The 10-Point Plan 2021: Updated Concepts for Improved Procedural Safety During Facial Filler Treatments

Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen in Filler-Induced Vascular Occlusion

INTRODUCTION

The rising incidence of filler-induced vascular complications in the context of aesthetic procedures necessitates a thorough assessment of therapeutic options. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a potential intervention for filler-induced vascular occlusion (FIVO), although optimal dosing and timing remain undefined.

METHODS

This review explores the pathophysiology of FIVO and elucidates HBOT's multifaceted role in salvaging ischemic tissue. The physical and biochemical mechanisms of HBOT, including its vasodilatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects, are examined.

RESULTS

HBOT serves as an adjunctive therapy in FIVO management, emphasizing timely intervention, adherence to specific pressures (two atmosphere absolute), and session durations (60 minutes) to optimize efficacy and minimize complications. While existing HBOT protocols for compromised grafts provide insights, standardized guidelines for FIVO are lacking.

CONCLUSION

HBOT enhances tissue oxygenation, modulates reactive oxygen species, and influences angiogenesis and hypoxia response. However, it does not replace key treatment protocols for filler vascular complications. Further research and standardized protocols are warranted to define HBOT's definitive role in mitigating filler-induced vascular complications. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A Scoping Review of Hyaluronidase Use in Managing the Complications of Aesthetic Interventions

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronidase is used as an adjunct or main treatment to manage complications associated with cosmetic hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injections such as necrosis, blindness, hypersensitivity, delayed nodules, and poor aesthetic outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically map the available evidence and identify the gaps in knowledge on the effectiveness of hyaluronidase use in managing the aesthetic complications associated with HA injections (vascular occlusion, blindness, nodules, delayed hypersensivity, granuloma, poor aesthetic outcome).

METHODS

PubMed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were used up to May 2022, to look for randomized clinical trials (RCTs), clinical trials, and retrospective case-control studies reporting on the use of hyaluronidase for managing the HA filler injection complications.

RESULTS

The database search yielded 395 studies; of those 5 RCTs (all carried out in the USA) were selected (53 subjects), indicating the effectiveness of hyaluronidase for removal of un-complicated injected HA nodules (forearm, upper arm, or back skin). The follow-ups ranged from 14 days to 4 years. The amount of HA filler injected into each site varied from 0.2 to 0.4 mL. A dose dependent response was observed for most HA fillers. No major adverse reactions were reported. Overall, for removal of every 0.1 mL of HA filler they injected 1.25-37.5 units of hyaluronidase (single injections). When 3 consecutive weekly hyaluronidase injection was used much lower doses of 0.375-2.25 unit was utilised. There was no evidence in a form of RCTs, clinical trials, and retrospective case-control studies on the removal/reversal of HA injections in the facial skin, or management of over-corrections, inflammatory nodules, or tissue ischemia/necrosis associated with HA filler injection.

CONCLUSION

Based on studies on the forearm, upper arm and back skin, hyaluronidase can be used for the reversal of uncomplicated HA filler injection nodule. However, further adequately powered studies are warranted to establish the ideal treatment protocol/dose of hyaluronidase for reversal of HA filler injections in the facial region or management of complications associated with aesthetic HA injection.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty using the hyaluronic acid filler VYC-25L: Safety and patient satisfaction in a retrospective analysis of 492 patients

BACKGROUND

Aesthetic treatment of the nose with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers is increasingly popular but carries a small risk of major complications. Large patient cohorts are required to better understand this risk.

AIMS

To evaluate safety and patient satisfaction in a large series of nonsurgical rhinoplasty treatments with the HA filler, VYC-25L, in "real world" clinical practice.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive adult patients undergoing nonsurgical rhinoplasty with VYC-25L by a single injector between January 2020 and July 2022. All patients received initial treatment (typically ~0.3-0.5 mL of filler) and touch-up at 4-6 weeks (~0.1-0.3 mL). Safety data were collected throughout a mean follow-up of 11.1 months. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the FACE-Q Satisfaction with Nose and Satisfaction with Outcome questionnaires.

RESULTS

A total of 492 patients were included (984 treatment sessions including touch-ups). Of these, 467 (94.9%) were female and the mean age was 30.0 years. All treatments were associated with early transient edema; other adverse events included bruising (n = 123; 25%), residual asymmetry (n = 18; 3.7%), and suspected localized vascular occlusion (n = 3; 0.6%). The latter cases were easily resolved with hyaluronidase injection plus oral steroid and aspirin. No patients experienced infection, necrosis, blindness, lumps, granuloma, or delayed-onset nodules. Mean Rasch-transformed FACE-Q scores were 90.2% for Satisfaction with Nose and 99.2% for Satisfaction with Outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large cohort of patients treated in routine practice based on a systematic approach, nonsurgical rhinoplasty with VYC-25L was safe and effective.

