How does skin necrosis develop?
Skin necrosis develops when blood no longer flows properly to a certain part of the skin. Without a sufficient blood supply, the tissue receives no oxygen and nutrients, so it becomes damaged and can eventually die.
In the context of cosmetic treatments, this usually happens when a filler is accidentally placed in or too close to a blood vessel. This blocks the blood vessel, so the surrounding tissue does not receive enough blood.
Other possible causes are:
- Pressure points or pinching
- Infections
- Injuries or bruises
- Complications after operations
Some areas of skin, such as the nose or the lips, are more sensitive because they are more vulnerable to disruption of the blood supply.
How do you recognise skin necrosis?
The symptoms of skin necrosis often start subtly but can worsen quickly. Early signs are:
- Pale or greyish skin that feels cold
- Pain or a burning sensation in the treated area
- Dark discolouration of the skin (blue, purple, later black)
- Redness that suddenly disappears
- Blistering or the development of a small wound
These symptoms can occur within a few hours of a treatment. Because skin necrosis can worsen quickly, it is important to seek medical advice immediately if in doubt.
How is it treated?
Fast and targeted treatment increases the chance of full recovery. Depending on the cause and the timing of the intervention, treatment may consist of:
- Injecting hyaluronidase in filler-related necrosis (to dissolve the filler immediately)
- Promoting blood flow with warm compresses
- Use of anti-inflammatories and antibiotics
- Wound care or dressing therapy
- In severe cases: surgical removal of damaged tissue
The sooner treatment starts, the greater the chance that the skin tissue recovers without scarring.
How common is skin necrosis?
In cosmetic treatments with fillers, skin necrosis is very rare. Estimates range from one in ten thousand to one in a hundred thousand treatments. The risk of complications is greatest when a treatment is carried out by someone without a medical background or without knowledge of facial anatomy.
At Kliniek het Bolwerk, injectables are administered exclusively by an experienced plastic surgeon. We take no unnecessary risks and always put safety and care first.
Can skin necrosis be prevented?
The risk of skin necrosis can never be ruled out completely, but it can be greatly reduced by:
- Choosing a qualified, medically trained practitioner
- Injecting with knowledge of anatomical danger zones
- Working calmly, paying attention to skin reactions during the treatment
- Responding quickly to abnormalities or signs of pain
Good aftercare and clear instructions for after the treatment also help to recognise risks and intervene early.
Finally
Skin necrosis is a rare but serious complication in which skin tissue can die due to a disrupted blood supply. In aesthetic treatments such as fillers, this risk is small, but it cannot be ruled out completely.
A safe way of working, carried out by an expert and experienced doctor, is the best way to prevent complications such as skin necrosis.
At Kliniek het Bolwerk, safety always comes first. Treatments are carried out with care, precision and medical insight, so that you can choose a natural and responsible result with confidence.
See also our page about Scar correction.
