How to check if filler is authentic? Here are some key signs to look for.

When it comes to filler injections, many people may wonder how to check for authenticity. Currently, the market is flooded with counterfeit and smuggled fillers, often found in unlicensed and substandard clinics. Choosing the wrong filler without knowing the risks can lead to dangerous complications. Therefore, this article will help you understand what authentic fillers are, how to identify them, and how to verify the authenticity of each brand. This will ensure that the filler you receive is of high standard, approved by the FDA, and does not pose a long-term risk.

 

What is authentic filler?

Authentic fillers are Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers that are legally registered and approved by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This ensures that they are not foreign substances that are harmful to the body. HA is a synthetic substance designed to mimic those already present in the body, particularly in the skin. Its key properties include retaining moisture, adding volume to the skin, and filling in wrinkles and deep lines. It is naturally biodegradable within 6-18 months, depending on the brand of filler and post-injection care. Importantly, if any problems or errors occur after injection, Hyaluronidase enzyme can be used to correct the results without causing dangerous long-term complications.

 

 

What are some ways to identify genuine fillers?

Before making a decision.Filler injectionIt's important to know how to identify and verify genuine fillers to prevent the risk of injecting counterfeit or substandard fillers. Here's how to identify genuine fillers:

• The clinic provides services that meet standards.

Clinics that provide genuine filler injections must meet standards and have...The 11-digit medical facility license number is clearly displayed, demonstrating that the clinic has been properly authorized by the Ministry of Public Health in accordance with the law.

• The doctor administering the injection is knowledgeable.

Doctors who administer genuine filler injections must have knowledge and understanding of facial anatomy and possess a valid medical license.Legally You can check the list of doctors on the Medical Council website.

• The filler box is in perfect condition.

Authentic filler boxes must be in perfect condition, securely sealed, unopened, and free from tears or damage. The brand name, model name, and other details must be clearly indicated.

• It comes with documentation and a Thai FDA registration number. 

All genuine filler brands must have a Thai FDA registration number and accompanying Thai-language documentation clearly detailing the filler's specifications.

• It has a production lot number.

All genuine filler brands must have a clearly indicated Lot Number, or production number, which can be verified. Generally, the Lot Number can be found in several locations, and all locations must have the same number, such as on the filler box, filler syringe, sticker, or filler sachet, depending on the brand of filler used.

• There is a sticker or QR code that can be verified.

Some brands of genuine fillers may have a sticker or QR code that can be scanned to verify that the filler used is authentic, certified, and legally imported.Fake fillers Or imported fillers.

• The doctor opened the filler box in front of me.

For all brands of genuine fillers, the doctor should open the filler box in front of you to confirm that the filler being used is new and has never been opened before. This also prevents substitution with counterfeit or substandard fillers.

• The price is reasonable.

Authentic fillers of all brands should have a reasonable price; they shouldn't be too cheap or significantly lower than the market price. This is because genuine fillers have higher quality standards in their manufacturing, import, and storage processes, resulting in higher costs than counterfeit or smuggled fillers.

 

 

How can you tell if a filler from any brand is authentic?

There are several ways to verify the authenticity of each brand of filler, with slightly different methods for verification as follows:

Juvederm is a filler brand from the United States.

• The filler box is tightly sealed and has the brand name and model clearly and accurately indicated.
• It has a Thai FDA registration number and Thai-language instructions for the filler, providing complete details.
• There are four matching production lot numbers: on the filler box, filler sachet, sticker, and filler tube.
• You can call Allergan Thailand to check or inquire about clinics offering the service.

 

Restylane is a filler brand from Sweden.

• The filler box is tightly sealed and has the brand name and model clearly and accurately indicated.
• It has a Thai FDA registration number and Thai-language instructions for the filler, providing complete details.
• There is a monogram sticker with the word “VOID” on the filler box.
• A QR code can be scanned via the eZTracker: Safety in Each Scan application to verify the filler's information. If the filler is genuine, a green screen will appear displaying clear details about the filler.
• There are three matching production lot numbers: on the filler box, the filler tube, and the sticker.
• You can call Galderma Thailand to check or inquire about clinics offering the service.

 

Belotero is a filler brand from [country name missing].Switzerland

• The filler box is tightly sealed and has the brand name and model clearly and accurately indicated.
• It has a Thai FDA registration number and Thai-language instructions for the filler, providing complete details.
• There are three matching production lot numbers: on the filler box, the filler tube, and the sticker.
• The color band on the filler tube must match the color of the filler box.
• You can call the company to check or inquire about clinics that provide services. Merz Healthcare (Thailand)

 

Neauvia is a filler brand from Italy.

