Published: 5 September 2014
Publications
Dermal Fillers - Blinded for Beauty
Prescriber Update 35(3): 39
September 2014
Dermal fillers including collagen, hyaluronic acid and autologous adipose
tissue are injected into the face for cosmetic purposes. Reports from overseas,
dating back to 1988, highlighted both temporary and permanent visual disorders
that occurred following dermal injection of these substances during aesthetic
procedures1. Visual disorders included both
partial and total visual losses, including cases of temporary and permanent
blindness.
Practitioners are advised to discuss this risk with patients who are considering having dermal fillers injected. Complications affecting patients' vision have occurred both during administration and more than a year following the procedure1. Patients should be advised to seek medical advice immediately if any visual disturbances occur.
Dermal fillers should not be injected into certain areas of the face2. Complications may occur due to the technique applied and the vulnerability of the facial vasculature to blockage from injected substances1. Treatment to restore normal vision requires early recognition, identification and removal of blockages to recover perfusion1.
Since 1 July 2014, dermal fillers have been re-categorised from medicines to medical devices. It is important to note that there is no pre-market approval process for medical devices in New Zealand under the Medicines Act 1981. Clinicians who use or would consider using dermal fillers should ensure the product has been approved by a regulatory authority for the intended purpose.
Summary of data sheet information for hyaluronate sodium/hyaluronic acid dermal fillers prior to re-categorisation as medical devices | |
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References
- Lazzeri D, Agostini T, Figus M, Nardi M, Pantaloni M, Lazzeri S. 2012. Blindness following Cosmetic Injections of the Face. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 129(4): 995-1012.
- Carle MV, Roe R, Novack R, Boyer DS. 2014. Cosmetic Facial Fillers and Severe Vision Loss. Journal of the American Medical Association Ophthalmology 132(5): 637-639.