06/06/2026
What is a positive aspiration, and why do we aspirate during filler treatments?
Aspiration is when an injector gently pulls back on the syringe plunger before injecting filler. If blood enters the syringe, this is known as a positive aspiration. This indicates that the needle tip may be within a blood vessel.
A positive aspiration allows the injector to stop immediately, reposition, and avoid injecting filler into that vessel. While aspiration is not a guarantee of safety and does not always identify a vessel, it is one of several safety measures that can be used during treatment.
This is actually my first positive aspiration since I started injecting, and I wanted to share it as an educational example. It demonstrates that even the most careful, highly trained injector can encounter a blood vessel. The anatomy of every client is different, and blood vessels do not always sit exactly where we expect them to.
The key is not pretending complications can never happen. The key is having the knowledge, training, and emergency protocols in place to recognise potential issues early and act appropriately.
Patient safety will always come before anything else, and ongoing education, vigilance, and preparation are essential parts of responsible aesthetic practice.
