Dangers of DIY aesthetic injectable kits

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) advises consumers against the use of DIY aesthetic injectable kits. These unregistered products are usually marketed and sold on e-commerce and social media platforms for aesthetic purposes such as face lifts or smoothening.

Injectable products for aesthetic purposes such as dermal fillers and botulinum toxin injections must be evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy and registered by HSA before they can be supplied in Singapore. In addition, only qualified medical practitioners should administer these injectable products for optimal results and patient safety. If you are considering an aesthetic procedure, you are strongly advised to consult a qualified medical practitioner.

Why using DIY aesthetic injectable kits are dangerous and should be avoided:

• They may not be manufactured under proper conditions or may contain unknown, unverified and potentially harmful ingredients, carrying the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals and infectious organisms when injected into the face or body.

• Only qualified medical practitioners should administer such injectable products as there is a high risk of serious adverse complications with inappropriate or incorrect administration of the injections. 

• Serious adverse complications associated with the use of DIY aesthetic injectable kits can include anaphylactic shock (life-threatening allergic reaction), severe infections, blockage of blood vessels leading to tissue death (necrosis), blindness and stroke. These complications may require immediate medical attention or even urgent referral to a hospital and may be irreversible.

• Inappropriate technique in administration can also cause scarring, unnatural or asymmetrical appearance which may require costly corrective measures.

• Some of these products carry unsubstantiated claims such as being “painless” and “no need to apply numbing cream”.

While DIY treatments may be touted as being convenient and less costly, there is a high risk of serious adverse complications that may result in permanent and irreversible damage to health. These complications may require costly treatments to manage.

If you are considering an aesthetic procedure, you are strongly advised to consult a qualified medical practitioner who can advise you on the most appropriate treatment suited for your skin condition or issue. A trained medical practitioner can also recognise and manage any complications that can arise from the use of aesthetic injectable products.

HSA conducts regular surveillance of local websites and e-commerce platforms to promptly take down product listings of injectable products for aesthetic purposes such as dermal fillers and botulinum toxin injections. Anyone caught selling these products without an appropriate licence can be fined up to $50,000 and/or jailed for up to 2 years under the Health Products Act. Members of the public who have any information on the illegal sale of medicines and medical devices may contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866-3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.