Should my Doctor Have Sterilized my Skin Before Injecting Juvederm?

Question

All he did was apply the topical anesthetic to my nasolabial folds (over my makeup), then in went the needle. I asked if I should first wash the area and he said no! Is this right?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The value of antiseptic cleansing on percutaneous injections is intuitively supported but, to the best of my knowledge, there are no established studies documenting the absolute need or the potential complications of simple cleansing/wiping off of the surface.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

In most cases, it is sufficient to wipe the area with an alcohol pad before injecting - the utility of this really is not certain either. There really is no need to "wash" your face unless it is very dirty or there is a lot of caked on makeup. Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I always prep the skin with alcohol, I think that is appropriate and minimizes the risk of infection.

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

To prevent infection, sterilization of the skin is not necessary - I certainly would not fault any practitioner for doing so, but there is no evidence to suggest that sterile technique for filler injections decreases the already very low incidence of infection with this procedure. Prior to filler injections, I prefer that any makeup, moisturizer or medication be removed with cleanser/water. I then swipe the areas I am injecting with an alcohol swab.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

It is better in general to get makeup off, and use alcohol to sterilize the skin.  If you did not suffer an infection or other problem, no harm no foul.

Felix Kuo, MD · Answer

for any facial injection, clean technique should be practiced. Wiping the area with an alcohol gauze wipe prior to injection is sufficient. More importantly, make sure you are getting a brand new syringe of Juvederm, not a partial or left-over syringe. Have the doctor open up the pre-packaged, sterile syringe in front of you.

Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

It is not necessary to sterilize the face. Removal of make-up to prevent particles from getting under the skin and stimulating a foriegn body reaction may reduce rare granulomas and lumps. I have my assistant remove make-up, then apply topical anesthetic. I remove the ointment just prior to injecting with a clean alcohol gauze wipe.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Generally, a single swipe with an alcohol pad should be enough. If you are not comfortable with your doctor's technique, there are many others around whom you could switch over to for future treatments.

Robert M. Jensen, MD (retired) · Answer

Most physicians will wipe the area with an alcohol prep pad prior to injections. This has been a traditional practice and makes everyone feel better. I really don't think you have anything to worry about if the skin wasn't swiped with a cleansing solution.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (retired) · Answer

There is no need for a major antiseptic cleansing for this procedure. Just a simple wash with the antiseptic of the physician's choice. Alcohol too would be perfectly acceptable for fillers. After all, when blood is drawn the skin is only briefly cleansed and in that case you are enterring  blood vessels.       
It is said that for Botox one should use a different cleanser than alcohol. Some people feel that alcohol could  slightly inactivate the Botox

Should my Doctor Have Sterilized my Skin Before Injecting Juvederm?

Answers (10)

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