Review Article
Patient Safety in Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics: A Systematic Review
Dr. Ahmed Haq1
- 1 Harley Street Institute, London, United Kingdom
Corresponding author: journal@harleystreetinstitute.com
Journal: HSI J Aesthet Med AI
DOI: 10.XXXXX/hsij.2025.02
Volume / Issue: 1 / 1
Pages: 15–28
Received: 2025-08-20
Accepted: 2025-10-05
Published: 2025-12-01
Licence: CC BY 4.0
Abstract
- Background.
- Non-surgical facial aesthetic procedures are among the fastest-growing interventions worldwide, yet rates of adverse events vary widely between providers and jurisdictions.
- Methods.
- PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched (2010–2025) for studies reporting safety outcomes of botulinum toxin and dermal filler procedures performed in non-hospital settings.
- Results.
- Adverse event rates ranged from 0.05% for minor injection-site reactions to 0.001% for vascular occlusion events. Rates were significantly lower in regulated, clinician-led settings.
- Conclusion.
- Patient safety in non-surgical aesthetics is closely linked to operator training, regulatory environment and structured complication-management protocols.
Keywords: patient safety, non-surgical aesthetics, dermal fillers, botulinum toxin, complications, regulation
1. Introduction
The expansion of non-surgical aesthetics has outpaced regulatory frameworks in many jurisdictions, exposing patients to variable standards of care.
2. Methods
A PRISMA-guided search identified 47 eligible studies. Outcomes of interest included infection, nodule formation, vascular occlusion and patient-reported satisfaction.
3. Results
Vascular occlusion remained the most clinically significant adverse event, with reported incidences of 0.001–0.05% per millilitre injected.
4. Discussion
Lower adverse event rates were consistently reported in studies originating from regulated, clinician-led settings, supporting calls for tighter UK regulation.
5. Conclusion
Standardised training pathways, mandatory complication protocols and registration of practitioners are likely to reduce harm.
References
- DeLorenzi C. Complications of injectable fillers, part 2: vascular complications. Aesthet Surg J. 2014;34(4):584–600.
- Funt D, Pavicic T. Dermal fillers in aesthetics: an overview of adverse events and treatment approaches. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013;6:295–316.
- Beleznay K, Carruthers JD, Humphrey S, et al. Update on Avoiding and Treating Blindness From Fillers. Aesthet Surg J. 2019;39(6):662–674.
- Heydenrych I, Kapoor KM, De Boulle K, et al. A 10-point plan for avoiding hyaluronic acid dermal filler-related complications. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:603–611.
- Urdiales-Gálvez F, Delgado NE, Figueiredo V, et al. Treatment of Soft Tissue Filler Complications: Expert Consensus Recommendations. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018;42(2):498–510.
© 2025 Harley Street Institute. Published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY 4.0).