If it seems too good to be true, it likely is too good to be true. One of the latest DIY beauty crazes is the Hyaluron Pen and it’s having quite an impact on social media. This so-called “needle-free filler” procedure is being promoted as a safe and effective treatment by many med spas and salons. BUYER BEWARE!
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally stepped in to warn consumers about the dangers of the use of needle-free devices such as hyaluron pens for the injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) which is used in dermal fillers. According to the statement, the FDA “is aware of serious injuries and in some cases, permanent harm to the skin, lips, or eyes with the use of needle-free devices for injection of fillers.”
While hyaluronic acid is a fantastic naturally occurring chemical that we use at BAXT CosMedical® for facial contouring and lip injections every day, it is only safe and effective when injected by specially trained medical professionals! The molecule is too big to penetrate the skin which is why it must be injected to get the proper effects. It is commonly used also in surface moisturizers as it is hydrophilic–meaning it absorbs water and plumps up. This property works incredibly well inside the lip, but you cannot do it yourself!
The FDA’s issued the following specific recommendations to consumers:
- Do not undergo any filler procedure with needle-free devices.
- Do not buy or use lip or facial fillers sold directly to the public.
- Do not inject yourself or others with lip and facial fillers using any device. FDA-approved dermal fillers are indicated for prescription use only.
- If you experience any problems or are concerned after injection of lip or facial fillers using a needle-free device, seek care from a licensed health care provider.
Furthermore, the FDA is asking consumers to report any problems experienced after using needle-free devices for injection of fillers to MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program.
Trust your face to Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a board-certified dermatologist in Paramus, NJ who is an expert injector with many years of experience. Dr. Baxt warns that you cannot believe all the beauty tips that you read on the internet and via social media channels. Specifically, you cannot get results of professionally injected lips with a no-needle at-home device and adverse reactions can and have been known to occur. (See Dr. Baxt’s Before & After filler patient photos)
The very bottom line, DO NOT be duped and waste your money and time, and worse, get swelling and an allergic reaction from a non-approved non-medical treatment.
