Lauren Bateman, a 24-year-old woman, has been using Botox and fillers since the age of 18 without any issues, but her experience took a dramatic turn two years ago when she underwent under-eye filler, also known as tear trough filler. Lauren had always been confident in her cosmetic choices, having previously received filler in her cheeks, lips, chin, and jawline, as well as regular Botox treatments. However, this time, her decision led to a series of painful and alarming complications.
While preparing for a trip to Cyprus for her best friend’s 21st birthday, Lauren decided to try tear trough filler to enhance her appearance. She found a practitioner on Instagram, someone with many followers and a track record of successful treatments for her friends. The procedure itself seemed straightforward, and Lauren didn’t think much of it, as she had previously had filler treatments without issue.
However, shortly after the procedure, Lauren began to experience significant swelling and pain under her right eye. Initially, she assumed this was a normal side effect of the filler, but the discomfort quickly escalated. Her face felt tight and painful, and she struggled to sleep due to the pressure. By the time she boarded her flight to Cyprus, her condition worsened. Her eye became swollen and started to close, and the pain became unbearable. Despite using ice packs and trying to push through the discomfort, the situation deteriorated.
Once in Cyprus, Lauren sought medical attention at a local hospital, but the language barrier made communication difficult. The doctor, unfamiliar with tear trough filler, misdiagnosed the issue as an allergy and prescribed painkillers. The pain continued to intensify, and Lauren spent the remainder of her holiday in distress, checking her face in the mirror and hoping it would improve. She eventually flew back to London, where the pain became excruciating, and she sought help from the UK’s emergency services.
After multiple visits to A&E, where she felt stigmatized for her cosmetic procedure, Lauren’s condition worsened. On her final visit, her cheek ruptured, and pus began to drain from the wound. The doctors finally took her seriously, and she was rushed into surgery to have the infection drained. Despite the relief of having the pus removed, Lauren was left with a significant scar and a deep dent in her face. She was devastated by the outcome, feeling as though her pursuit of beauty had led to a permanent flaw.
The healing process took several months, and Lauren struggled with the emotional toll of the experience. However, over time, her scar became less noticeable, and she began to feel more comfortable with her appearance again. While she vowed never to get tear trough filler again, Lauren’s love for cosmetic procedures remained strong. She resumed regular Botox treatments and continued to get filler for her lips, chin, and jawline. She even sought to address the dent left by the filler disaster with cheek filler.
Despite the painful experience, Lauren feels that cosmetic procedures enhance her confidence and help her feel more symmetrical. She acknowledges the pressure that social media and societal beauty standards place on individuals, but she remains unapologetic about her choices. She plans to undergo more cosmetic treatments in the future, including a potential nose job and composite bonding for her teeth, as well as a breast augmentation later in life. For Lauren, the pursuit of beauty is a personal choice, and she is determined to continue seeking treatments that make her feel good about herself.