Choosing Juvéderm Volux™ to chin augmentation: Case report and flowchart for clinical evaluation

INTRODUCTION

The development of filler biomaterials with high hyaluronic acid concentrations, cohesiveness, and elastic modulus has become an option for chin augmentation, as the balance of these rheological properties promotes high lifting capacity, providing minimally invasive perceptible improvements in patient appearance.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The present study reviewed clinical and anatomical aspects of patients referred for chin augmentation and created a flowchart to assertively diagnose patients with an indication of Juvéderm® Volux™ for defining the lower third of the face.

DISCUSSION

The chin is vital for facial proportions and attractiveness perception. Its relevance to facial appearance is noticed the most when chin size is less than ideal, making other facial areas seem larger or smaller. The adjacent soft tissues of the neck and jaw appear prematurely aged when chin projection or width is inadequate. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers have a confirmed history of safe and effective use for treating facial volume loss or deficiency.

CONCLUSION

Juvéderm® Volux™ is a safe, effective, and long-lasting alternative for restoring and creating facial volume and sculpting, shaping, and contouring the chin and jaw.

Consensus recommendations on the use of injectable poly-l-lactic acid in Asian patients

BACKGROUND

Injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) has been proven safe and effective with numerous medical applications for more than 25 years. The product has been approved in over 40 countries and is being used for soft tissue augmentation in the face and certain body parts. With the increased demand for subtle and natural-looking aesthetic treatments in the Asia-Pacific region, there is also a heightened need for consistent preparation and effective treatment methodologies to optimize outcomes for Asian patients.

METHODS

The body of evidence in medical literature, clinical data of presented case reports, and the collective experience of the authors are reflected in these consensus recommendations, which also take under consideration the availability of biostimulators in the Asia-Pacific region.

RESULTS

The resulting consensus recommendations include patient selection and assessment, management of treatment expectations, appropriate preparation and storage, proper injection techniques and treatment plans, management of adverse effects, PLLA combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures, and other constructive considerations.

CONCLUSIONS

In the above consensus recommendations, the authors shared their best practices in accordance with the updated preparation and treatment protocols of PLLA. These recommendations represent the clinical and real-world techniques utilized by authors in providing PLLA treatments for Asian patients.

A practical guide to selecting facial fillers

BACKGROUND

Dermal fillers have created a multi-billion-dollar industry. They are the second most popular form of injectable, as they primarily address volume loss, augmentation, and provide immediate results. The most popular form includes hyaluronic acid-based fillers, however, alternatives exist.

OBJECTIVE

To create clinical charts to help with filler selection, injection, and addressing common complications.

METHODS

The current literature and expert opinions form our two senior authors were used to create a numerical and color-coded chart based on G-prime for filler selection, as well as an anatomical table with current recommendations and pearls. We have also included a safety table with current clinical recommendation to deal with common filler-related complications.

CONCLUSION

Fillers are a safe and reliable method to achieve augmentation. Filler selection in various anatomical planes plays a significant role in achieving favorable results.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and ASIA Syndrome: Case Studies

A continuous increase in the popularity of esthetic procedures with the use of substances as HA has been observed for many years, which might be contributing to an increase in the number of adverse events. The autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) can be provoked by hyaluronic acid (HA), which belongs to substances meeting the criteria of adjuvants. Mechanisms of the innate and acquired immune response are activated, leading to the dysregulation of T and B lymphocytes, inability to recognize one's own antigens, inflammation, damage to one's own tissues, and ultimately to autoimmunity. The objective of this article is to present a case-series study of patients who developed ASIA syndrome following HA injection after delayed inflammatory reaction (DIR) and emphasize the importance of the need for long-term monitoring after such the reaction. Lack of knowledge about ASIA can lead to delayed diagnosis and serious consequences for the patients. People with a history of immunization reactions, severe allergic reactions, individual predisposition to autoimmunity or family predisposition to autoimmunity and previous exposure to adjuvants require special attention and long-term follow-up. This applies primarily to cases of DIR after the using of bioimplants, especially with treatment resistance, as in our reported cases.

Cocaine Nose Correction: A Nonsurgical Approach Using a Novel Hyaluronic Acid Filler

Background

The use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for correcting nasal deformities offers an increasingly popular alternative to surgical rhinoplasty. However, this can sometimes be extremely challenging, for example, in patients with a permanent defect in the nasal septum secondary to chronic drug use.

