New Scans Reveal Vascular Risks of Cosmetic Facial Fillers, Prompting Calls for tighter Regulation
LONDON - Detailed ultrasound scans are providing clinicians with unprecedented insight into the vascular risks associated with cosmetic facial fillers, revealing how blocked arteries can occur and highlighting the potential benefits of ultrasound-guided injections. The findings come as regulatory bodies in the UK move towards stricter controls on aesthetic procedures.
The scans, as demonstrated by Dr. rosa Maria Silveira Sigrist, M.D., and presented by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), show instances of absent blood flow in segments of arteries following filler injections - appearing as black areas on ultrasound imaging. Red and blue hues indicate blood flow towards and away from the ultrasound probe, respectively.
“If injectors are not guided by ultrasound, they treat based on where the clinical findings are and inject blindly,” Dr. Sigrist explained.”But if we can see the ultrasound finding, we can target the exact place where the occlusion occurs.” She advocates for the use of ultrasound to plan injection sites proactively and to guide treatment if complications arise, allowing for more precise, less invasive interventions using drugs like hyaluronidase to dissolve filler.
While the use of ultrasound is gaining traction, it is not yet standard practice. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) acknowledges the increasing adoption of the technology, noting its non-invasive nature, lack of ionizing radiation, and absence of known harmful effects.
“Mapping out the location of blood vessels undoubtedly provides valuable data ahead of treatment,” said Nora Nugent, president of BAAPS. She emphasized that risks associated with dermal fillers underscore the need for increased regulation of aesthetic procedures and restricting treatments to those with appropriate medical training.
Responding to these concerns, the UK government announced plans to introduce restrictions on cosmetic procedures. the proposed regulations woudl require only “suitably qualified” healthcare professionals to perform high-risk procedures, such as Brazilian butt lifts, and mandate that clinics administering fillers and Botox obtain licenses by meeting strict standards.
A public consultation on the scope of these restrictions is scheduled for early 2026, with parliament to determine the final legislation.
