New trends are constantly emerging in the beauty industry. In regards to dermal filler procedures, the newest offerings are “needleless filler pens” which promise plumper, fuller lips without the use of traditional needles. You can think of them as “filler bullets” – meaning these products use high-pressure air delivery systems to push hyaluronic acid into the skin.
So are these needleless lip fillers safe to use? No, they aren’t a safe cosmetic treatment due to numerous reasons. They aren’t FDA-approved and can pose a higher risk of complications, such as infection, irregularities, and vascular occlusion. It’s advisable that you prioritize your safety and opt for traditional, medical-grade dermal fillers administered by medical professionals.
Why You Should Avoid Needleless Lip Fillers
A needleless filler, also known as a hyaluron pen (HA pen), uses high-pressure air to deliver the filler material beneath the skin. It’s advertised as a painless, natural, and effective solution for various cosmetic concerns such as crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, and frown lines, among others.
Clinics that promote hyaluron pen treatments also promise a fraction of the cost that you would typically pay for an actual filler injection procedure. They are often money-led and do not prioritize their clients’ safety. They aren’t medically licensed and do not respond to a regulatory body. No one also knows for sure if these products are 100% made of pure hyaluronic acid.
At first glance, the prospect of avoiding a needle injection may seem appealing; however, the science and safety of these needleless lip filler devices are far from proven. For one, the intense pressure and high-velocity infusion caused by the hyaluron pen can seriously damage the treatment area. This increases the risk of major side effects, such as skin infection, scarring, necrosis, tissue damage, and even the breakdown of the lips.
Also, keep in mind that this hyaluronic acid filler pen only permeates the superficial layers of the skin. In other words, the majority of the filler product doesn’t even pass through. While the skin may look instantly hydrated, the results are short-lived. The provider also doesn’t have enough control over the depth and distribution of the filler, which can then result in uneven distribution and asymmetrical lips.
Risks of a Hyaluronic Needleless Lip Filler
No needle doesn’t mean that there’s no problem. While there’s a wide variety of hyaluron pens on the market, they all operate by the same mechanical means and pose the same major risks to your health and appearance. These include:
- Infection: The lack of a sterile needle increases the risk of introducing bacteria into the treatment area. Skin infections should be treated seriously and promptly.
- Allergic reactions: There are nuanced differences between hyaluronic acid intended for topical use and hyaluronic acid made for a facial filler procedure. Introducing the former into the skin can cause foreign body reactions that are difficult to treat.
- Asymmetrical outcomes: With less control over the amount of filler administered, there’s a risk of overfilling the lips, resulting in lumps, bumps, and an unnatural appearance. This may then require additional corrective procedures.
- Blood vessel blockage: When filler material infiltrates the blood vessels, it can lead to blockages known as “embolisms.” This can result in severe complications (e.g., tissue necrosis, vision loss, stroke) depending on the affected blood vessels.
- Vascular occlusion: Needle-free devices can inadvertently place filler into blood vessels, leading to vascular occlusion, the most feared filler complication. This usually causes severe pain and tissue damage.
If you’re looking for a lip filler treatment, we recommend that you seek healthcare providers that use medical-grade, FDA-approved fillers. These fillers have been proven to be safe and effective when injected into the lips and other areas of the face. While traditional lip fillers may cost more than needleless HA pens, we guarantee that it would be well worth the investment.
Needleless Lip Fillers vs. Traditional Fillers
Traditional lip injection is an FDA-approved cosmetic treatment used to enhance and volumize the lips. The hyaluron pen, on the other hand, is advertised as an alternative, considering that it’s a needleless device that also uses hyaluronic acid. Keep in mind, however, that there are crucial differences between these 2 procedures:
| Factors | Needleless Lip Fillers | FDA-Approved Facial Fillers |
| Administration | High-pressure air delivery system | Sterile needles, controlled by trained professionals |
| Risk of infection | Higher due to unregulated devices and lack of professional control | Lower with proper injection technique |
| Control over filler | Limited control over depth and distribution | High precision |
| Aesthetic results | Greater chance of irregularities | More consistent, natural results |
| Price | $100 to $400 per treatment, but with more potential risks | $500 to $2,000 per HA filler treatment, but safer and more reliable |
| Side effects | More likely, including asymmetry, tissue damage, and vascular complications | Less likely, with potential for mild swelling, redness, and bruising that subside within a few days |
| Longevity of results | Typically a few weeks to a few months, unpredictable | Generally 6 months to over a year, more predictable |
Get Plumper Lips With High-Quality, FDA-Approved Lip Fillers at Ethos Spa
When considering lip augmentation treatments, it’s crucial that you prioritize your safety and well-being. While needless lip fillers may seem like a more affordable and less invasive option, the potential risks far outweigh their initial appeal.
At Ethos Spa, we’re committed to providing the highest quality lip filler treatments using only medical-grade, FDA-approved products. We understand that the facial filler process may be intimidating, so we take every measure needed to ensure that your experience is as enjoyable as possible. We will never compromise your safety. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
