Necrosis means the death of cells or tissue. Possible causes include an inadequate blood supply, infection, pressure or direct tissue injury. In aesthetic medicine, it is a potentially serious complication of surgery and certain injection treatments.
Risk factors vary with the procedure. Smoking and pre-existing circulatory problems, for example, can reduce the blood supply to tissue. Careful planning and an appropriate technique reduce risks, but cannot eliminate them completely.
Unusually severe pain, marked changes in skin colour or a worsening wound need prompt medical assessment. Sudden signs of impaired blood flow after a filler injection can be particularly urgent. If there are also changes in vision, emergency help is needed immediately.