In aesthetics, there is no zero risk. This is why Galderma teach a maximum number of doctors how to inject their products, with the aim of making the procedure safer and keeping these risks to a minimum.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, injections carried out illegally, by non-professionals who have not undergone any specific training, can have dramatic and irreversible consequences.
“When there is no way of tracing the product injected, it is very difficult to manage any side effects. Not knowing the nature of the product makes it tricky to diagnose and, as a consequence, makes it hard for us to prescribe the right antidote to repair any damage,” explains Dr Kestemont, a surgeon of the face and neck.
Furthermore, we have recently seen a new phenomenon emerging, which is gaining ground on social media, of treatments carried out by people who are identified on social media as “fake injectors” (beauty therapists, hairdressers, manicurists and even medical secretaries). These low-cost injections, carried out without any safety protocol in place and by imposters with no medical training, can cause serious damage. These charlatans primarily strike on social media, targeting young patients who are often easier to dupe.
“Unfortunately, any injections performed outside the regulatory framework are very risky due to the quality of the products injected, as we do not know where they have come from, but also due to the way the procedure is carried out (equipment, disinfection, etc.), the injection technique and, ultimately, its effectiveness. The most serious danger is that there is no way of treating any complications, whose effects can be irreversible.” Dr Philippe Kestemont.
So, why talk about this now?
Because the speed at which this practice is spreading and the lack of information available to young people risks increasing the damage caused by these treatments, and exponentially.
“Only properly trained doctors are equipped to perform these injections and manage any complications,” says Stéphane Lafond-Berbon, marketing manager at Galderma.
This is why Galderma, the world’s leading independent dermatological laboratory, is launching an awareness campaign in France at the end of 2020 and will use Instagram as a soundbox to warn young people and explain the risks involved.
SLOWING DOWN THIS PHENOMENON
Galderma are committed to making things as safe as possible for their customers by offering high-quality products and continuous training for doctors, and by setting up an awareness campaign.
“The latest measure put in place is that of a national network for emergency care, available in under 90 minutes, that can roll out a highly responsive protocol. This network represents a national workgroup that includes the French Society of Dermatology and of Plastic, Maxillofacial and Neck Surgery.” Dr Philippe Kestemont.
