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DERMAL FILLERS – FACING UP TO THE COMPLICATONS


Posted in [Blog Medical Negligence ] on Wednesday, March 13th, 2019

In recent times, there has been a huge surge in people opting for Dermal Fillers (‘Fillers’) in the pursuit of looking better and younger. Fillers (for those who are unaware) add volume to the skin through injections; smoothing out wrinkles in the face and neck or plumping ones lips.

While most people achieve their desired results from Fillers without complication, here at Cantillons, we have had a number of enquiries from people who have, unfortunately, been left with life-altering injuries.  On investigating these cases, we have discovered that complications can be attributed to the Filler’s properties, a reaction of the recipient’s body to the Filler but most commonly, by poor delivery technique, typically by poorly trained practitioners.

Some of the less severe adverse reactions include pain, oedema, ulceration and itching. However, in some cases, for example where; Fillers have inadvertently been injected into facial blood vessels/arteries causing a blockage (vascular occlusion) to occur, and the prescription injection (Hyaluronidase) is not administered immediately to dissolve the Filler,

  • the death of the skin and underlying tissue (necrosis),
  • scarring,
  • facial disfigurement,
  • strokes,
  • visual impairment and even blindness can occur (albeit, thankfully in very rare instances).

It is advisable therefore, before considering getting Fillers, to ensure that you are satisfied as to: a) the quality of the Filler being used, b) the training and skill of the practitioner injecting the Filler and c) the after-care services and treatment that are provided, should complications arise.

Where one has suffered injuries from Fillers, one may have grounds for investigating a personal injuries case for negligence and/or breach of contract and/or breach of statutory duty.  There are three main issues at the core of taking such cases. The first is the possible failure of the practitioner to fully inform one of the risks/complications that can arise with Fillers.  One would need to be able to prove that if one had been informed fully of the complications, then one would not have opted for the Fillers in the first place. The second issue, is the possible failure by the practitioner to perform the procedure in a way that does not cause harm. The third issue is a possible failure to diagnose and treat the complications that arose in a timely fashion.

In order to investigate a case like this, the first step one must undertake is to request a copy of one’s medical records. Once the medical records are to hand, they must be carefully reviewed. If there is something in the records that warrants further investigation, then the next step will be to brief an independent Expert who will determine whether or not the practitioner in question was negligent and whether his/her negligence caused the injuries suffered.

Generally speaking, a person has two years from the date of injury/wrongdoing within which to pursue a claim for personal injuries. However, it is always preferable to seek legal advice as soon as possible as obviously, each case is different.

If you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact Cantillons Solicitors, 38/39 South Mall, Cork on 021-4275673 or info@cantillons.com.

In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage of any award or settlement.

Aisling Maher

Associate

Experience

Aisling joined Cantillons in 2015 having graduated with an Honours Bachelor in Civil Law (International) Degree from University College Cork. As part of this degree Aisling spent a year studying at Brooklyn Law School in New York where she gained an indelible insight into American legal principles, practice and procedure.

Prior to completing her traineeship with Cantillons, Aisling worked with a private client Immigration Law Firm in New York. Thereafter, she joined a large Corporate Law Firm in Dublin where she gained invaluable experience working in the EU, Competition and Public Procurement Department and the Employment Department working on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Aisling previously worked in our General Litigation Department and was involved in a wide variety of cases including personal injury claims, road traffic accidents, accidents at work, contract disputes, employment disputes, claims against local authorities and claims against the HSE.

Aisling is currently working in our Medical Negligence Litigation Department and has experience working on various cases involving birth injuries, cancer misdiagnosis, surgical errors and fatal claims.

Qualifications

  • Honours Bachelor of Civil Law (International) Degree
    Completed Law Society Professional Practice Courses at Blackhall Place, Dublin

Related Solicitors

Ernest J. Cantillon

Managing Partner

Aisling Maher

Associate

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