Post-injection syringe bacterial contamination of hyaluronic acid fillers.

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid (HA) gel fillers are the most commonly used filler materials for dermal purposes to augment soft tissue due to their superior properties and advantages over other alternative filling materials. One of the key drawbacks associated with the use of fillers is contamination and possible subsequent infection. A prospective cross-sectional study conducted in Renew Cosmetic Clinics and King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Medicine, female section from November 2019 to March 2020. A total of 50 samples with different concentrations (from five different brands) of hyaluronic acid gel fillers were collected. Samples were taken at four different time points: before injection, immediately after injection, 1month after injection, and 3months after injection. The 50 samples were injected into nine different sites and collected from 27 females, aged between 18-55years. No bacteria were detected in the culture media from any samples from the aerobic and anaerobic culture plates. Our study did not find any evidence of contamination associated with the reuse of HA gel fillers regardless of the concentration and the injection site. Applying appropriate sterilization procedure for HA gel fillers extends its usability. There was no correlation between the length of storage time and the risk of contamination.