A histologic study of adverse effects of different cosmetic skin fillers.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to describe the histologic aspects of the cutaneous and mucosal adverse reactions to fillers used for cosmetic purposes.


METHODS
Eleven specimens of adverse reactions caused by Restylane, Artecoll, Metacril, New-Fill, Aquamid, and liquid silicone were processed and stained by hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue and submitted to polarized light.


RESULTS
Most of the reactions were foreign-body granulomas.


CONCLUSIONS
The type of granuloma and the characteristics of the agent were determined, contributing to the histologic identification of the material used. In the cases involving Restylane and Aquamid, it was possible to identify the material using Alcian blue stain and by the presence of necrosis. This stain was strongly positive in Restylane and faintly positive in Aquamid, and intense necrosis was observed in Aquamid cases. In the other cases the filler material itself was recognized and identified.
Parada
Meire B
MB
Department of Dermatology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. mbparada@ip2.com.br
Michalany
Nílceo S
NS
Hassun
Karime M
KM
Bagatin
Ediléia
E
Talarico
Sérgio
S
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D015745:Granuloma, Foreign-Body / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials