With the rise of nonsurgical, minimally invasive dermal filler treatment as one of the most in demand cosmetic procedures in the medical aesthetics industry, fake dermal fillers are increasingly becoming more and more common as well.
Acting fast against these knockoffs, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on purchasing dermal fillers online because they can be counterfeit or unapproved products, urging both healthcare providers and patients to carefully inspect them first.
Whether you’ve purposely looked up “are fake dermal fillers safe?” or stumbled upon this article at the right moment, you should know that counterfeit dermal fillers are definitely not safe for cosmetic use.
Be wary of fake fillers which can be compromised through dilution or contamination, leading to serious health complications if injected. As a patient, being more conscious and cautiousabout your facial filler choices can ensure an entirely safer treatment.
Counterfeit products in medical aesthetics are potential health hazards across multiple states, which is why being able to spot or recognize these knockoffs should always be emphasized to—and for—patients.
In general, products like counterfeit dermal fillers and fake Botox (botulinum toxin type A) are dangerous because they compromise your overall well-being through:
Moreover, receiving injections from counterfeit products are unsafe for the following reasons:
Authentic or genuine products, as opposed to sketchy, counterfeit ones, are FDA-approved and medical-grade. When you happen to encounter suspected counterfeit Botox products and dermal fillers, report them or seek medical attention immediately.
Now, let’s review how to more effectively recognize or spot the evident red flags of counterfeit dermal fillers as a vigilant and inquisitive patient or consumer.
As a patient, you should seek treatment only from verified aesthetic providers and licensed healthcare professionals from reputable clinics, such as the following:
As a consumer, you cannot legally purchase dermal fillers directly from distributors. Keep in mind that you can only get authentic products from physician-supervised clinics like med spas with licensed healthcare providers who are legally allowed to administer filler injections.
This makes it easier to recognize a counterfeit product since authentic dermal fillers are never sold through the following channels:
Being able to examine the actual product makes all the difference for keen-eyed, well-informed consumers. When verifying the authenticity of the dermal fillers, remember to assess the following:
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. One surefire way of easily recognizing counterfeit filler is to keep in mind that fake products often have significantly lower prices, making it more obvious that they’re knockoffs.
While cheaper prices can be tempting, it’s important to be wary of such scams and remember that counterfeit products can lead to health-related adverse events. In the end, you would much rather pay for reasonably cost-effective prices than pay with your health.
Research and review the market rate of dermal fillers, information that is readily available online. The average cost of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers in the United States is $700, with prices ranging from $500–$1,500 per syringe. If it falls way below this range with promised (bordering on unrealistic) benefits, then you’re most likely dealing with a counterfeit product.
Since most med spas and wellness clinics offer consultations, take advantage of this and review product information about dermal fillers with your provider. This can also help you narrow down your options—as unlicensed individuals posing as verified providers would most likely skip the consultation process altogether to avoid getting found out.
A licensed health care provider who has nothing to hide would be more than welcome to address your concerns and reservations regarding your filler treatment.
On the contrary, suspicious practitioners may seem dodgy, withhold information, and even purposely skip out on getting your informed consent. This type of behavior should instantly set off the alarm bells in your head.
Potential risks and harmful reactions associated with counterfeit dermal fillers can be dangerous and unpredictable; these include:
More serious side effects should be acted upon immediately to minimize potential harm or long-term damage. Seek a medical professional or go to the emergency room completely.
Authentic dermal fillers are gel-like substances that replenish lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and help patients achieve a more youthful appearance without plastic surgery, enhancing your overall facial anatomy safely and effectively.
The most popular, medical-grade dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient—with FDA approval for cosmetic use and a high safety profile.
On the contrary, counterfeit dermal fillers are none of these things. To help you better see their differences, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Authentic | Counterfeit | |
| Manufacturer | Allergan Aesthetics (AbbVie Inc.), Merz Pharma, etc. (all listed in the FDA Verification Portal) | Unverified, unknown, or unlisted source |
| Formulation | Hyaluronic acid (HA), CaHA, PLLA, PMMA | Adulterated (impure, diluted, or altered) |
| Packaging | Branded, sealed, and tamper-evident with batch number, expiration date, and holographic sticker | Generic label, low-quality print, spelling errors, missing info |
| Provider License | Licensed, credible medical professional | Unlicensed or with vague, questionable credentials |
| Treatment Location | Clinic setting with a supervising physician’s oversight | Unlicensed settings (services done in a home, hotel, or salon) |
| Storage | Stored at room temperature in a cool, dark, and dry place | Stored poorly in compromising conditions |
| Handling | Expertly administered with proper pretreatment skin sterilization | Poorly handled and administered without proper sterile practice |
While doing extensive research by verifying sources and checking the product or price can personally help you better identify authentic dermal fillers, you can also do your part in creating a safer industry for everyone. If possible, contact local health authorities for suspicious practitioners and report suspected counterfeit products.
The medical aesthetics industry may be thriving, but this doesn’t mean that counterfeit cosmetics should, too. As a patient, being able to recognize fake fillers (and other counterfeit products) can help you make more informed decisions that prioritize your health and safety.
Here at InjectCo, our premium aesthetic services include dermal filler treatment that is safe, effective, and FDA-approved, expertly administered by master nurse injectors and physician assistants.
Ready to restore facial volume the authentic way? Book a free consultation today.
No, fake dermal fillers are not safe. Getting filler treatment from anyone other than a reputable provider may result in potential health complications and adverse reactions.
The dangers of counterfeit fillers include severe swelling or bruising, extreme allergic reactions, and prolonged facial asymmetry or distortion.
Fortunately, these serious health hazards are avoidable with authentic, FDA-approved fillers.
No, you shouldn’t buy dermal fillers online. These products can be counterfeit, ineffective, diluted, and harmful. Only get facial filler treatments from legitimate, verified channels like InjectCo’s med spa with master nurse injectors and physician assistants.
Here’s how you can recognize fake dermal fillers:
