I often receive inquiries from clients about whitening injections and whether I offer this treatment. Many have heard about it from magazines or friends and are curious to try it. However, I always dampen their enthusiasm by stating that the risks far outweigh the benefits. After hearing my analysis, they usually change their minds. Why is that? Let’s break it down.
Whitening injections are more popular in Taiwan, Korea, and Mainland China compared to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Western countries. These injections are said to whiten the entire body, reduce pigmentation, and make the skin smoother and firmer, making it a highly sought-after treatment among women. However, it’s not a one or two-shot treatment; the usual procedure involves intravenous drip administration for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. During the infusion, some people may experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. So, what are the ingredients in whitening injections, and what are the hidden risks?
The primary ingredient in most whitening injections is tranexamic acid. It belongs to a class of fibrinolytic inhibitors, which can reversibly block the lysine binding sites on plasminogen molecules, effectively inhibiting fibrinolysis and producing hemostatic effects. Tranexamic acid is a prescription drug used to treat bleeding disorders. It is commonly used for women with heavy menstrual bleeding or acute bleeding problems. Its main side effects include an increased risk of allergic reactions and blood vessel thrombosis, which can lead to death. Therefore, people with a tendency to form blood clots and those with cardiovascular problems should not use it. In terms of cosmetics, tranexamic acid was discovered to inhibit melanin formation more than 20 years ago and has a certain effect on treating hormonal pigmentation. Therefore, it can be used to treat very stubborn hormonal pigmentation. However, tranexamic acid is generally administered orally or subcutaneously, and intravenous infusion is not recommended unless it is for acute bleeding disorders.
In the next part, we will discuss the other ingredients used in whitening injections.