Omedin, once a popular cosmetic filler, became notorious for causing numerous terrifying medical accidents. Although its use has been explicitly banned nationwide, unscrupulous businesses continue to pass it off as hyaluronic acid, reigniting tragedies where cosmetic procedures lead to disfigurement.
Nose Ulceration After "Hyaluronic Acid" Rhinoplasty
Xiao Li, a 26-year-old graduate student in Beijing, sought rhinoplasty at a beauty salon in January 2010 after a friend's recommendation.
The salon staff enthusiastically showed her numerous photos of successful cases, explaining that these results were achieved using a filler called "hyaluronic acid." They assured her the procedure would involve "no swelling or pain, no scars, no disruption to work or studies, completely painless, immediate discharge, and guaranteed results," with prices ranging from 3,000 to 12,000 yuan.
Xiao Li researched online and learned that hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a moisturizing agent. Due to its insolubility in water, low metabolic rate, high water absorption and retention capacity, and resistance to tissue migration, some countries have recently begun using hyaluronic acid as a filler to address cosmetic concerns such as facial hollows, a flat nasal bridge, or a slightly low chin.
Xiao Li spent 12,000 yuan to undergo the so-called "hyaluronic acid nose augmentation" procedure at the beauty salon.
The day after the injection, her nose became red and swollen. When she called the salon, they suggested it might be due to her body type and that recovery would take longer.For three months after the injection, Xiaoli remained confined at home. During this period, the redness and swelling on her nose and forehead not only expanded but also developed ulcerations. Trending Plastic Surgery Articles: September 6-12 "Flat-Chested Dancer" Shares Breast Augmentation Diary 2100056"Flat-Chested Dancer" Shares Breast Augmentation Diary 2100056 The Death of a Big-Breasted Maniac: The Dangers of Excessive Breast Implants 200896 Top 10 Artificial "Breasts" in the Entertainment Industry 99357 TVB Leading Ladies and Gentlemen: Who Are the "King and Queen" of Plastic Surgery? 73269>New Home, New Breasts: Girlfriend Uses House Money for Implants
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"Hyaluronic Acid" Turns Out to Be Omeding, Face Completely Disfigured
After enduring three months of excruciating pain, Xiao Li could no longer bear it. On April 13, 2010, she was rushed by ambulance to the Air Force General Hospital. By then, her nose and forehead had swollen into a pus-filled mass measuring approximately 15 cm long, 10 cm wide, and 2 cm high.
Doctors diagnosed that not only was Xiao Li "unrecognizable," but because facial blood vessels connect directly to the cranial cavity, she faced life-threatening risks if the condition progressed to bacterial encephalitis.
After draining the pus and controlling the inflammation, hundreds of milliliters of grayish-white pus and necrotic tissue were removed. Doctors determined that this was not hyaluronic acid at all, but rather Omeding—a relatively inexpensive substance that had been banned years earlier.
Omeding, also known as polyacrylamide hydrogel and commonly called artificial fat, is a colorless, transparent, jelly-like liquid substance.Once used as a filler for breast and buttock augmentation, it caused 300,000 cosmetic surgery injuries. Consequently, the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) completely halted its production, sale, and use on April 30, 2006, revoking the medical device registration certificate for injectable Omedin.
Unlike Omedin, hyaluronic acid has not been found to cause toxicity, carcinogenicity, or teratogenicity. The State Food and Drug Administration approved its use in China starting December 2008.The currently approved hyaluronic acid product—Modified Sodium Hyaluronate Gel for Injection—is Restylane 2, manufactured by a Swedish company. Its indicated use is "for dermal tissue filling in the face to correct nasolabial folds." As an imported medical device, it must be administered by trained, qualified physicians in licensed medical institutions.
Xiao Li received Omedin injections at a non-medical beauty salon, administered by individuals lacking any medical qualifications.
After seven days of medical treatment, Xiao Li finally escaped life-threatening danger. Although the injected substances were surgically removed from her forehead and nose, she still faces further treatment and reconstructive surgery. Due to the severity and rarity of her condition, the upcoming forehead and nose repair surgeries will be highly challenging.
How to Identify Authentic Products
Although both hyaluronic acid and Omedin are colorless and transparent, counterfeit hyaluronic acid can be identified through simple methods. First, examine the packaging. Counterfeit hyaluronic acid packaging is often unprofessional. Visit the website of the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), click "Data Query" under "Imported Medical Devices" or "Domestic Medical Devices," and enter the product name to verify if it is nationally approved.
Second, hyaluronic acid is water-based. When rubbed, it feels smooth and fine, gradually drying and disappearing after a few rubs. While Omedin syringes on the market are also water-based, they exhibit noticeably larger particles and lack the transparency of hyaluronic acid. They have a gel-like consistency and do not disappear quickly after solidifying. Hyaluronic acid is completely absorbed within about six months after injection, whereas Omedin is not absorbed at all.Hyaluronic acid is a water-based solution that feels like water when squeezed out, while Omedin is gel-like and feels oily.
Silicone oil is another product commonly used to counterfeit hyaluronic acid. Experts note that Omedin and silicone oil have larger molecules, requiring relatively larger syringes for injection, whereas hyaluronic acid has smaller molecules and can be injected using very fine needles.
Beyond checking for a medical device registration certificate, three more straightforward methods exist to identify genuine hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid products come in sealed packaging; simply open the package, attach the needle, and administer. Imported hyaluronic acid packaging has a minimum volume of 0.5cc; syringes below 0.5cc are non-existent. Prices typically range from 4600-8800 RMB per syringe. If the price seems too low, consumers should be wary.
To effectively prevent the mistaken use of Omedin as hyaluronic acid, individuals should choose formal, professional cosmetic surgery institutions for treatment. This ensures the safety and effectiveness of aesthetic procedures.