How to check if a filler is fake

With the growing popularity of filler injections today, the presence of fake fillers in the market has also increased. To reduce risks and prevent potential harm, we want to help everyone understand more about fake fillers.

Even though today’s fillers can enhance beauty with just a single injection, it’s important not to be careless. Always research and fully understand the procedure you are planning to undergo to prevent future problems or dangers.

Out of concern for safety, Napassare Clinic wants to raise awareness about fake fillers, which are becoming more common in the market. We’ll explain what these fillers are, how dangerous they can be, and how to recognize them to avoid unknowingly using counterfeit products.

 

Where do fake fillers come from and what do they look like?

Fake fillers, also known as permanent fillers, are impure substances. They often contain synthetic materials such as liquid silicone, paraffin, or PMMA (Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres) that are not approved by the Thai FDA. Once injected, they cannot naturally break down in the body and may leave residues under the skin, causing irritation, inflammation, lumps, redness, or swelling.

In severe cases, the filler can deteriorate and deform the face. Removal requires surgical procedures, as dissolving injections cannot be used to eliminate these fake fillers.

 

Side effects of injecting fake fillers

Initially, when fake fillers are injected, there may be no visible symptoms. Your face may look smooth and natural, similar to results from genuine fillers. However, over time, the following signs may appear:

 - The filler starts to clump together, forming lumps

 - Facial swelling occurs, and the shape begins to droop or lose definition

 - The injected skin starts to deform

 - Redness, inflammation, or infection may develop

 - Tissue death (necrosis) or scar tissue (fibrosis) can occur

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned after a filler injection, it is strongly recommended to see a doctor at a reputable medical facility immediately for safe removal.

 

How to recognize genuine fillers

 - Contains Hyaluronic Acid: Genuine fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally produced by the body. They are safe and fully biodegradable, leaving no residue once their lifespan ends.

 - Clear labeling: Authentic fillers have Thai labels on the box, including the price and expiration date, along with accompanying documentation inside the packaging.

 - Approved by Thai FDA: Genuine fillers are officially certified by the Thai FDA.

 - Stable pricing: The price of real fillers is relatively consistent. If a filler is offered at an unusually low price, it may be counterfeit.

 - QR code verification: Some fillers come with a QR code that can be scanned to check product details.

 - Lot number verification: You can also call the supplier directly to verify the lot number.

 

Precautions before getting a filler injection

To avoid fake fillers, consider the following guidelines

 

Choose a reputable clinic or medical facility
 - The clinic should have a valid license displayed clearly (11-digit license number), licensed doctors on-site, transparent pricing for procedures, a clean and safe environment, and well-maintained equipment.

Check clinic reviews
 - Select a clinic with a trustworthy website showing clear procedure details, verified doctor names, and genuine case reviews both on the clinic’s site and from other sources.

Verify the doctor’s credentials
 - The injector should be a licensed physician with a medical license and a license to practice cosmetic procedures. Ideally, they should specialize in aesthetics, dermatology, or have knowledge in anatomy and medical sciences relevant to filler injections to ensure expertise and experience.

Never let unlicensed personnel inject fillers
 - You cannot guarantee their expertise or the authenticity of the filler. Always choose a licensed, experienced doctor who can be verified.

Check the filler every time:
 - Before injection, ensure the filler is genuine and FDA - approved. Verify the brand, model, lot number, and all other details as mentioned previously to confirm authenticity.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if I’ve injected fake filler?
A: Seek immediate medical attention at a reputable clinic or medical facility. A doctor will diagnose the situation and plan the appropriate treatment. In most cases, removal requires scraping or surgical extraction, as dissolving injections cannot be used on fake fillers.

Q: What’s the difference between smuggled fillers and fake fillers?
A: Smuggled fillers can be either fake or genuine, but they are illegally imported without proper registration or quality checks, and are often stored improperly, which can degrade the product and cause harm. Fake fillers, on the other hand, are impure substances that cannot naturally break down in the body, posing serious health risks when injected. Both types are dangerous and should be avoided.

 

source : Napassaree Clinic

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team