'Cosmetic Filler' Misuse Leads to Cases of Blindness and Bacterial Infection Side Effects

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 15th that consumers may experience side effects if they use cosmetic fillers for purposes other than those approved.

Cosmetic fillers are medical devices primarily composed of hyaluronic acid or polymers, injected subcutaneously into areas such as the face to temporarily improve wrinkles or enhance volume. They maintain their volume through physical restoration without pharmacological action.

Currently, the approved uses for cosmetic fillers include facial wrinkle improvement and volume restoration of the face and back of the hands. The approved purposes for each product can be checked on the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's medical device electronic civil service website.

The Ministry urged consumers to thoroughly consult with a doctor about the product's characteristics and potential side effects before use, as cases of side effects such as blindness and infections have occurred from using cosmetic fillers beyond their approved purposes.

Additionally, after the procedure, the treated area should not be massaged or touched strongly, makeup should be avoided within 12 hours, and strenuous or excessive exercise should be refrained from to ensure proper care.

Possible side effects include acute allergic reactions, bruising, and bacterial infections in the early stages, and infections, persistent discoloration, and uneven surfaces in later stages.

A Ministry official stated, "We will continue to provide safety information so that consumers can use medical devices safely and effectively."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.