Delayed granulomatous reactions to facial cosmetic injections of polymethylmethacrylate microspheres and liquid injectable silicone: A case series. (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Friedmann, Daniel P.; Kurian, Anil; Fitzpatrick, Richard E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy. Volume 18:Number 3(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 170
• Page End: 173
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Fillers -- silicone -- polymethylmethacrylate microspheres -- granulomas; Skin -- Laser surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.477
• DOI: 10.3109/14764172.2015.1114642
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-4172

Abstract

Abstract : Polymethylmethacrylate microsphere (PMMA) and liquid injectable silicone (LIS) fillers are non-biodegradable, synthetic polymers utilized for long-term soft-tissue augmentation. Delayed granulomatous reactions to permanent fillers are a rare yet significant event that can occur months to years post procedure and are often refractory to treatment and associated with significant cosmetic morbidity. We report a case series of 4 patients who developed granulomatous reactions to PMMA or LIS, 15 months to 5 years post injection. The etiology of granulomatous reactions to permanent fillers is still poorly understood, with foreign-body reactions and/or biofilms purported to play a role. Real-time biochemical analysis with polymerase chain reaction should be performed when the index of suspicion for the presence of a biofilm is high.