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Millionaire obsessed with reversing his age left with swollen face for 7 days after botched procedure

"Immediately following the injections, my face began to blow up. And then it got worse, and worse, and worse until I couldn’t even see. It was a severe allergic reaction," Bryan Johnson wrote on Instagram

Johnson shared images of his swollen face on Instagram, detailing the ordeal.Johnson shared images of his swollen face on Instagram, detailing the ordeal. (Source: Instagram)

Bryan Johnson, a tech millionaire known for his extreme measures to reverse ageing, recently experienced a setback in his quest for eternal youth. After injecting donor fat into his face to restore lost volume, he suffered a severe allergic reaction.

“Immediately following the injections, my face began to blow up. And then it got worse, and worse, and worse until I couldn’t even see. It was a severe allergic reaction,” Johnson wrote on Instagram. “Seven days later, my face was back to normal.”

Johnson shared images of his swollen face on Instagram, detailing the ordeal. He explained that the procedure was part of his “Project Baby Face,” an attempt to restore facial volume lost due to calorie restriction. However, the allergic reaction to the donor fat proved a significant setback.

Understanding severe allergic reactions

Dr D.M. Mahajan, Senior Consultant in Dermatology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, explains that allergic reactions, like the one Johnson experienced, occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies an injected substance as harmful. This triggers an immune response that can manifest as swelling, redness, or even life-threatening symptoms such as airway obstruction.

He detailed the reasons why severe allergic reactions are dangerous:

  1. Airway Obstruction: Severe facial swelling can obstruct airways, making breathing difficult and potentially life-threatening.
  2. Systemic Responses: Allergic reactions can escalate to systemic symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, and shock, leading to organ dysfunction if untreated.
  3. Delayed Onset: Symptoms like redness and swelling can worsen hours or even a day after the procedure, complicating timely recognition and intervention.

What to do in case of a severe reaction

Dr Mahajan said immediate action is critical if someone experiences symptoms similar to those of Johnson.

  1. Seek Prompt Medical Attention: Severe swelling or difficulty breathing requires urgent medical care. Treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine for severe cases.
  2. Monitor Symptoms: Medical professionals may observe patients several hours after treatment to ensure the reaction is controlled. Extended monitoring may be necessary in severe cases.
  3. Identify Allergens: Patients should undergo allergen testing with their healthcare provider to avoid similar reactions after recovery.

Johnson’s ordeal underscores the unpredictability of experimental or cosmetic procedures involving foreign substances. While these treatments can yield desired results for many, they also carry risks that must be carefully weighed.

With expert medical care and a proactive approach to managing risks, individuals can navigate these procedures more safely, ensuring their health remains a top priority.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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