We spoke to industry professionals about their biggest aesthetic treatment nightmares and how to avoid them.
Frightening filler migration
Nina Prisk, aesthetic expert, and independent nurse prescriber at Update Aesthetics, shares an unsettling case she’s seen first-hand.
"Filler migration occurs when dermal fillers move from the area they were injected to other parts of the face or body," says Prisk.
In one severe case, she was asked to dissolve fillers for a patient whose misapplied treatment led to lumps in her neck, initially suspected to be cancer. After surgical removal, it was discovered that the lumps were caused by filler that had migrated due to incorrect application.
Prisk explains that filler migration can happen for several reasons, from poor-quality filler and incorrect injection techniques to post-treatment massage or injections into the wrong areas. "While rare, improperly injected filler can lead to lumps, asymmetry, or worse…surgery."
To avoid such nightmares, Prisk tries to educate consumers on the importance of choosing experienced medical practitioners. "Knowledge of facial anatomy is essential," she says, also advising them to ensure the clinic is clean, and sterile equipment is used.
Permanent perils
Dr Ivy Igerc, aesthetic doctor from 111 Harley St. explains that her worst nightmare is “patients going to a non-medical professional and being injected in anatomically dangerous zones with permanent dermal fillers, such as the saddle of the nose or the tear trough area – particularly with permanent fillers.”
What could go wrong? Firstly, a poor result leaving the patient unhappy with an imbalanced result, facial asymmetry. Secondly, and more seriously, medical complications such as vascular compression, facial palsy if the facial nerves are compressed, or even necrosis.
In the wrong hands, with the wrong injectables, the results could be aesthetically catastrophic, and the only solution could be surgical intervention and facial reconstruction.
To avoid this nightmare, Dr Igerc advises finding an experienced, qualified medical practitioner who can perform these procedures.
She advises prospective patients to "ask how many cases they perform per year and request to see their portfolio of before-and-after photos. During your consultation, explain your goals and ask questions. Decide together with your practitioner on the procedure that is best for you.”
When beauty turns ugly
Mr Tunc Tiryaki, consultant plastic surgeon, weighs in on two aesthetic nightmares he frequently sees, overfilled faces and unnecessary surgery.
"One of the biggest nightmares in aesthetics is the overuse of fillers," says Mr Tiryaki. He explains that this can result in asymmetry and an unnatural appearance, with long-term complications.
As a solution, he prefers fat injections combined with stem cell treatments, which use the patient’s own cells for more natural and longer-lasting results.
Mr Tiryaki also raises concerns about patients who are too young requesting procedures like facelifts. "These cases often indicate body dysmorphia, where patients believe they need surgery when they don’t," he notes.
"It’s important to approach these patients with kindness and help them understand that surgery should enhance natural beauty, not achieve an unattainable ideal."
Trick or trend?
Aesthetician from 111 Harley St., Violeta Grigoriu discusses common nightmares that arise from neglecting proper planning and aftercare, warning against falling for trends without considering personal suitability.
"Chasing the latest fads can result in regrettable results," she says. To avoid this, she advises patients to opt for timeless treatments with proven effectiveness and discussing options with a practitioner to ensure the procedures align with their features.
Along with freaky fads, Grigoriu highlights the dangers of choosing price over quality. "Price-driven decisions can lead to subpar treatments from inexperienced practitioners using low-quality products."
Her advice? "Look for value over cost. Beauty and health are investments, so prioritise safety and results over bargains."
"Not following aftercare instructions is another nightmare that can lead to poor results, prolonged healing, or complications," Grigoriu explains.
To avoid this, she emphasises the importance of providing detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments.
Skincare scares
Simone Shoffman, head of education at Health Xchange, shares her experience with patients who create their own skincare nightmares by misusing active ingredients.
Shoffman explains that a common mistake is the overuse of active ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid. Without proper acclimatisation, these products can cause dry, irritated, and even swollen skin.
"Another issue is layering multiple products with active ingredients, not knowing which one is causing the problem," she says.
To avoid these skincare horrors, Shoffman advises patients to always consult with a trained practitioner who can create a tailored regime with clear usage instructions.
"SPF is a must when using actives," she adds, "especially since many of them increase sensitivity to the sun. Skipping this step can lead to lasting damage."
From frightening fillers to scary skincare, these experts’ insights shed light on the potential pitfalls of aesthetic treatments when consumers don't follow the advice of qualified professionals.