• The filler box is tightly sealed and has the brand name and model clearly and accurately indicated.
• It has a Thai FDA registration number and Thai-language instructions for the filler, providing complete details.
• A QR code is available for scanning to verify filler information. If it's a genuine filler, the system will display an image and clearly show the filler's details.
• There are three matching production lot numbers: on the filler box, the filler tube, and the sticker.
• You can call Ampex Aesthetics to check or inquire about clinics that provide services.

 

Brand Definisse Fillers from Italy.

• The filler box is tightly sealed and has the brand name and model clearly and accurately indicated.
• It has a Thai FDA registration number and Thai-language instructions for the filler, providing complete details.
• There is a label sticker attached. The sticker can be peeled off and attached to the OPD card.
• There are three matching production lot numbers: on the back of the filler box, on the side of the filler box, and on the filler spool.
• You can call or inquire about clinics that provide services from A. Menarini Thailand. 

 

What are the differences between genuine and fake fillers?

Genuine and counterfeit fillers differ significantly in quality, ingredients, manufacturing process, transportation, and even storage. The differences between genuine and counterfeit fillers are as follows:

• Authentic filler

Authentic fillers are those that are certified and properly registered with the Thai FDA. They undergo strict quality control and manufacturing processes at every stage, including transportation and storage at standard temperatures to maintain their quality and effectiveness. Authentic fillers primarily use Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a synthetic substance that mimics HA found in the human body. Therefore, they are well-compatible and naturally biodegradable. Furthermore, if any problems arise after injection, the doctor can dissolve the filler using the enzyme Hyaluronidase without the risk of dangerous complications.

• Fake fillers

Counterfeit fillers are those that have not been registered with the Thai FDA and are not certified by any other agency. They are often manufactured in substandard factories with poor quality control and hygiene, leading to contamination with pathogens, foreign substances, and various chemicals. Furthermore, transportation and storage are not properly controlled or maintained at the correct temperature, causing the product to deteriorate and increasing the risk of contamination during transit. Counterfeit fillers typically use liquid silicone or paraffin as their main components; these are impure substances that do not break down naturally, leading to residue in the skin and easy rejection by the body. Additionally, if problems arise after injection, the only solution is surgery or removal of the filler, which carries a high risk of dangerous complications. 

 

What are the differences between genuine fillers and smuggled fillers?

Authentic fillers and smuggled fillers differ significantly in quality, transportation, and storage. The differences between authentic and smuggled fillers are as follows:

• Authentic filler

Authentic fillers are those that are properly registered with the Thai FDA. They undergo strict quality control and manufacturing processes at every stage, including transportation and storage at appropriate temperatures to maintain their quality and effectiveness. Authentic fillers primarily use Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which is highly compatible with the body and naturally biodegradable. Furthermore, if any complications occur after injection, the doctor can dissolve the filler using the enzyme Hyaluronidase, without any long-term risk.

• Imported fillers

Smuggled fillers may be either genuine or counterfeit fillers that have not been approved by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These are often illegally imported without authorized distributors, making quality control impossible during transport. Furthermore, they may be stored at substandard temperatures, leading to degradation and contamination, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation after injection. Smuggled fillers are also typically cheaper than genuine fillers because they bypass proper tax payments. Additionally, if problems arise after injection, the only option is to surgically remove or scrape the filler, which carries a high risk of complications. 

 

 

Dangers of injecting fake and smuggled fillers.

Injecting counterfeit or smuggled fillers carries a high risk of danger and numerous complications. Common symptoms include:

• Risk of infection.

Injecting counterfeit or smuggled fillers carries a risk of infection because the substances used are often substandard, lack proper quality control and manufacturing processes, leading to contamination with bacteria, pathogens, and foreign substances. This can result in swelling, redness, pain, fever, or pus-filled blisters, and in severe cases, even bloodstream infections.

• Risk of allergic reaction to fillers.

Injecting counterfeit or smuggled fillers carries a risk of allergic reactions because the substances used are impure foreign materials that the body rejects, triggering an adverse reaction. This can result in severe itching, swelling, redness, rashes, and difficulty breathing.

• Risk of inflammation.

