In Switzerland, the safety of hyaluronic acid injections rests on three essential elements : the use of products that comply with regulations, the qualifications of the professional performing the injections and appropriate medical follow-up.
Before treatment, the patient must be informed of the name of the product used, its indication and any potential risks. They must also know who to contact in the event of a complication.
Regulatory compliance and product traceability are essential, but they do not guarantee the absence of injection-related complications.
Are injectable hyaluronic acid products authorised by Swissmedic ?
Injectable hyaluronic acid products are subject to Swiss medical device regulations and undergo conformity assessment and certification.
Unlike medicines, they do not receive an individual marketing authorisation issued by Swissmedic.
Their marketing is based on a conformity assessment procedure and, where required, certification confirming compliance with regulatory requirements. Fillers used for exclusively aesthetic purposes are also covered by specific provisions.
For hyaluronic acid, compliance with Swiss requirements must be checked. An authorisation issued by the FDA in the United States is not sufficient to guarantee this compliance.
CE marking and CH-REP : what should be checked for hyaluronic acid in Switzerland ?
In Switzerland, injectable hyaluronic acid products must comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to medical devices. CE marking and the mandatory appointment of a Swiss authorised representative (CH-REP) are among the points to check.
CE marking confirms that the product has undergone the required conformity assessment procedure. However, it guarantees neither the doctor’s competence nor the results of injections.
The CH-REP designation refers to the Swiss representative of a manufacturer established abroad. It fulfils an obligation separate from CE marking and does not replace it.
The practice must check the exact gel reference, its manufacturer, conformity documentation and conditions of use. A simple CE logo on an advertisement or packaging is not sufficient to guarantee product authenticity. The Swiss requirements applicable to fillers used for aesthetic purposes also include transitional provisions that must be taken into account.
Which information makes it possible to identify the product injected ?
Traceability makes it possible to identify precisely the hyaluronic acid used during an injection. It is essential for medical follow-up, particularly in the event of a complication or batch recall.
Several details must be kept in the medical record :
- The exact name of the hyaluronic acid and its manufacturer. The same brand may market several products with different properties and indications.
- The batch number. It identifies the manufacturing batch of the injected product.
- The date, areas and quantities injected. This information makes it possible to retrieve treatment details and facilitates follow-up, including with another doctor.
Before injection, the doctor must also check the expiry date, packaging integrity and compliance with storage conditions.
In its surveillance report on dermal fillers published in 2026, Swissmedic emphasises the importance of product compliance and professionals’ qualifications.
How can the professional’s qualifications be checked in Geneva ?
In Geneva, hyaluronic acid injections must be performed by an authorised professional, in accordance with cantonal regulations. Before treatment, it is important to check the identity and qualifications of the person performing the injections, as well as the doctor responsible.
Training provided by a manufacturer does not replace the required medical qualifications. The rules published by the canton of Geneva specify the conditions under which doctors and trained nursing staff, under direct medical supervision, may perform these injections.
The authorised professions and conditions of practice are detailed on the page who can inject hyaluronic acid in Switzerland.
Which safety recommendations must practitioners follow for hyaluronic acid injections ?
The safety of hyaluronic acid injections rests on a prior medical assessment, a precise knowledge of anatomy, compliance with aseptic rules and the ability to manage complications.
The main best-practice recommendations are as follows :
- Assess risks before injection. Review medical history, allergies, current treatments and previous injections. Identify any contraindications.
- Choose the product and technique according to anatomy. Choose the type of hyaluronic acid, injection depth and quantities according to anatomy and the correction sought. .
- Follow aseptic rules. Disinfect the skin, use sterile equipment and prevent any contamination of the product during injections.
- Know how to recognise and treat complications. Identify warning signs quickly, stop the injection if necessary and have the resources needed for immediate care or urgent referral.
These measures are included, in particular, in the clinical recommendations for preventing filler complications. They require in-depth training in anatomy, injection techniques and complication management.
Which information should be received before consenting to injections ?
Before any hyaluronic acid injection, the patient must receive clear information about the proposed treatment, expected results, risks and possible alternatives. These explanations are essential for giving free and informed consent.
The consultation must cover, in particular :
- Expected results. The doctor explains the possible improvements and the limitations of treatment.
- Risks and contraindications. Potential complications are presented with consideration of medical history, allergies, current treatments and previous injections.
- Alternatives to treatment. Depending on the indication, another technique or no intervention may be preferable.
- After-effects and medical follow-up. The patient must know the usual reactions after injections, warning signs and how to contact the doctor if a problem occurs.
The patient must be able to ask all their questions and have enough time to make their decision. Signing a consent form never replaces the explanations given by the doctor.
Which technologies can improve the safety of hyaluronic acid injections ?
Certain technologies can improve the precision of hyaluronic acid injections and facilitate complication management. They complement the doctor’s skills, but replace neither their knowledge of anatomy nor their experience.
Ultrasound to identify blood vessels and injected products
Ultrasound can help identify blood vessels, locate a previously injected product or examine a complication. These applications are described in a clinical publication on ultrasound imaging of dermal fillers. Its usefulness depends on the quality of the equipment and the doctor’s training.
Motorised devices to control gel administration
Certain motorised devices make it possible to control the flow rate and quantity of hyaluronic acid delivered during injection. They therefore provide better control over certain technical parameters, without guaranteeing a reduction in complications.
These devices do not replace product selection, knowledge of anatomy or mastery of the medical procedure.
They must be distinguished from needle-free injection pens, which propel the product under pressure. The FDA warns against needle-free devices intended to inject dermal fillers because of the risk of serious injury. This American warning does not define Swiss law, but prevents these devices from being presented as inherently safe solutions.
Artificial intelligence and its limitations in injection planning
Artificial intelligence may be used to analyse facial proportions, simulate certain corrections and facilitate discussion of the desired result.
However, it cannot precisely locate blood vessels from a simple photograph, nor determine with certainty the presence of previously injected products or the future response of tissues.
Simulations therefore do not guarantee injection results. A study evaluating chatbots for facial injection planning highlights the limitations of these tools, particularly regarding safety.
Artificial intelligence remains an aid to analysis and communication with the patient. It replaces neither the medical examination nor the practitioner’s decisions.
How should follow-up be organised after injections ?
After a hyaluronic acid injection, the patient must receive precise instructions about precautions to take, usual reactions and signs of complications. They must also have the practice’s contact details so they can contact a doctor quickly if a problem occurs.
Unusual pain, whitening of the skin, mottled discolouration or a visual disturbance may indicate a vascular complication and require immediate medical care, without waiting for the follow-up appointment.
Possible complications and their warning signs are detailed in the article on the risks of hyaluronic acid injections.
