PHI-Y-I: The Inside Scoop on Hyaluron Pen's

The latest PHI-Y-I is not really an industry “buzz”, but it sure has us all talking at the office. Recently we have been hearing more and more about the Hyaluron Pen from our patients, so we decided to investigate further. The Hyaluron Pen boasts that it can enhance your lips, cheeks & complexion all without the use of a needle. Usually, when something sounds too good to be true…… it is!

The first place we found the pen here in Calgary was at Walmart ………. and it was on sale (not a good sign guys).

What is the Hyaluron Pen?
The Hyaluron Pen has actually been around for a few decades, but with a very different use: inserting insulin in the skin for diabetics. Now, this device is being used aesthetically to shoot hyaluronic acid into the lips, neck and face without the need for a needle. The Hyaluron Pen is based on a system of intense pressure, where the hyaluronic acid is pressed at high speed through a small orifice in the nozzle, creating a stream of hyaluronic acid that penetrates the skin.

Yes, it uses HA like our fillers, but where is this HA purchased from? Is the substance they are using Health Canada approved? Yes the HA penetrates the superficial layer of the skin, but the procedure is just plain uncomfortable to watch and crosses so many safety protocols. When we inject dermal fillers, we can go much deeper into the skin and offer a more precise, curated treatment. With the Hyaluron Pen, HA is just blasted into the skin and there is no way to control where it goes or how much HA enters. Also, expect your Pen treatment to last only 2 months if you are lucky.

Plain and simple, any time you are injecting your body with anything it needs to be Health Canada approved. The clinic you have chosen should have safety protocals in place in case of an emergency and know how to deal with risks, such as vascular occlusion. Did you know that you need a medical prescription to carry Hyaluronidase (the substance treats a vascular occlusion)? That is not possible by most of the people offering this treatment, as they are not medical professionals. Most of these services are offered in environments without proper sterilization, we have even seen Instagram videos of this being done in someone’s backyard. Yikes!!

Health Canada Approved?
Please know that Health Canada 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. These policies exist to avoid health risks to the public and to prevent bad things from happening. Despite what you read these treatments are not risk-free and can come with serious complications.

Health Risks of the Hyaluron Pen
As stated from Health Canada, “Undergoing one of these treatments poses serious health risks such as

· 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”

Do you research and remember your health and face are worth so much more than a deal found online.