Anaphylaxis
Quick reference guide: how to recognize anaphylaxis during an aesthetic procedure and what to do in the first minutes.
Anaphylaxis progresses in minutes. Early intramuscular epinephrine is the intervention that changes the outcome — do not delay it.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid-onset, potentially fatal allergic reaction. In the aesthetic office it can be triggered by local anesthetics, hyaluronidase, antibiotics, latex, or other everyday supplies — even in patients with no known allergy history.
There is only one first-line treatment: early intramuscular epinephrine. This guide summarizes how to recognize it and the first steps. The full protocol — with weight-based doses, routes, and repeat timing — is available free in the app.
Warning signs
- Rapid-onset generalized urticaria, itching, or flushing
- Swelling of the face, lips, or airway
- Bronchospasm: difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness
- Hypotension: dizziness, pallor, impending loss of consciousness
- Sudden digestive symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
First steps
- 1
Recognize the picture and stop the trigger
With skin involvement plus airway or circulatory compromise, treat as anaphylaxis. Stop administering the suspected trigger.
- 2
Early intramuscular epinephrine
First line, no substitute: into the anterolateral thigh (vastus lateralis). The full protocol details the weight-based dose and repeat criteria every 5–15 minutes.
- 3
Activate your team and emergency services
Assign concrete roles: who brings the emergency kit, who documents, who calls.
- 4
Oxygen and positioning
High-flow oxygen. Patient supine with legs elevated — or seated if respiratory distress predominates.
- 5
Fluids and adjuncts
Normal saline for hypotension. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are adjuncts: they never replace epinephrine.
- 6
Observe and refer after stabilizing
There is a risk of biphasic reaction. Keep monitoring and refer for observation once stabilized.
This summary is for orientation. The full protocol in the app includes weight-based doses, routes, repeat timing, and timers — and it is free.
Antihistamines and corticosteroids do not replace epinephrine.
The most frequent error is treating anaphylaxis as a mild allergy. Antihistamines and corticosteroids do not reverse bronchospasm or hypotension: they are adjuncts only. Early intramuscular epinephrine is the only first-line intervention, and delaying it worsens the prognosis.
Keep the full protocol on your phone
Free, offline, with timers. Create your account and keep it on your phone.
- Step-by-step guide with timers for epinephrine repetition
- Weight-based doses, routes, and administration references
- WhatsApp team activation with assigned roles
- Case documentation with a timeline, ready for backup
- Visual reference flashcard for the emergency cart
Frequently asked questions
What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?
Early intramuscular epinephrine into the anterolateral thigh (vastus lateralis). Antihistamines and corticosteroids are adjuncts only and do not replace it. The dose is weight-based and can be repeated every 5–15 minutes according to response.
How do I recognize anaphylaxis during an aesthetic procedure?
Rapid onset (minutes) of urticaria or swelling together with respiratory compromise (bronchospasm, airway edema) or circulatory compromise (hypotension, dizziness, syncope). With skin plus airway or circulation involved, treat as anaphylaxis.
Which aesthetic office supplies can trigger anaphylaxis?
Local anesthetics, hyaluronidase, antibiotics, latex, and other everyday supplies. It can occur even in patients with no known allergy history — which is why the office must be prepared before it happens.
This content is educational and informational support material intended exclusively for licensed healthcare professionals. It is not a medical device, does not offer diagnoses, and does not replace clinical training, professional judgment, or local regulations.