Methods

We report a case in which nonsurgical intervention with a high G' HA filler was used therapeutically to improve the permanent nasal disfigurement of an individual with previous long-term drug use (now in remission).

Results

This approach led to high levels of patient satisfaction and empowerment in her personal and professional life. Despite the high risk in this case, only immediate minor complications were recorded, including temporary edema and ecchymoses, and these resolved spontaneously.

Conclusions

Nonsurgical treatment using an appropriate HA filler may offer a safe and effective option in selected patients with nasal deformities resulting from pathological conditions.

Are Delayed Dermal Filler Granulomas More Common Since COVID-19?

PURPOSE

Granuloma and delayed inflammatory reaction to hyaluronic acid facial esthetic fillers occurs rarely. More recently, these reactions have been reported with increasing frequency and have been associated with COVID-19 infection. The purpose of the study is to determine if delayed filler granulomas are more common after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study including of all patients treated with dermal filler at 4 offices of a single cosmetic surgery practice between August 1, 2018 and October 31, 2021 was performed. The primary outcome variable was granuloma formation. The primary predictor variable was time period, either pre-COVID (8/1/18 to 2/29/20) or post-COVID (3/1/20 to 10/31/21). Other study variables recorded were age, amounts of dermal fillers used, and types of dermal filler used. Data were analyzed using chi-squared test, t-tests, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 3,255 patients receiving 8,067 syringes of filler over 6,800 sessions were reviewed. The average patient age was 46.8 ± 13.7 years and 2,583 sessions were performed in the pre-COVID time period and 4,217 sessions in the post-COVID time period. There were 11 granulomas in 9 subjects receiving filler in the post-COVID time period and 0 granulomas in the pre-COVID time period (0.3% vs 0.0%, respectively, P = .009). Juvederm Vollure was used in 64% of patients who developed granulomas but only accounted for 26% of filler administrations in the post-COVID time period and 28% in the cohort overall (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Granuloma formation is a rare complication of hyaluronic acid filler injection that appears to be occurring with more frequency following the COVID-19 pandemic. Practitioners who administer dermal fillers should be aware of this complication and its apparent increased incidence.

Expert Opinion on Non-Surgical Eyebrow Lifting and Shaping Procedures

Eyebrow elevation and reshaping are common concerns that we handle in everyday practice, and we have noticed that the trend is shifting from a medical concern to a cosmetic one. Several eyebrow lift methods are available, both invasive and non-surgical. The method of choice depends on several factors, such as patient expectations and beliefs, financial budget, acceptance of downtime and the available tools in the practice. In this article, we review the recent literature on non-surgical eyebrow lift methods to provide an overview of the current state of this field. We discuss seven different methods for eyebrow lift and reshaping, including botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, fractional radiofrequency, high-intensity focused ultrasound, thermo-mechanical ablation, lasers, and threads. Moreover, we provide practical insight into the procedure, injection techniques, expected results, and patient satisfaction rate.

HA PEGylated Filler in Association with an Infrared Energy Device for the Treatment of Facial Skin Aging: 150 Day Follow-Up Data Report

BACKGROUND

The face is the area most exposed to the normal course of skin aging, both intrinsically and extrinsically. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cellular and clinical response of a therapeutic protocol aimed at countering facial skin aging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty female patients with facial skin laxity and photodamage underwent combined therapy including mesotherapy using non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid with calcium hydroxyapatite and an infrared energy-based device treatment with subsequent implementation of PEG-cross-linked hyaluronic acid soft tissue fillers. To evaluate the benefits, patients underwent histological, immunological, and biomechanical evaluations before the treatment and at 21 and 150 days after the treatment.

RESULTS

The histological results at 21 days and 150 days after the procedure showed an increase in the number of fibroblasts and angiogenesis. As for the immunological aspect, it was shown that the treatment has an immunomodulating action, avoiding the activation of CD4 and CD8 cells. Biomechanical data showed that, at 150 days after treatment, the average changes in skin elasticity increased by 72% and the skin hydration increased by 49%.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of an infrared energy-based device treatment with both non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and novel PEG-cross-linked hyaluronic acid leads to numerous positive cutaneous changes after histological, immunological, and biomechanical evaluations.

[Translated article] COVID-19 and Dermal Fillers: Should We Really Be Concerned?

