluronidase and follow-up with short review.

Dr Shi Yi completed his medical degree in 2018 from Aimst university and has been practicing as a doctor since then. He joined Queen’s Avenue Clinic back in 2022 and currently is a resident doctor there specializing in aesthetic treatment such as fillers, botulinum toxin, thread lift etc.