A low nasal bridge? One injection. A short chin? One injection. Thin lips? One injection... Some transform into goddesses with a single shot, while others suffer disfigurement. In response to recent frequent cases of disfigurement from hyaluronic acid nose injections, the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) specifically emphasized the need for proper understanding of injectable hyaluronic acid products and the importance of receiving injections at institutions with medical aesthetic qualifications.Today, we examine case studies to analyze the potential dangers of counterfeit hyaluronic acid injections and methods for identifying fakes.
Hyaluronic acid nose augmentation, with its instant results, non-invasive nature, and no downtime, has made it tempting for beauty-conscious women to try. Wanting to look beautiful but reluctant to spend much, "savvy" women have shifted from hospitals and medical aesthetic clinics to beauty salons and online purchases.Smuggled imports, repackaged products, and near-expiration dates seem to justify the existence of low-cost hyaluronic acid. Yet the adage "You get what you pay for" holds true. Women who believe they've scored a bargain may unwittingly ruin their appearance.
Symptom 1: Localized redness, swelling, itching, and hard lumps
Case Study:Patient Yang underwent treatment at a beauty salon. One week after receiving "hyaluronic acid" injections, she developed redness, swelling, and itching. Doctor's Diagnosis: 1. Injected with hyaluronic acid containing illegal ingredients. 2. Shallow injection depth can also cause redness and swelling. Repair Recommendation: Immediately visit a licensed medical aesthetic facility to have the injected material removed.
Symptom 2: Localized tissue suppuration and infection
Case Description: A patient spent 4,000 yuan on "hyaluronic acid" injections at a small beauty salon. Twenty days later, facial redness, swelling, and suppuration developed.
Medical Diagnosis:
Following injection of counterfeit hyaluronic acid, significant infection at the injection site occurred, manifesting as inflammation and suppuration.
Recovery Recommendation:
Do not immediately extract the contents while inflammation persists. Prioritize systemic anti-infection treatment with intravenous antibiotics to control inflammation spread.
According to the patient, she received injections at a beauty salon in Shijiazhuang: once in 2006 and four times in 2008, each costing 800 yuan.
Doctor's Diagnosis:
1. Counterfeit hyaluronic acid causes corrosion of skin tissue.
2. Injection into blood vessels can also lead to skin necrosis. Skilled doctors are familiar with facial nerves and blood vessels and avoid major vessels during injection.
Recommended treatment:
Initiate systemic anti-infection therapy. After inflammation subsides, remove the foreign substance followed by alar reconstruction.
Additionally, Dr. Nie Jie advises all cosmetic seekers to seek treatment only at licensed medical aesthetic institutions under licensed physicians.
What are the main components of counterfeit hyaluronic acid products on the market? What harm can they cause after injection?
1.Omedin: Some counterfeit "Omedin" products are currently sold under the guise of "Restylane" hyaluronic acid. When used for temple augmentation or wrinkle reduction, it can cause uneven lumps. Omedin is a globally banned substance. Once injected into the body, it may decompose and produce highly toxic substances that damage the nervous system, impair kidney function, and harm the circulatory system. The World Health Organization has classified this substance as a suspected carcinogen.
2. Bone Powder: Commonly found in patients who underwent injectable rhinoplasty, bone powder can cause unevenness and skin corrosion, progressively thinning the subcutaneous layer.
3. Liquid Silicone: Counterfeit hyaluronic acid containing liquid silicone was prevalent a decade ago but is now less common. Liquid silicone tends to migrate within the body and adhere to surrounding tissues. Removal inevitably damages healthy tissue, leaving severe complications.
Beyond selecting reputable medical aesthetic institutions and licensed practitioners, can consumers mitigate risks by choosing proper hyaluronic acid procurement channels?
What are the legitimate purchase channels for hyaluronic acid in mainland China?
For consumers, the only legitimate and legal purchase channel is through qualified medical aesthetic institutions. Furthermore, injections must be administered at the institution where the product was purchased; institutions are prohibited from selling hyaluronic acid for consumer self-injection.
For hospitals, the legitimate purchasing channel is the manufacturer. During transactions, both the institution and the manufacturer must verify each other's business licenses. Not only must the institution authenticate the manufacturer's legitimacy, but the manufacturer must also ensure the product enters legitimate medical institutions.