A 25-year-old man seeking increased prominence of the cheeks self-injected a topical skin preparation containing hyaluronic acid into his malar soft tissues. Labeling and marketing of the product, which highlighted the hyaluronic acid as one of the ingredients, might have contributed to his misunderstanding of the intended use for the product. Additionally, a popular medical-based talk show and numerous videos online contributed to the errant belief that self-administration was a viable option. Complications from the injection of nonpharmaceutical substances of this type and implications for treatment in clinical practice are discussed.
Keywords: Dermal fillers; complications; cosmetics; hyaluronic acid; hyaluronidase; nonmedical; self-injection; soft tissue augmentation; sunscreens; unlicensed.