Risks and Potential Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Injectable Lip Enhancements
DIY projects can be a blast, from crafting candles to handling woodwork. But there are boundaries, especially when it comes to our health and appearance. Case in point: hyaluron pens for at-home lip-plumping. Plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and skincare experts all caution against the risks associated with these needle-free devices available over-the-counter through a simple internet search.
Martin Newman, MD, a renowned plastic surgeon, explains why you should tread carefully when considering hyaluron pens. They claim to be a fast, needle-free way to achieve fuller lips without a trip to a certified professional. But Newman points out that this technique seems traumatic and could potentially push the hyaluronic acid - a common ingredient in cosmetic procedures - through your skin uncontrollably.
Unsurprisingly, these devices haven't earned FDA approval. A statement released in October 2021 advised against their use, citing potential side effects like infections, allergic reactions, and more. Moreover, the administration process with these devices is neither precise nor easily controlled. With minimal control over depth of penetration, amount administered, and individual results, complications can arise.
Another concern stems from the hyaluronic acid supplied with these "pens." Dermal fillers in a professional setting are tested, FDA-approved, and tailored to a specific procedure. With an online purchase, however, you have no idea what you're getting.
In the end, these nonprescription devices are often used by non-medical personnel with no medical supervision, increasing the odds of complications going unrecognized or untreated. Possible issues range from bleeding and bruising to infection, vascular complications, scarring, and even blindness or stroke.
If you're intrigued by lip fillers or similar procedures, it's best to consult with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. These professionals can advise you on the safest methods and oversee an approved product application in a controlled setting. Your skin - and your smile - will appreciate it.
- While DIY projects can be exciting, using hyaluron pens for at-home lip-plumping, a practice unadvised by health professionals, can potentially cause deeper skin trauma and uncontrolled migration of hyaluronic acid, a common ingredient in cosmetic procedures.
- The hyaluronic acid provided with over-the-counter hyaluron pens might not be FDA-approved or tailored to a specific procedure, presenting an uncertainty about its quality and potential side effects.
- The administration process of hyaluron pens lacks precision and control, leading to varying individual results and increasing the risk of complications such as infections, allergic reactions, vascular complications, scarring, blindness, or stroke when these procedures are performed by non-medical personnel without proper medical supervision.
