Did a Botox or filler treatment leave you with pain, swelling, or other problems? You have the right to ask questions and look into what went wrong. You also have the right to demand accountability and monetary compensation if someone else’s actions caused your injury.
Common Complications from Botox and Other Injectables
Injectable treatments like Botox, Myobloc, and dermal fillers have grown increasingly popular in recent years. Some people use them for cosmetic reasons, while others get them to manage medical conditions like muscle spasms and chronic migraines. These treatments usually go smoothly when trained professionals handle them. But in some cases, people walk away with complications like:
- Excessive bruising and swelling – Some patients notice bruises or puffiness right after the procedure. While some bruising is expected, severe bruising could indicate a hematoma and require surgery.
- Drooping eyelids or brows – If injections are placed too close to specific muscles, it can cause eyelids or eyebrows to sag.
- Lumps or uneven texture – Fillers can sometimes cause bumps or an uneven look under the skin.
- Infections – A contaminated injection site or unsterile equipment can lead to serious infections.
- Facial weakness or muscle problems – In rare cases, Botox or similar products can spread beyond injection sites and weaken nearby muscles.
- Skin discoloration – Some people notice changes in skin color after treatment.
- Blocked blood vessels – A filler injected into or near a blood vessel can block blood flow and damage tissue.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Injuries From Injectables?
If you suffer harm from injectable treatments, you might wonder who caused the complication and who should pay for it. The answer depends on what went wrong and why.
Negligence
If the person who injected you was not a licensed medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse, you might have a personal injury claim for negligence. You must prove that the purported practitioner acted carelessly and that their actions caused your injury. Estheticians are not authorized to perform dermal injections in British Columbia.
Product Liability
Sometimes, the problem starts with the product itself. If the injectable had a defect or the maker failed to provide proper warnings, you might have a claim against the manufacturer.
Medical Malpractice
A provider could face a medical malpractice claim if they gave the wrong dose, injected the wrong area, or ignored safety rules. You usually need another provider to say that your care fell below an accepted standard to make this type of claim.
Steps to Take If You Experience an Injectable Complication
If you experience a problem after getting Botox or fillers, you should take prompt action to protect your legal rights and create a solid foundation for your legal claim.
Follow these steps:
- Take clear photos of the treated area that show what the complication looks like.
- See a licensed medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Follow all medical advice and keep track of any changes in your condition.
- Write down the date of the original procedure, the name of the practitioner or business, and what product they used.
- Save receipts, consent forms, and any other paperwork from your appointment.
- Avoid getting more injections until a medical provider says it’s safe to continue.
- Contact a cosmetic procedure lawyer to find out if you might have a claim.
When to Consider Legal Action
You should think about legal action if your injectable treatment caused severe pain, lasting changes to your appearance, or unexpected medical bills. You should also speak with a lawyer if your provider refuses to discuss your case or provide clear answers.
Talk to Our Vancouver Cosmetic Injury Lawyers Today
If you suffered a complication after an injectable procedure, you deserve to know what happened and what legal steps you may be able to take. Warnett Hallen LLP is an award-winning personal injury law firm serving clients in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia. Contact us today for a free consultation.
