In recent years, hyaluronic acid has become a highly sought-after filler in the field of cosmetic surgery. As a naturally occurring component of the skin, it not only maintains skin elasticity but also locks in large amounts of water molecules, making the skin plump, youthful, and resilient. Consequently, it is widely used in procedures such as wrinkle reduction, nose augmentation, and chin augmentation.However, cases of accidents caused by improper hyaluronic acid injections have also occurred. Recently, two best friends in Liaoning nearly lost their vision after injecting each other with hyaluronic acid purchased online.
Best Friends Nearly Blinded After Self-Administered Hyaluronic Acid Injections; Doctor: Product Was Counterfeit
Xiao Li and Xiao Mei (pseudonyms), best friends from Liaoning, frequently purchased inexpensive injectables online for mutual use due to their desire for beauty. Believing hyaluronic acid injections required no special skill—that practice would make perfect—
Xiao Li injected hyaluronic acid into Xiao Mei's chin, and Xiao Mei then injected it into Xiao Li's forehead.
Xiao Mei recalled that as soon as the needle entered Xiao Li's skin, she screamed in pain and reported blurred vision. Xiao Mei frantically pulled the needle out, causing blood to spurt from the wound. Xiao Li's forehead quickly swelled and turned red.
Both rushed to the hospital for examination. The doctor explained that Xiaomei's needle had actually punctured a blood vessel in Xiaoli's forehead. Fortunately, it was a very small collateral artery, and the force and amount of hyaluronic acid injected were minimal. Had the needle penetrated deeper, it could have caused vascular embolism, potentially leading to Xiaoli's immediate blindness.
After admission, the hospital administered hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler. However, residual particles remained after dissolution, confirming the hyaluronic acid they purchased online was counterfeit and contained other additives. If these substances cannot be metabolized and absorbed, Xiaoli's forehead will carry this invisible "time bomb" for life.
Why can't hyaluronic acid injections be self-administered?
Many people, like Xiaomei and Xiaoli, mistakenly believe hyaluronic acid injections are simple—just a matter of practicing needle insertion—and see no need to go through the trouble of visiting a hospital. They think they can easily find an aesthetician or even inject themselves. Professor Jiang Ping, Chief Physician of the Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Department at Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, states this is an extremely dangerous mindset.
Professor Jiang Ping emphasizes that hyaluronic acid injection is a medical procedure. Those seeking cosmetic enhancements must choose accredited medical institutions for injection treatments and ensure the use of nationally approved injectable materials."The safety of hyaluronic acid injections depends heavily on the physician's skill. Injections within the 'golden triangle' area between the eyes and the bridge of the nose require particular caution. This is because blood vessels within the eyeball connect to facial blood vessels. If the physician lacks proper technique, the needle tip could puncture a blood vessel during injection, causing retrograde flow and blockage, which may lead to blindness."
Furthermore, if hyaluronic acid is injected crookedly, it is not as simple as some believe—administering hyaluronidase to dissolve it does not guarantee a happy ending. Once vascular embolism occurs, it is difficult to reverse. Often, within two minutes of the injection, retinal necrosis can occur, leading to blindness. These are irreversible outcomes. Seekers of beauty must avoid complacency to prevent cosmetic procedures from backfiring and causing severe consequences.