Tragic Death Linked to Cosmetic Filler
This past February, the unexpected death of an Estée Lauder executive, Kendall Asher, drew attention after the New York City coroner revealed that a cosmetic filler caused a pulmonary embolism. At 56 years old, Asher succumbed to acute respiratory failure due to this serious complication.
A pulmonary embolism happens when something, in this instance, a filler, obstructs a lung artery. This, in turn, disrupts blood flow and can deprive the body of oxygen. It’s chilling to think about how something meant to enhance appearance can lead to such dire consequences. So how exactly can a filler enter the bloodstream? And should those receiving similar treatments be worried?
Dr. Kenneth Mark, a cosmetic dermatologist, noted that an injector could mistakenly place the filler into a blood vessel. He explained that while this is “extremely rare” with facial fillers, it often occurs with significant fat injections in areas like the buttocks.
For instance, there was a case of a 26-year-old woman who tragically passed away just 18 hours post-injection due to similar complications during a fat grafting procedure. It’s a stark reminder of the risks involved in certain cosmetic surgeries.
Common and Rare Side Effects of Fillers
Cosmetic fillers, which typically consist of gel-like substances such as hyaluronic acid or fat from the individual’s own body, are used to smooth out wrinkles and restore volume in areas like the cheeks and lips. Most dermal fillers are quite safe, provided they are administered by qualified specialists.
Dr. Lyle Leipziger from North Shore University Hospital emphasized the importance of having these procedures done by board-certified professionals with a solid understanding of facial anatomy. Fortunately, around 5 million people receive dermal fillers each year, and most experience only mild side effects like swelling and bruising.
It’s actually normal to see some swelling after a filler is injected, lasting anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. Dr. Leipziger pointed out that redness and tenderness can also occur at the injection site.
However, things can go wrong. Marks observed that inherent risks remain. One of the rare but serious complications is vascular occlusion—where filler mistakenly enters a blood vessel and blocks blood flow. This complication might have played a role in Asher’s unfortunate outcome.
If identified early, injecting an enzyme like hyaluronidase can dissolve the filler, but if not treated, it could lead to severe issues like skin necrosis, blindness, or even another pulmonary embolism. Certain areas of the face, such as the temples and lips, carry higher risks.
Reducing the Risk
Both doctors concurred that visiting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist is crucial for ensuring safety during these procedures. Marks cautioned against unqualified individuals performing injections and warned that such practices could lead to serious aesthetic and health issues.
It’s also wise for anyone seeking fillers to be informed about the specific product being used; checking for FDA approval and sourcing is essential. For more natural-looking results, smaller amounts of filler over a series of appointments are generally preferable to a single large quantity.
Dr. Marks describes this approach as “a work of art in progress,” suggesting that layering filler can minimize risk. He also advises avoiding alcohol and certain supplements for about ten days before treatment to reduce bruising, as well as applying ice prior to injections to constrict blood vessels.
In essence, while cosmetic fillers can offer remarkable results, understanding the potential risks and taking precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring safety.
