On 10/3, Doctor Hoang Hong Manh, from the Department of Dermatology and Burns at Bach Mai Hospital, reported receiving a female patient with severe swelling in her lower limbs. Doctors diagnosed her with cellulitis caused by bacterial infection through an unsterile injection site. The medical team has treated the patient, whose health is gradually stabilizing.

"This is the consequence of an unscientific procedure combined with negligence regarding unregulated aesthetic services," Doctor Manh stated. He added that many people mistakenly believe filler can "correct" the shape of bowed legs, but this is medically incorrect.

Doctor Manh explained that the structure of the tibia, fibula, and the muscle-tendon system determines whether the lower leg axis is bowed or straight. The aesthetic industry uses filler only to compensate for soft tissue volume deficits in small areas such as wrinkles, temples, or the chin. Injecting large amounts of this substance into the calves will not straighten bones; instead, it compresses blood vessels and nerves.

The patient experienced complications after receiving filler injections to straighten her legs. Photo: Dieu Hien

The lower leg contains a complex anatomical system, including the anterior and posterior tibial arteries and a peripheral nerve network. Filler compressing a compartment or entering a blood vessel will disrupt blood flow, causing localized ischemia. This results in rapid soft tissue and skin necrosis. Victims even risk developing necrotizing fasciitis, which may force doctors to amputate the limb to save a life if intervention with strong antibiotics is delayed.

Moreover, the home environment often harbors dangerous bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococcus. These bacteria are ready to attack open wounds, causing abscesses, widespread cellulitis, or sepsis. More alarmingly, unregulated aesthetic services consistently lack medical equipment and anti-shock medications. Anaphylaxis can cause circulatory arrest within minutes before an ambulance can arrive.

Doctor Manh advises people to firmly refuse aesthetic services performed at home. Customers should only entrust their health to medical facilities licensed by competent authorities, ensuring sterile conditions and highly qualified professionals. Individuals with a history of allergies, shortness of breath, or rashes must proactively inform their doctor for a thorough examination before undergoing any invasive procedure. If signs of swelling, pain, or redness and warmth appear at the injection site, the patient must immediately go to a specialized facility for doctors to provide treatment during the "golden hour."

Le Nga