High-frequency sonography of temporary and permanent dermal fillers.
BACKGROUND
Dermal fillers are used widely; some have a permanent effect, whereas others are temporary. The aim of this study is to describe the ultrasonographic features of permanent and temporary fillers injected into patients for cosmetic purposes.


METHODS
Between December 2006 and April 2009, 36 subjects, aged 25-45, who had received lips or nasolabial fold filler augmentation, were enrolled for a high-frequency sonographic examination by a blinded investigator. The criteria for exclusion were a history of autoimmunity, infection, neoplastic diseases or episodes of local reactions to the injected filler. Twenty patients underwent a sonographic exam after the injection of a temporary filler (collagen or hyaluronic acid) by FRG; the rest were enrolled among patients seeking a consultation for further cosmetic reasons, but had been treated with an identifiable filler before.


RESULTS
It was always possible to identify the filler at the site of injection. Seldom was it possible to discover a silent inflammatory reaction, otherwise unsuspected. The sonographic images differed according to the temporary or the permanent nature of the filler.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonography has proved to be a useful, non-invasive tool for the identification of the presence and type of the filler injected.
Grippaudo
Francesca Romana
FR
Plastic Surgery Unit, 2nd Medical Faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. francesca.grippaudo@uniroma1.it
Mattei
Mauro
M
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D003094:Collagen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003637:DEAE-Dextran / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D020405:Dermis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
D000180:Acrylic Resins; C486838:Aquamid; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020100:Hydrogels; C549013:dermicol-P35 27G; C016680:polyacrylamide gels; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D003094:Collagen; D003637:DEAE-Dextran; C445361:Restylane