Frightening filler migration
Nina Prisk, aesthetic expert, and independent nurse prescriber at Update Aesthetics, shares an unsettling case she’s seen first-hand.
"Filler migration occurs when dermal fillers move from the area they were injected to other parts of the face or body," says Prisk.
In one severe case, she was asked to dissolve fillers for a patient whose misapplied treatment led to lumps in her neck, initially suspected to be cancer. After surgical removal, it was discovered that the lumps were caused by filler that had migrated due to incorrect application.
Prisk explains that filler migration can happen for several reasons, from poor-quality filler and incorrect injection techniques to post-treatment massage or injections into the wrong areas. "While rare, improperly injected filler can lead to lumps, asymmetry, or worse…surgery."
To avoid such nightmares, Prisk tries to educate consumers on the importance of choosing experienced medical practitioners. "Knowledge of facial anatomy is essential," she says, also advising them to ensure the clinic is clean, and sterile equipment is used.
Permanent perils
Dr Ivy Igerc, aesthetic doctor from 111 Harley St. explains that her worst nightmare is “patients going to a non-medical professional and being injected in anatomically dangerous zones with permanent dermal fillers, such as the saddle of the nose or the tear trough area – particularly with permanent fillers.”
What could go wrong? Firstly, a poor result leaving the patient unhappy with an imbalanced result, facial asymmetry. Secondly, and more seriously, medical complications such as vascular compression, facial palsy if the facial nerves are compressed, or even necrosis.
In the wrong hands, with the wrong injectables, the results could be aesthetically catastrophic, and the only solution could be surgical intervention and facial reconstruction.
To avoid this nightmare, Dr Igerc advises finding an experienced, qualified medical practitioner who can perform these procedures.
She advises prospective patients to "ask how many cases they perform per year and request to see their portfolio of before-and-after photos. During your consultation, explain your goals and ask questions. Decide together with your practitioner on the procedure that is best for you.”
When beauty turns ugly
Mr Tunc Tiryaki, consultant plastic surgeon, weighs in on two aesthetic nightmares he frequently sees, overfilled faces and unnecessary surgery.
"One of the biggest nightmares in aesthetics is the overuse of fillers," says Mr Tiryaki. He explains that this can result in asymmetry and an unnatural appearance, with long-term complications.
As a solution, he prefers fat injections combined with stem cell treatments, which use the patient’s own cells for more natural and longer-lasting results.
Mr Tiryaki also raises concerns about patients who are too young requesting procedures like facelifts. "These cases often indicate body dysmorphia, where patients believe they need surgery when they don’t," he notes.
"It’s important to approach these patients with kindness and help them understand that surgery should enhance natural beauty, not achieve an unattainable ideal."
Trick or trend?
Aesthetician from 111 Harley St., Violeta Grigoriu discusses common nightmares that arise from neglecting proper planning and aftercare, warning against falling for trends without considering personal suitability.
"Chasing the latest fads can result in regrettable results," she says. To avoid this, she advises patients to opt for timeless treatments with proven effectiveness and discussing options with a practitioner to ensure the procedures align with their features.
Along with freaky fads, Grigoriu highlights the dangers of choosing price over quality. "Price-driven decisions can lead to subpar treatments from inexperienced practitioners using low-quality products."
Her advice? "Look for value over cost. Beauty and health are investments, so prioritise safety and results over bargains."
"Not following aftercare instructions is another nightmare that can lead to poor results, prolonged healing, or complications," Grigoriu explains.
To avoid this, she emphasises the importance of providing detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments.
Skincare scares
Simone Shoffman, head of education at Health Xchange, shares her experience with patients who create their own skincare nightmares by misusing active ingredients.
Shoffman explains that a common mistake is the overuse of active ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid. Without proper acclimatisation, these products can cause dry, irritated, and even swollen skin.
"Another issue is layering multiple products with active ingredients, not knowing which one is causing the problem," she says.
To avoid these skincare horrors, Shoffman advises patients to always consult with a trained practitioner who can create a tailored regime with clear usage instructions.
"SPF is a must when using actives," she adds, "especially since many of them increase sensitivity to the sun. Skipping this step can lead to lasting damage."
From frightening fillers to scary skincare, these experts’ insights shed light on the potential pitfalls of aesthetic treatments when consumers don't follow the advice of qualified professionals.
