Counterfeit medical devices for wrinkle injection treatment – a new survey

 

 

Counterfeit medical devices for wrinkle injection treatment have always been a challenge in the field of aesthetic medicine. Although the number of counterfeit products identified in the so-called legal production and supply chain is assumed to be low overall, a new study from the USA shows that it is probably higher than thought.

In the new study by Wang et al. (October 2020), an online survey was conducted among members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).

 

The result?

 

Approximately 41% of respondents stated that they had at some point encountered counterfeit injectable medical devices. Almost 40% even stated that they had observed adverse effects in connection with such products.

 

 

 

Our conclusion:   It should be noted that the use of counterfeit products can have serious health consequences. This applies in particular to counterfeits that contain too little or no active substance or harmful impurities. A fundamental distinction must be made as to whether counterfeit products reach the healthcare professional and the patient via the legal supply chain or are obtained from illegal sources, such as unauthorised internet retailers. Not only can the misuse of hyaluronic acid preparations in the aesthetic field lead to visible disfigurement, it can also lead to serious health problems ranging from acute infections to vascular embolism and blindness.

 

 

Our tip:   Pay attention to quality rather than price and preferably obtain products directly from the respective manufacturer or authorised distributors

 

 

Source: Wang et al. Dermatol Surg . 2020 Oct;46(10):1323-1326. Doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002307