SARS-CoV-2 has caused millions of infections and deaths worldwide and case numbers continue to rise. Besides the effect of the virus on key organs – leading to respiratory illness, anosmia, diarrhea, and fever and other complications – delayed inflammatory reactions to hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, mainly in the face, have also been reported to occur after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections and in vaccinated individuals. While delayed inflammatory reactions tend to be self-limiting, they should be diagnosed and treated with corticosteroids, hyaluronidase, and/or antibiotics when necessary. The inflammation is generally not severe, yet these complications are classified as serious adverse events by the US Food and Drug Administration. They appear to be delayed type IV hypersensitivity reactions triggered by the immune system in the presence of SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses, such as those causing influenza, although the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Because the longevity of dermal fillers is increasing, while the pandemic continues to evolve and new vaccines are under development, the long-term effects on hyaluronic acid fillers and other bioimplant materials should be studied. Physicians must also be encouraged to report these reactions, however mild, to ensure accurate records.

COVID y rellenos faciales ¿realmente debemos preocuparnos?

La pandemia por COVID ha causado hoy en día millones de afectados, continuando su aumento a nivel mundial. Junto con la afectación los órganos diana clave (aparato respiratorio, anosmia, diarrea, fiebre, etc.), se han descrito reacciones inmunológicas tardías en los rellenos dérmicos por ácido hialurónico (AH), fundamentalmente a nivel facial. Estas alteraciones aparecen tanto en pacientes positivos para el virus, independientemente de la sintomatología sistémica, como en pacientes que han recibido vacunación frente al SARS-CoV-2. Aunque las reacciones suelen ser autolimitadas y autoresolutivas, es importante saber diagnosticarlas y en ocasiones establecer tratamiento con corticoides, hialuronidasa y/o antibióticos. Aunque no son graves, la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los Estados Unidos (FDA) las ha clasificado como evento adverso serio. Los mecanismos que originan están reacciones no están completamente dilucidados. Parece que son reacciones de hipersensibilidad retardada tipo IV, favorecidas por estímulos inmunológicos que se activan en presencia de la COVID o de otros virus como la gripe. Sin embargo, dado que los rellenos presentan cada vez mayor durabilidad y a que la pandemia continúa su curso, existiendo nuevas vacunas en desarrollo, es esencial la realización de estudios que describan la evolución a largo plazo tanto de los rellenos de AH, como de otros bioimplantes. Así mismo, es esencial alentar a los médicos de que reporten este tipo de reacciones, aunque no revistan gravedad con el objetivo de poder realizar un registro fidedigno de ellas.

The Importance of Patient Mindset: Cosmetic Injectable Patient Experience Exploratory Study-Part 1

Background

To meet the needs of each individual cosmetic injectable patient, focus is moving toward a detailed, patient-centered, holistic consultation with pretreatment exploration of the patient's mindset. The Cosmetic Injectables Patient Experience Exploratory Study (CIPEES) was developed to explore patient motivation, mindset, engagement, and factors impacting the patient-practitioner relationship.

Objectives

In order to best meet the needs of individual aesthetic patients, the authors examine the variability and importance of mindset factors in patients seeking cosmetic injectables.

Methods

A study was conducted through an online survey. Participants were asked to respond to a series of statements concerning their thoughts and feelings around appearance, treatment goals, and motivating factors. Participants were asked to select one of the following: "describes me well," "somewhat describes me," or "does not describe me."

Results

In total, 1269 participants completed the relevant survey question. Respondents were 95.6% female and 4.4% male, with ages ranging from 18 to > 65 years old (median 33 years old). Responses were also analyzed according to age group. Data analysis revealed a majority of respondents seeking natural results, with a 15%-20% minority considering a "done" look to be acceptable or even ideal. High numbers of respondents reported being critical of their own appearance and concerned about a specific feature to be "fixed."

Conclusions

Exploring the nuances of patient mindset will assist practitioners in meeting the unique needs of each patient and may also help them to avoid treating patients whose requirements or expectations are outside their circle of competence.

Delayed adverse reaction to a natural dermal filler mimicking salivary gland neoplasia

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic dermal fillers are a sought-after procedure globally. However, despite the safety claims of filler materials by the manufacturers, adverse reactions still occur.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report is of a 66-year-old female who presented with a late-onset complication of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that clinically mimicked a salivary gland neoplasm. The patient presented with firm peri-oral swellings of short duration that clinically mimicked a pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The diagnosis was that of a foreign-body granulomatous response to dermal fillers. Although other mimics of a similar nature are reported a knowledgeable clinician, careful choice of filler material, knowledge of the product, thorough pre-procedural history taking and post-procedural patient follow-up can drastically minimize a possible misdiagnosis. The reaction was treated with a combination of hyaluronidase, betamethasone and 5-flurouracil intra-lesional injections monthly for 11 consecutive months, with total clinical resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient education of the procedure, product name and the possibility of an adverse reaction occurring, even years later or at a site distant to the initial site of placement, is vital. Further, we review the recent reported adverse association of the new mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and dermal filler placement.