Dermal Filler Injury Claims

Thanks to the ever increasing presence of social media and Instagram feeds, younger people especially are turning towards dermal fillers. This non-invasive cosmetic procedure can enhance features, rejuvenate skin, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. It is also still the procedure of choice for many who wish to slow down the inevitable signs of ageing.

When done right, dermal fillers are a very popular way to bolster your self-confidence. Unfortunately, while the seemingly small procedure is generally safe (if carried out by a licensed practitioner), complications can occur.

There is still an ongoing argument that dermal fillers aren’t properly regulated and that back alley procedures still happen. The BBC described this lack of regulations as a “cosmetic crisis waiting to happen.”

Botched dermal fillers can leave the victim injured, and at worse, disfigured. If any complications arose as a result of negligence, you might be eligible to make a dermal filler injury claim.

We have produced this guide to assist people who have been victims of dermal fillers gone wrong to make an informed decision on how to proceed with a dermal filler compensation claim.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of making a claim with a trained legal adviser, call 0800 470 0474. Or, if you would prefer somebody to give you a call, you can request this by entering your details into our online claim form.

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Table of Contents

• Can I make a dermal filler injury claim?
• What are dermal fillers?
• What are the most popular areas for dermal fillers?
• What are the regulations for dermal filler treatments?
• What are the most common injuries caused by dermal fillers?
• Can I still make a dermal filler injury claim if I had an allergic reaction?
• Can I still make a dermal filler injury claim even if I signed a waiver?
• If the practitioner was unqualified, am I entitled to dermal filler compensation?
• How to make a claim for a dermal filler procedure gone wrong?
• How much is my dermal filler compensation claim worth?

Can I make a dermal filler injury claim?

To qualify for a dermal filler negligence claim, you must be able to prove that you suffered an injury as a result of somebody else’s negligence. The practitioner who carries out the procedure has a duty of care towards you to ensure your health and safety. Two common causes that can give rise to a dermal filler injury claim are:

• Mistakes during the procedure – Sometimes, too much filler is injected in one area, or the placement is off. Other times the practitioner can over-correct a mistake, which can lead to unsightly bumps and lumps.
• Incorrect advice – Any professional worthy of the title must take their clients through the pros and cons of the procedure and highlight any associated risks. If you did not have all the information to make an informed decision, you may also be eligible to make a dermal filler injury claim.

If you believe that the practitioner or clinic breached its duty of care towards you and you suffered an injury as a result of this, you could be entitled to compensation.

An experienced personal injury solicitor will assess your case independently. If you have a valid claim, they will direct you every step of the way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What are dermal fillers?

Thousands of men and women in the UK opt for dermal fillers to ward off the signs of ageing. Younger people are also jumping on the filler frenzy for fuller lips and an overall more sculpted appearance. But how exactly does it work?

With dermal fillers, a substance is injected into the treated area to create plumpness, which in turn creates a more youthful appearance. Depending on the filler type, the results can be temporary or permanent.

There are a few different types of filler treatments. The most popular ones include:

• Polymethylmethacrylate beads (PMMA) – This permanent substance is also the riskiest.
• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) – The results can last for several months or up to two years.
• Calcium Hydroxyl Apatite – The effects will last for an average of 18 months.
• Hyaluronic Acid – This is a popular temporary option that will last between four to six months.
• Collagen – This is the most temporary option, lasting for three to six months.

What are the most popular areas for dermal fillers?

As we’ve mentioned, dermal fillers are a popular option to combat the signs of ageing. Some of the most popular places for dermal filler include:

• Lips – Plump lips have certainly become a fashion trend, especially for women.
• Nose bridge fillers – This is considered the equivalent of “non-surgical rhinoplasty.” It is more affordable, and fillers can smooth bumps on the nose ridge.
• Cheeks – Cheek fillers can plump up the area around the cheekbones, creating the illusion of youth and defined bone structure.
• Tear troughs – This can soften the appearance of bags under the eyes – a tell-tale sign of ageing.
• Jawline – Jawline fillers create the illusion of a stronger and more defined jaw.
• Fine lines and wrinkles – Dermal fillers can also fill out fine lines, thus diminishing the appearance of wrinkles.

What are the regulations for dermal filler treatments?

Sadly, dermal fillers are almost entirely unregulated in the UK, and this lack of control will see more dermal filler injuries arising than in other parts of the world. To illustrate, the UK offers more than 120 different types of dermal fillers, in contrast to the stringent regulations in the USA, where only six types of fillers are considered safe to use.

