The Injectable Safety Campaign was created by the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety, whose mission is to provide unbiased information regarding injectable treatments and qualified providers, while discouraging unqualified providers and the use of non FDA-approved products. The group represents over 5,000 board-certified physicians including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
The need to be educated about cosmetic injectables and standards to protect your safety is evident in the findings released by the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety. See www.injectablesafety.org for more information.
Injectable treatment risks
According to the ASAPS, injectables carry risks such as the following:
- hematoma or blood pooling beneath the skin
- infection and necrosis or skin loss is possible (although rare)
- unsatisfactory cosmetic result
- Collagen Injections may be visible or felt if injected superficially and in very rare cases may develop nodules (small bumps beneath the skin).
An injectable treatment is most risky when administered by someone who is not properly qualified. Semi-permanent and permanent fillers may carry a risk of clumping (the particles form a granuloma or lump that can be felt or seen beneath the skin). Particles may also migrate or displace from the injection site. Injection of an anti-inflammatory may help to improve minor clumps or swelling. More significant conditions of clumping or granuloma may require surgery.
Injectable safety campaign findings
An independent study conducted by Industry Insights, Inc. surveyed members of the Coalition about U.S. FDA-approved, brand name injectable therapies designed to treat facial wrinkles, improve the signs of aging, enhance facial appearance, and treat skin imperfections with Botulinum Toxin (Botox), dermal fillers, and fat injections.
The top findings are as follows:
- Member physicians see an average of 2-3 patients each year with complications resulting from cosmetic injections that were either administered in a non-medical setting, by an unqualified provider, or with an unknown substance.
- 84% of physicians reported that they have seen at least one patient with complications from cosmetic injectables.
- 29% of member physicians see complications arising from cosmetic injections administered in a non-medical setting.
- 38% of physicians see complications arising from cosmetic injections administered by an unqualified or untrained provider.
- 32% of physicians see complications from an unknown, non-FDA approved injectable substance.
Before you get a cosmetic injection, you should:
- Know how to choose a qualified doctor/provider
- Know what questions to ask your doctor/provider
- Ask to see packaging
- Know what authentic packaging looks like for any injectables you purchase
Related Links
- How can I make sure a cosmetic injection is safe?
- Can nurses administer injectables?
- Blog posts about injectables
sources: Mark Jewell MD