Health Canada is advising Canadians that needle-free dermal filler devices that are promoted for cosmetic skin treatments - such as reducing wrinkles and increasing lip volume - may pose health risks. These small handheld medical devices used to deposit hyaluronic acid or other dermal fillers under the skin are also known as hyaluron pens, hyapens, fog injection devices, SERA pens, and nebulizer injector guns.
Health Canda has not authorized any needle-free dermal filler devices for sale in Canada. This means that the devices have not been evaluated for safety, effectiveness or quality. It is illegal to advertise for sale, import for sale, or sell medical devices in Canada without appropriate licensing under the Medical Devices Regulations.
Health Canada is aware that needle-free dermal filler devices are being used in spas and are being sold directly to consumers online and through esthetician training courses.
Potential side effects include:
- Inflammatory skin reactions
- Hematomas (collection of blood outside a blood vessel)
- Abscesses (collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection)
- Staining of skin
If used improperly, these devices may have additional risks, including:
- Bacterial and fungal infection due to contamination during filling
- Spreading of transmissible diseases due to cross-contamination between users
- Damage to skin, eyes or blood vessels due to excessive pressure or operator error
What you should do
- Do not buy or use unauthorized needle-free dermal filler devices, or receive services at spas or from estheticians using these devices
- Consult your healthcare practitioner if you currently use or have used a needle-free dermal filler device and are concerned about your health.
- Check Health Canada’s Recalls and Safety Alerts database for advisories on illegal health products that have been found on the Canadian market
- Check whether medical devices have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada’s Medical Devices Active Licence Listing
- Report complaints involving medical devices, including the sale of unauthorized devices, to Health Canada
For more information, see Health Canada’s Alert: Needle-free Dermal Filler Devices Used for Cosmetic Skin Treatments are not Authorized in Canada and May Pose Health Risks