Dr. Spero Theodorou Raises Concern Regarding Dermal Fillers

Dr. Spero Theodorou, founder and surgical director of bodySCULPT®, a leading plastic surgery practice in NYC, has voiced his concern regarding the risk posed by dermal fillers. He recently conducted a study that found that dermal fillers can block lymphatic channels in the face, which could lead to health problems. He specifies that dermal fillers may damage the immune system’s ability to fight disease by blocking lymphatic channels. Lymphatic channels are part of the immune system and help to drain fluid and waste from the body. If they are blocked, it can lead to swelling, infection, and other problems.

Dr. Theodorou says that he stopped offering dermal fillers at his practice after he saw the results of his study. He is also urging people to think carefully about the risks before getting dermal fillers. The Irish Examiner recently reported that three patients suffered severe complications after having dermal fillers injected, and were forced to seek emergency treatment from a skin expert in Cork and Dublin.

The research, presented at the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons’ annual conference, raises questions about the substance itself and its irreversible impact on the delicate lymphatic structures.

More about the Study

Dr. Theodorou and his team utilized a SPY camera to investigate the lymphatic systems of approximately 50 women who had undergone facial filler procedures. Injecting a special dye into the women’s faces, the team tracked its movement through the lymphatic channels using the camera. The study revealed that the injected dye, typically expected to be drained by a functioning lymphatic system almost immediately, accumulated under the eyes and in the cheeks of women with filler even after one week. Dr. Theodorou emphasized the significance of this finding, pointing out that blocked lymphatics could lead to the persistent presence of substances, indicating potential long-term issues. While hyaluronidase can be used to dissolve filler, complete removal poses a significant challenge. Dr. Theodorou acknowledged the potential backlash for exposing concerns about such a popular non-surgical procedure, expressing his ethical responsibility to investigate and share these findings with the public. Beauty journalist Mary-Jane O’ Regan highlighted a growing trend of people moving away from dermal fillers due to concerns about suboptimal outcomes, commonly referred to as ‘Kardashian face.’

Dr. Theodorou says “I may become the world’s most hated plastic surgeon but I had to raise my dermal filler fears”.

The Irish Examiner has quoted Dr. Theodorou’s words as, “I cannot in good conscience provide this to my patients anymore because of what I saw. And if we don’t raise our hand as doctors and say ‘hey this has to stop or somehow has to be changed’ we’re not doing our jobs.”

Our surgeon explains that filler has been identified as a trigger for an immune response, prompting the body to deploy killer T-cells to combat perceived foreign objects, resulting in swelling. Instances of cancer have been reported where T-cells targeted breast implants, as revealed in biopsies of lymph nodes removed during surgery, indicating a microscopic-level reaction to filler. Dr. Theodorou underscored that such findings highlight both the migration of filler to different areas and the body’s immune response to foreign substances.

He also emphasized the responsibility of scientists to raise awareness, expressing frustration that their efforts to bring attention to the inflammatory T-cell response and lymph system blockage resulted in minimal action. Citing a typical 20-year timeline for problems to surface with medical devices, he stressed the unknown long-term implications of interfering with the lymphatic system.

The Current State of Dermal Filler Safety

Despite the global dermal filler industry’s estimated worth of $5 billion, concerns over its safety persist. The lack of regulatory oversight, coupled with recent cases of severe complications, has prompted a reevaluation of the risks associated with these popular cosmetic procedures. The report also highlights that the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) does not regulate the administration of dermal fillers. HPRA is responsible for medical devices in Ireland.

While Dr. Theodorou stands firm on his decision to raise awareness about the potential risks, some experts like Dr. Patrick Treacy and Consultant Dermatologist Caitriona Ryan assert that while dermal fillers may block lymphatics in localized areas, they do not pose systemic threats to the overall immune system. These differing opinions add complexity to the ongoing debate over the safety of dermal fillers.

bodySCULPT®, as a premier aesthetic center, is distinguished by its steadfast dedication and commitment to offering standard plastic surgery and non-invasive procedures in New York for its patients. With a mission to prioritize patient satisfaction and well-being, our AAAASF-accredited facility upholds the highest standards of excellence in the field of plastic surgery.