Problems with Facial Filler and Orofacial Harmonization

Facial fillers and orofacial harmonization are among the most sought-after cosmetic procedures today, often seen as "simple" because they are minimally invasive. In practice, they involve refined technique and real risks — and when something goes wrong, the consequences can be serious and, in some cases, permanent.

Complications that may indicate a failure in the procedure

Tissue necrosis caused by vascular occlusion (interruption of blood flow due to the product being applied in the wrong location or volume);
Embolism, including serious cases involving vision impairment when the filler migrates into vessels in the eye region;
Granulomas and nodules caused by inadequate technique or a product of dubious origin;
Infections at the application site;
Asymmetries and a result very different from what was planned;
Migration of the product to unintended areas of the face.

Who is legally allowed to perform the procedure

A point frequently overlooked by patients is that not every professional is licensed to apply fillers or perform orofacial harmonization. In general, these are acts that require specific training and licensing — physicians, dentists within their scope of practice, and biomedical professionals with specific licensing recognized by their respective professional council. Performing the procedure through an unlicensed professional, or outside the limits of their license, may constitute the unlawful practice of the profession and reinforce liability in the event of harm.

The regulations on which professionals may perform each type of procedure are technical and can change through resolutions of the respective professional councils — it's worth confirming the specific licensing that applies to your case with a lawyer.

Vascular complications are medical emergencies

Signs such as intense, disproportionate pain, a change in skin color (whitish or purplish), or a change in vision shortly after filler application may indicate a serious vascular complication, which requires urgent medical attention to try to reverse the condition. If you or someone close to you experiences these signs, seek medical attention immediately — the legal documentation of the case can and should come afterward.

Gathering evidence of what happened

Photos and videos of the before, the progression of the complication, and the final result;
The name of the product used and, if possible, proof of its origin and health registration;
Medical records and the intake form completed before the procedure;
Proof that the professional was licensed to perform the procedure carried out;
Conversations with the clinic about what was promised and about the response after the complication.

Common questions about this topic

Can a biomedical professional or aesthetician apply facial fillers?

It depends on the specific licensing of each professional category, which is defined by the respective professional councils and can vary depending on the type of procedure. Performing the procedure without the required license may reinforce liability in the event of harm — a lawyer can help verify the professional's licensing in your case.

I had necrosis after a filler procedure. Does that automatically mean the professional made an error?

Not necessarily automatically, but it's a strong sign that should be investigated. Necrosis caused by vascular occlusion is associated with inadequate application technique in a large share of cases, which reinforces the importance of gathering evidence and seeking technical and legal assessment.

The procedure was performed at an aesthetic clinic, not a medical office. Does that change anything?

The clinic, as the service provider, can also be held liable, especially for any failure in overseeing its professionals' licensing, the conditions of the environment, and the quality of the products used.