To add insult to injury, these fillers are freely available to buy or sell by practically anyone, and anyone can administer the injections, regardless of training, or more worrisome, the lack thereof.

The lack of regulations also means that people are sometimes injected with non-sterile equipment – a ticking time bomb for infections.

Times seem to be slowly changing though in the world of dermal fillers. Some local authorities do require practitioners to be licensed before performing filler treatments.

What are the most common injuries caused by dermal fillers?

Any number of things can go wrong with a botched dermal filler treatment. The most common injuries include:

• Infections
• Excessive bruising and swelling that won’t subside
• Itchiness
• Rash
• Issues where the filler migrates to another area

In more serious situations, dermal filler injuries can also include:

• Permanent scar tissue or disfigurement
• Tissue death
• Blindness
• Pulmonary embolism due to a blood vessel getting clogged up
• Unsightly lumps that will require corrective surgery

Can I still make a dermal filler injury claim if I had an allergic reaction?

Part of your consultation should include a Q&A session, where you will be asked relevant questions about your health. This is a little bit like a risk assessment to determine if you can safely undergo the procedure.

Unfortunately, sometimes this consultation is either skipped or is not done correctly. This means that potential red flags can be missed, and the chance of an allergic reaction can be increased.

If you have suffered an allergic reaction to dermal fillers and were not given a proper consultation beforehand, you may be within your legal rights to make a dermal filler compensation claim.

Can I still make a dermal filler injury claim even if I signed a waiver?

A few unscrupulous practitioners see a waiver as a safety net, just in case something goes wrong. Regardless of the waiver, they still owe you a duty of care to perform the procedure correctly.

Therefore, if the practitioner was negligent and you suffered a dermal filler injury as a result, the waiver will not exclude you from making a claim.

In these circumstances, your best option is to speak to an experienced solicitor who will be able to advise you on your legal rights. To arrange a free consultation, enter your details into our online claim form or call 0800 470 0474.

If the practitioner was unqualified, am I entitled to dermal filler compensation?

This can get a little bit tricky. You will have to prove that you were completely unaware of the fact that the person wasn’t qualified to carry out the procedure. If you were aware of the situation and the risks and still decided to proceed, it may affect your claim.

If you knew the person wasn’t qualified, you could be considered partly responsible for the subsequent injury that was caused. This is known in legal terms as contributory negligence and would be reflected accordingly in the compensation award. In this case, it is best to look to your personal injury solicitor for more advice.

How to make a claim for a dermal filler procedure gone wrong?

Naturally, you should turn to a reputable personal injury solicitor to assess and then initiate your claim. They will take care of all the details involved in the claiming process.

To help solidify your claim and speed things along, you should try to gather as much evidence as possible. Supporting evidence can include:

• Photographs – Before and after treatment photos will give you a clear visual comparison of your injuries.
• Documents about the treatment – Get as much documentation as you can from the clinic relating to your treatment. Also, write down anything related to the incident while your memories are still fresh. Try to take notes of what was discussed during the consultation, the procedure itself, and any aftercare recommendations.
• Medical report – If you suspect any complications after your dermal filler, it is also important to see a doctor who can assess your injuries and make a prognosis. They will also highlight any long term issues. This report will be invaluable to support your claim.
• Expenses – Keep a record of all your costs resulting from the injury, like medical costs and travel costs for treatment.

Armed with this evidence, your solicitor will prepare your case and submit your claim.

How much is my dermal filler compensation claim worth?

The compensation amount will vary wildly, depending on the severity and longevity of your injury. Your personal injury solicitor will calculate how much compensation you should be entitled to claim by factoring in both general damages and special damages.

General damages will see you awarded for the pain and suffering you have experienced from your dermal filler injury. This will also take into consideration your emotional distress and loss of confidence.

Special damages will take care of any additional financial losses you have incurred. This could include ongoing treatment costs, travel costs for treatment and loss of income if you have had to take time off work.

General damages are calculated using the guidelines set each year by the Judicial College. The amounts below act as a rough estimate:

• Minor to moderate facial scarring – £1,300 to £10,450
• Moderate to serious facial scarring – This can include permanent tissue damage – £10,450 to £74,000
• Psychological damage – £1,170 to £88,000

It is important to remember that each case is judged on its own merits when determining how much compensation should be awarded. So your solicitor will be in the best position to advise you on a compensation amount once they have assessed the details of your case.

To find out if you qualify to make a claim, simply call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a legal adviser. Alternatively, please enter your details into our online form to request a call back at your convenience.

Last edited on 8th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.