Polymethylmethacrylate facial implant: a successful personal experience in Brazil for more than 9 years.
BACKGROUND
Synthetic permanent fillers for soft-tissue augmentation have acquired an important role in cosmetic improvement of patients with facial aging, facial atrophic scars, or lipoatrophy leading to facial defects. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a filler introduced to the market as one option for long-lasting treatment. PMMA microspheres are purified, and the particles are larger than 20 microm. The product used as a filler has proven to be safe, effective, and long lasting.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and safety of PMMA as a facial filler.


METHODS
Two hundred sixty-six patients (aged 17-72; 154 women) received injections of PMMA to correct facial defects. The number of sessions ranged from one to four, with an interval of 40 to 60 days between applications.


RESULTS
Seventy-nine subjects (30%) had facial atrophy related to HIV infection, 159 (60%) had photoaging signs with deep wrinkles and atrophic areas, 25 (9%) had depressive scars from acne process, and three (1%) had residual depressions from lupus profundus. The results were satisfactory and long lasting. Side effects were transient. No late complications were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
PMMA used for the treatment of atrophy, depressions, and facial wrinkles has been shown to be effective, long lasting, safe, and gratifying to patients and physicians.
Department of Dermatology, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil. maricosta133@gmail.com
Izelda Maria
IM
Carvalho Costa
Cristina Paula
CP
Salaro
Mariana Carvalho
MC
Costa
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*
D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate