Urgent warning issued to Australians getting fillers as more than 200 are blinded by the procedure

  • Almost 200 people around have been blinded by dermal fillers this year
  • Doctors are urging people to avoid beauticians and backyard operators for fillers
  • Australians have spent $1billion on cosmetic procedures over the last year 

By Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Australian doctors have issued a worrying warning to people considering getting cheek or lip dermal fillers. 

Almost 200 people around the world have been blinded by the procedure this year, a 94 per cent increase on last year, according to a review in the journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Amid the freighting figures, doctors are urging people to avoid beauticians and backyard operators when getting fillers.

Almost 200 people around the world have been blinded by dermal fillers this year (stock image)

Almost 200 people around the world have been blinded by dermal fillers this year (stock image)

'Many Australians incorrectly believe that procedures involving dermal fillers are beauty treatments, in the same category as facials,' Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery president Dr Irene Kushelew told The Daily Telegraph.

'Complications can and do take place but reports of botched procedures and the use of imported, illegal products are on the rise in Australia.' 

In the last year, Australians have spent $1billion on cosmetic procedures. The amount is 40 per cent more per capita than the United States.

In one botched procedure in April, a Sydney woman was left blind in one eye after a dermal filler was injected in an artery and doctors  were unable to reverse the damage. 

Dr Kushelew said some women had also turned to injecting themselves in a bid to save money on the procedures. 

In other instances, women have searched online to get the work done due to its relative 'affordability'. 

Patients interested in undergoing the needle for the cosmetic procedures should ensure the product has been approved by Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Amid the freighting figures, doctors are urging people to avoid beauticians and backyard operators when getting fillers (stock image)

Amid the freighting figures, doctors are urging people to avoid beauticians and backyard operators when getting fillers (stock image) 

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