Hyaluronic acid is one of the most widely used products in aesthetic medicine, thanks to its moisturising and volumising properties and its natural results. However, like any medical procedure, hyaluronic acid filler injections carry certain risks that require special attention from doctors. In 2024, regulations and safety standards surrounding fillers are evolving to ensure safer practices and better protection for patients. This article looks in detail at these developments, the new guidelines for doctors and the importance of choosing products that comply with international quality standards.
Injections ofhyaluronic acidAlthough minimally invasive, these procedures are not without risks. Possible complications include allergic reactions, infections, bruising and, in rare cases, more serious complications such as skin necrosis or vascular embolism. For this reason, regulatory bodies and professional associations in aesthetic medicine set strict safety standards to minimise these risks and ensure patient safety.
En 2024, les régulations deviennent encore plus rigoureuses, reflétant la demande croissante pour des pratiques sécurisées et des résultats de haute qualité. Les autorités de santé publique, comme la FDA (Food and Drug Administration) aux États-Unis, le Swissmedic (autorité de réglementation en matière de médicaments et de dispositifs médicaux) en Suisse et l’EMA (Agence européenne des médicaments) en Europe, introduisent de nouvelles directives qui imposent aux fabricants de fillers et aux médecins des exigences plus élevées en matière de qualité, de formation et de transparence.
The 2024 regulations focus on the quality of hyaluronic acid used in injectable products. Fillers must now meet strict criteria for composition, purity and safety. Products must be manufactured in facilities certified to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), with rigorous quality control throughout the production process.
In addition, they must undergo exhaustive safety testing, including clinical studies demonstrating their safety and efficacy. Practitioners must ensure that the products they use are approved by the relevant regulatory authorities, such as the FDA, Swissmedic or the EMA, and that they carry a CE (Conformité Européenne) mark for European Union countries.
In 2024, guidelines for doctors practising aesthetic medicine were tightened to improve the safety of hyaluronic acid injections. These new recommendations cover several aspects of practice, from initial training to injection techniques.
Patient safety starts with proper training for doctors. In 2024, it will be compulsory for doctors to undergo certified training in hyaluronic acid injection techniques. These courses include not only theoretical modules on facial anatomy and the properties of fillers, but also practical sessions supervised by experts.
Doctors must also comply with continuing education requirements, regularly attending refresher workshops and training courses on new injection techniques and technologies. This is important to ensure that doctors have the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out injections safely.
The new 2024 guidelines introduce standardised practices for hyaluronic acid injections. For example, the use of ultrasound imaging is becoming increasingly common to improve the accuracy of injections and avoid blood vessels to reduce the risk of vascular complications.
In addition, doctors must follow strict disinfection protocols before and after injections to prevent infection. The use of micro-cannulas rather than needles is also encouraged, as it minimises skin trauma and reduces the risk of bruising and bleeding. These standard practices are designed to optimise results while guaranteeing patient safety.
Even with optimal practices, complications can arise. The 2024 guidelines therefore stress the importance of doctors being prepared to manage potential complications. Every practice must have a detailed emergency plan and rapid access to the medicines needed to treat complications such as vascular embolism.
Practitioners must also be trained in the use of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid, in order to rapidly treat complications such as vascular occlusion or over-corrections. Communication with patients on the potential risks and management of complications is also an integral part of the new guidelines.
Technological advances are playing a crucial role in improving the safety of hyaluronic acid injections. In 2024, a number of technological innovations will enable doctors to carry out safer and more precise injections.
Ultrasound imaging is one of the most important technologies for injection safety. By enabling practitioners to see subcutaneous structures in real time, this technology helps to avoid blood vessels and inject hyaluronic acid in the right place, minimising the risk of serious complications. It also allows post-injection assessment to check that the product is being distributed correctly and to detect any irregularities.
Les dispositifs d’injection automatisée, tels que les stylos injecteurs, offrent une précision accrue et une distribution uniforme du produit. Ces appareils permettent de contrôler la quantité exacte d’acide hyaluronique injectée à chaque point, réduisant ainsi le risque de sur- ou sous-injection. Ils sont particulièrement utiles pour les traitements des zones délicates du visage, comme les lèvres ou le contour des yeux, où une précision millimétrique est essentielle.
Ces dispositifs sont intéressants pour des médecins pas tout à fait expérimentés.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data are also transforming the field of aesthetic medicine in 2024. AI software can analyse a patient's facial features and predict the results of a hyaluronic acid injection, helping practitioners plan personalised treatments and anticipate possible reactions. These tools can also monitor trends in complications, helping to continuously improve safety protocols.
Patients are becoming increasingly aware of the potential risks associated with hyaluronic acid injections and are looking for practitioners who adopt exemplary safety practices. They now expect full transparency about the products used, the practitioner's qualifications and the procedures in place to manage any complications.
The new guidelines also emphasise the importance of communication with the patient. Doctors must clearly explain the potential benefits and risks of hyaluronic acid injections and obtain informed consent before any procedure. They must also be available to answer patients' questions and concerns at every stage of the process.
Post-treatment follow-up is also crucial to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. Doctors need to provide careful follow-up after injections to detect any complications early and intervene if necessary. Post-treatment follow-up helps to build patient confidence and ensure optimal results.
In 2024, the safety of hyaluronic acid injections relies on a combination of rigorous regulations, advanced technologies and best practice on the part of doctors. The adoption of new standards and guidelines, the integration of innovative technologies such as ultrasound imaging and automated injection devices are important to minimise risks and maximise patient satisfaction.
For patients, choosing a practitioner who is qualified, well-trained, experienced and transparent about his or her practices is a guarantee of a safe and satisfactory procedure.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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