Hyaluronic Acid Fillers, Needle Contamination by Fastidious Microorganisms, and Risk of Complications

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic Medicine
• Microbiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler use is increasing in aesthetic medicine, leading to more complications.
• Microbial contamination of needles poses a risk with HA filler use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To monitor microbial needle contamination in cross-linked HA gel fillers.
• To assess contamination risk in prefilled syringes stored for retouches after initial aesthetic procedures.

Main Methods:

• A needle contamination monitoring study was conducted from January to November 2019.
• 35 needles (30 and 27 G) from HA fillers were stored at 4°C for potential retouches.
• The study focused on patients aged 35-70 undergoing facial aesthetic treatments.

Main Results:

• No contamination was detected for monitored bacterial contaminants (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, anaerobes).
• Tests for yeasts and molds were also negative.
• No post-treatment infections were observed in patients receiving HA filler treatments.

Conclusions:

• Good storage conditions, including monitored refrigeration, prevent contamination of partially used HA fillers.
• This study supports the safety of HA fillers when proper storage protocols are followed.
• The findings indicate a low risk of microbial contamination with appropriate HA filler handling.