Injecting counterfeit or smuggled fillers may carry a risk of inflammation because the substances used are foreign and substandard, causing the body to produce an antibody reaction that triggers severe inflammation. This results in abnormal pain, burning, tenderness, and swelling. 

• Risk of leakage.

Injecting counterfeit or smuggled fillers carries a risk of migration because the substances used are of poor quality, unstable, and have abnormal viscosity. This can cause the filler to shift to unwanted areas, resulting in facial distortion, deformity, and an unnatural appearance.

• Risk of developing hard lumps.

Injecting counterfeit or smuggled fillers carries a risk of forming hard lumps because the substances used are not up to standard and are unstable. This can cause the filler to migrate and clump together, forming hard lumps that are clearly visible when facial expressions are made.

• Risk of blood clots.

Injecting counterfeit or smuggled fillers carries a risk of blood clots because the substances used have uneven particle sizes, are unstable, and have abnormal viscosity. This makes them more prone to blockages than genuine fillers, leading to tissue necrosis, skin discoloration, and in severe cases, blindness.

 

 

Why should you choose genuine filler injections?

• Authentic filler injections use synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) that mimics the body's natural composition, allowing the body to accept it and reducing the chance of an immune rejection.
• Authentic filler injections are biodegradable and break down naturally within approximately 6-18 months, depending on the brand used.
• Authentic filler injections are approved and legally registered with the Thai FDA. 
• Injecting genuine fillers can produce changes that look natural and blend seamlessly with the skin.
• Injecting genuine fillers can reduce the risk of complications such as infection, inflammation, or blood clots.
• Authentic filler injections are easy to treat in case of post-injection problems, as the enzyme Hyaluronidase is used to break down the filler.

 

What are some things you should know before getting genuine filler injections?

• Before getting injections, you should research information about authentic fillers, such as how to check for authenticity, filler brands and models, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of filler injections.
• It is advisable to have a thorough consultation with a doctor to assess your skin condition and discuss your needs for filler injections.
• You should inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions or health history before receiving the injection, including any allergies and medications you are currently taking.
• Avoid taking medications that increase bleeding risk, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages and refrain from smoking.
• Avoid laser treatments, procedures, or treatments that irritate the skin.
• Avoid hair removal and exfoliation in the area where filler will be injected.
• Avoid activities or strenuous exercise that increase blood circulation.
• Avoid heavy makeup on the day of filler injection to reduce the risk of infection.

 

 

The procedure for injecting genuine fillers.

• The doctor will assess and analyze the face to design a treatment plan before injecting genuine fillers.
• The doctor will recommend the appropriate brand and model of filler for the injection area.
• The medical assistant will prepare the skin and clean the face before the injection to prevent infection.
• The medical assistant will apply a topical anesthetic or inject a local anesthetic to reduce pain from the injection.
• The doctor will open the filler box in front of you to confirm that the filler being injected is authentic, and will explain how to properly verify the filler's information.
• The doctor will begin injecting genuine filler into the appropriate layer of skin. This procedure takes approximately 15–30 minutes per area.
• The doctor will advise you on post-injection self-care methods to help the filler settle into the skin quickly and reduce the risk of dangerous side effects.

 

Troubleshooting after receiving genuine filler injections.

When problems arise after receiving genuine filler injections, such as abnormal swelling, filler lumps, uneven skin, or dissatisfaction with the results, the doctor will use the enzyme Hyaluronidase to break down the Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler. This enzyme reacts with the molecular structure of the filler, breaking it down into smaller particles rapidly. As a result, the filler that was accumulated under the skin is absorbed and eliminated from the body through natural mechanisms, without leaving any residue in the skin layers. However, before undergoing filler dissolution, it is advisable to consult a doctor with knowledge and understanding of facial anatomy so that the doctor can assess and determine the most appropriate solution.

 

Authentic fillers are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers that are legally imported and approved by the Thai FDA. This differs from counterfeit and smuggled fillers, which use low-quality substances and are illegally imported, carrying a high risk of dangerous long-term complications. Therefore, before receiving filler injections, verify that the filler is authentic. This can be done by checking the intact packaging, the Thai FDA registration number, and the clear Thai-language instructions. The batch number should also match and be verifiable with the distributor. Furthermore, choose a reputable clinic with knowledgeable doctors who can use correct and appropriate injection techniques to minimize side effects and achieve effective results.

 

*Results may vary depending on individual skin conditions. Consult a doctor before undergoing this procedure.

*Terms and conditions apply as specified by the company.