Mritunjay Shukla, M.Optom
Student ,Galgotias University, Greater Noida, India
In the quest for youthful radiance and facial harmony, fat transfer cosmetic injections have emerged as a beacon of hope, promising to erase the signs of ageing by repurposing one’s own body fat. This technique, revered for its natural results and longevity, involves harvesting fat from one area of the body to rejuvenate another, typically the face. While it boasts a high safety profile due to the use of autologous material, minimising allergic reactions or rejection, its popularity has skyrocketed, with recent studies indicating a staggering increase in procedures. However, beneath the surface of these impressive statistics lies a web of potential complications, some severe and not widely known.
Figure 1: Image showing glabella area (forehead region) [site of injection]
Image Source– AI generated image by the Author
There is research published that shows several complications of cosmetic injections related to arteries which involve the eyes and causes some other problem in body parts.
The cosmetic injections are given in the glabella area (forehead region) using blunt cannula beneath the frontalis (Figure 1). Ophthalmic artery is present in that area which supplies blood to the eye. If the injection is not injected properly involving the artery present in that region, it causes complications because the fat causes obstruction in blood flow.
- Ophthalmic artery occlusion: Due to obstructions in the supraorbital artery there are some more complication of eye that may occur like ptosis and ophthalmoplegia.(2)
- CRAO (central retinal artery occlusion): The ophthalmic artery supplies blood to eyes through the central retinal artery. If there is obstruction caused due to fat, there will be ischemia caused which leads to neovascularization and causes CRVO which may also lead to permanent vision loss.(3)
- Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Due to obstruction there will be swelling around the optic nerve, blood flow to the optic nerve become slow, with some leaking around it and causes optic neuropathy.(1)
There may be neurological complications that cause the limitation in movement of body parts.
The adverse effect of the cosmetic injections severely impacts the patient’s lifestyle in such a way that the individual won’t be able to do their daily task due to neurological impact. The patients will have vision related problems which can also lead to blindness due to ocular complications.
In conclusion, fat transfer cosmetic injections stand at the crossroads of innovation and caution. While they offer a path to restore youthfulness and self-confidence, they also carry the weight of potential health risks that cannot be overlooked. It is imperative for patients to thoroughly research and understand the procedure, including its complications, and to seek experienced medical professionals. As we navigate the delicate interplay between beauty and well-being, let us remember that informed decisions are the cornerstone of any cosmetic journey. The promise of aesthetic improvement must be balanced with a commitment to safety and awareness, ensuring that the pursuit of beauty does not compromise our most precious asset—our health.
References:
- Huang, P., Liu, A., Ren, H., & Xue, K. (2019). Color Doppler Flow Imaging of Retrobulbar Ocular Blood Flow Changes in Retinal Artery Occlusions Caused by Cosmetic Facial Filler Injections. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 35(3), 227–231.
- Lee, C. M., Hong, I. H., & Park, S. P. (2011). Ophthalmic artery obstruction and cerebral infarction following periocular injection of autologous fat. Korean Journal of Ophthalmology : KJO, 25(5), 358–361.
- Wu, S., Pan, L., Wu, H., Shi, H., Zhao, Y., Ji, Y., & Zeng, H. (2017). Anatomic Study of Ophthalmic Artery Embolism Following Cosmetic Injection. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 28(6), 1578–1581.