Soft Tissue Filler Therapy and Informed Consent: A Canadian Review

Abstract

Soft Tissue Filler (STF) Therapy for cosmetic facial rejuvenation is associated with known complications. The manifestation of these known complications can lead to patients commencing civil litigation actions or making complaints to provincial regulatory authorities and alleging that the practitioner failed to obtain the patient’s informed consent to the therapy. Data provided by the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) on medical-legal cases arising from the provision of STF therapy between 2005 and 2019 are presented. Select reported case law decisions from Canadian courts and regulatory bodies addressing the concept of informed consent are reviewed. Insights about the risk factors pertaining to the process of obtaining informed consent for STF therapy are presented to increase an understanding of the elements of communication and documentation needed to ensure patients are aware of the consequences of this treatment.