Vascular Occlusion Following Low-volume Chin Filler: Successful Management With High-dose Pulsed Hyaluronidase

Summary: Vascular occlusion is an uncommon but serious complication of hyaluronic acid filler injections. If not recognized and managed early, it can lead to ischemia and even skin necrosis. Timely diagnosis and intervention are therefore crucial to minimize tissue damage and avoid long-term consequences. With the rising popularity of chin augmentation procedures, awareness of these rare complications is increasingly important for aesthetic practitioners. This report describes the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented with increasing pain, skin discoloration, and livedo reticularis approximately 24 hours after she had received hyaluronic acid filler injections in her chin. Clinical examination revealed delayed capillary refill time and mottled skin changes across the chin and neck. The high-dose pulsed hyaluronidase protocol was initiated 25 hours after injection. A total of 2850 IU of hyaluronidase was administered in a series of doses during a 15-hour period. Alongside enzyme therapy, the patient received oral aspirin, warm compresses, and gentle massage. Her symptoms improved quickly, and by day 21, she had fully recovered with no scarring or volume loss. This case highlights that even minimal filler volumes can trigger vascular occlusion. Preparedness to identify the vascular complications and apply the high-dose pulsed hyaluronidase protocol is essential to ensure full recovery and safeguard patient outcomes.