How to Treat Dermal Filler Infections

Medically reviewed by Edward S. Kwak, MD

Last Updated: June 1, 2022 References

Dermal filler injections are a common cosmetic surgery. Because the procedure punctures your face with a needle, there is a risk that you can get an infection. The infection may appear a day or two after the procedure, or it may take up to two weeks. If you have a dermal filler infection, go to the doctor, take antibiotics, and care for the wound.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Seeking Medical Attention

1
Identify symptoms of infection. You should monitor your skin for any signs of infection after your dermal fillers. Notice any pain or tenderness that is accompanied by warm skin and swelling near the injection site.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Edward S. Kwak, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Expert Interview. 22 July 2020.} Check to see if an area looks different than other areas that have been treated. An infected area may also develop abscesses or nodules filled with pus or that are covered with crust.^{[2]
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Research source} Additionally, infection can be identified by fever and/or redness.
- Know that in general, infections after a dermal filler are rare.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Edward S. Kwak, MD
  Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  Expert Interview. 22 July 2020.}
2
Go to the doctor. You should contact the doctor who performed the procedure if you notice any redness, swelling, or tenderness after the day of the injection. The doctor will perform a physical exam, where they check the site of the injection for infection. They will also ask you how long it has been since your injection, because that can help them determine the type of infection.^{[4]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
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- If you can’t go to the doctor who did your injections, visit your regular doctor.
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3
Have a culture test performed. Your doctor may take a culture from the infected area to determine what type of infection you have and the proper kind of antibiotics to prescribe. The most common type of infection from dermal fillers is bacterial, but you can also have fungal or viral infections.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Opthamologists
Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research
Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Treating the Infection

1
Take oral antibiotics. If you have a dermal filler infection right after your procedure, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics that are commonly used to treat dermal filler infections also contain anti-inflammatory properties. They may be prescribed for up to six weeks.^{[6]
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2
Use hyaluronidase. This medication is only injected by doctors and should be used when there is vascular compromise or confirmed infection. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that helps to dissolve the hyaluronic acid fillers from the injection that may have clogged the blood vessels or inside the infected area itself.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Opthamologists
Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research
Go to source}
- Some people are allergic to hyaluronidase, so you may have to test it on your arm first.
3
Inject the area with antibiotics. For more serious infections, the doctor may decide to inject the infected areas with antibiotics. This may be given up to three times. There should be one week between the first and second injections, then there will be two weeks between the second and third injection.
4
Remove build up in the infected area. Your doctor may decide that you need to have the filler they injected into your face or any infected pus removed. This will help clear your pores of debris so they can heal. This procedure will be performed in the doctor’s office.
5
Take antibiotics before the procedure. One way that you can avoid infections is to start treating potential infections before you get the dermal filler injections. If you start taking antibiotics prior to the procedure, it could help prevent any infections occurring afterwards.^{[8]
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- Talk to your doctor about trying preventative antibiotic therapy before your injections.
6
Avoid getting dermal filler injections if you have skin conditions. Certain conditions may put you at a greater risk for infection after a dermal filler injection. You shouldn’t get them if you already have an infection around your face, including pimples or rashes. People who have dermatitis should also not receive dermal fillers. If you have infections in the nose or mouth, like sinusitis, periodontal disease, throat infections, or abscessed teeth, you should not get this procedure.
- For example, people with the herpes simplex virus, human papilloma virus, impetigo, mollusca contagiosa, or yeast infections near the injection site shouldn’t get them.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Treating the Wounds

1
Keep the area clean. If the infection leads to open wounds on your face, you should treat it like it is a wound. To help prevent more bacteria from entering the wound, wash the area with warm water each day. This helps keep dirt and debris from accumulating in the wound and promote healing.^{[9]
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- If your doctor says it is okay, use a mild cleanser or antibacterial soap. Discuss what would be best to treat the infected area before using it.
2
Apply ointment. To help keep the wound moist, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on it. Doing this helps promote healing, reduce scabbing, and reduce scarring. You can apply the petroleum jelly with clean fingers or a cotton swab.^{[10]
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3
Cover the area with gauze. If your wound is large enough and still has open sections, you may want to cover it with gauze. Place gauze over the open area and tape it in place with paper tape. After it has started to heal, you can leave it uncovered.^{[11]
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- Talk to your doctor about whether or not you should cover the area with gauze.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do I know if my filler is infected?

Edward S. Kwak, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Edward S. Kwak, MD is a Dual Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and the Owner of ESKMD Facial Plastic Surgery based in New York City. After earning an MD from the Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Kwak completed an Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery) residency at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery under Dr. Russell Kridel at the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston. He is a member of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery. Furthermore, Dr. Kwak is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Kwak has been awarded a Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor, Newbeauty Top Beauty Doctor, New York Super Doctor, NY Top Doc, and an Expert Injector award.

Edward S. Kwak, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

In general, infections after a dermal filler are rare. Signs include redness, pain, warmth, or excessive swelling at the injection site.
Question

When shouldn't you get dermal fillers?

Edward S. Kwak, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Edward S. Kwak, MD is a Dual Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and the Owner of ESKMD Facial Plastic Surgery based in New York City. After earning an MD from the Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Kwak completed an Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery) residency at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery under Dr. Russell Kridel at the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston. He is a member of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery. Furthermore, Dr. Kwak is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Kwak has been awarded a Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor, Newbeauty Top Beauty Doctor, New York Super Doctor, NY Top Doc, and an Expert Injector award.

Edward S. Kwak, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You should also avoid filler treatments if you have a recent upper respiratory illness or sinus infection.