A woman in Singapore has suffered vision loss following a dermal filler treatment, marking a concerning medical incident in the country. This case, reportedly the first of its kind in Singapore, has raised questions about the safety and regulation of such procedures.
The incident, which occurred in July, has prompted investigations by both the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH). The woman underwent treatment with AestheFill, a dermal filler from South Korea, at a clinic in Redhill.
According to Parvus, the Singapore distributor of AestheFill, the complication arose due to a blood vessel occlusion during the procedure. This was caused by an inadvertent administration of the product into the bloodstream, leading to blockage.
While the MOH is currently conducting its inquiry, the HSA is investigating whether there were any batch-related defects that may have compromised product safety and quality.
Experts are stressing the importance of selecting qualified and well-trained medical practitioners for aesthetic treatments. They highlight the heightened risk of complications when injections are performed near sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, and glabella.
Vision loss in such cases occurs when the injected product enters a blood vessel, causing blockage and restricting blood flow to the retina.
Immediate action is crucial in cases of vision loss post-filler injections. This includes stopping the injection, placing the patient on their back, administering drugs, and massaging the area around the eyes within 60 to 90 minutes from the onset of symptoms.
Public reactions to the incident have been mixed. While some individuals continue their aesthetic treatments, they emphasize the need for selecting skilled and reputable practitioners.
This incident underscores the significance of caution, proper training, and awareness regarding the potential risks associated with aesthetic treatments. It also highlights the necessity for stringent safety measures and oversight in the industry.
Related Key Points from a Review Article by Beleznay K, et al. (2019):
- Vision loss following filler injections is a rare but severe complication.
- A recent scientific review found 48 new cases of vision loss between 2015 and 2018, indicating an increasing trend compared to previous years.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers were implicated in the majority (81.3%) of these cases.
- In these recent cases, the nose was identified as the highest-risk injection site (56.3% of cases), followed by the glabella (27.1%), forehead (18.8%), and nasolabial fold (14.6%).
- While the risk of blindness from fillers remains low, it’s crucial for practitioners to be aware of potential complications.
- Open communication, knowledge-sharing, and consensus-building within the medical community are essential to address this rare but serious complication.
- Immediate action, including stopping the injection and administering drugs, is crucial in cases of vision loss post-filler injections.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about a recent incident involving dermal filler treatment. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about medical procedures or treatments, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
HA: hyaluronic acid; HSA: Health Sciences Authority; MOH: Ministry of Health
Link to the news article: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/accidental-injection-of-filler-into-woman-s-bloodstream-led-to-blindness-says-distributor
Reference: Beleznay K, Carruthers JDA, Humphrey S, Carruthers A, Jones D. Update on Avoiding and Treating Blindness From Fillers: A Recent Review of the World Literature. Aesthet Surg J. 2019;39(6):662-674. doi:10.1093/asj/sjz053
Link to the review article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30805636/
Need to stock up on skincare products for your practice? Click Here!
Explore the extensive selection of products at POM Marketplace.
Login or Sign Up for an account today!
* Access to POM Marketplace is available to qualified healthcare professionals only.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only, and while we strive for accuracy, POMConnect assumes no liability for errors or omissions. The content should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns. POMConnect not endorse specific treatments or external websites linked from this site. POM Marketplace is accessible exclusively to qualified healthcare professionals. Any unauthorized access or use by individuals who do not meet this criteria is prohibited.
