What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a literature review to evaluate ocular complications, identify risk factors for vision loss, and assess treatment efficacy and safety for injectable soft tissue fillers.
What They Found
The review identified 198 cases of vision loss caused by accidental intravascular injection of filler material, with hyaluronic acid gel accounting for 164 cases (83%) and autologous fat for 29 cases (15%). The central and upper midface, including the nose, forehead, glabella, and frontal areas, were the most common injection sites, representing 189 cases (84%).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients considering soft tissue fillers should be aware of the potential for rare but serious vision-threatening complications, particularly with injections in the central and upper midface. It is crucial to discuss these risks thoroughly with a qualified practitioner before undergoing any procedure.
Canadian Relevance
This study, conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A key limitation is that all 19 articles included in the review were assigned a level III rating, indicating a lower level of evidence.