Ophthalmological Complications of Aesthetic Medicine Procedures: A Narrative Review.

Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, autologous fat grafting, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, are increasingly popular worldwide due to their convenience and aesthetic benefits. While generally considered safe, these procedures can result in rare but serious ophthalmological complications. The most catastrophic adverse events include central retinal artery occlusion and ischemic optic neuropathy, which may lead to irreversible vision loss. Other complications include diplopia, ptosis, dry eye, and orbital cellulitis, with varying degrees of severity and reversibility. Awareness of potential ocular risks, appropriate patient selection, and adherence to safe injection techniques are crucial for preventing complications. This narrative review summarizes the incidence, mechanisms, clinical features, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies of ocular complications associated with aesthetic medical procedures. A narrative literature review was conducted, emphasizing data from clinical studies, case series, and expert consensus published between 2015 and 2025. Special attention is given to anatomical danger zones, the pathophysiological pathways of filler embolization, and the roles of hyaluronidase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in acute management. Although many complications are self-limited or reversible, prompt recognition and intervention are critical to prevent permanent sequelae. The increasing prevalence of these procedures demands enhanced education, informed consent, and interdisciplinary collaboration between aesthetic providers and ophthalmologists.