Rheology of Polymethylmethacrylate-Collagen Gel Filler: Physiochemical Properties and Clinical Applications. (21st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lorenc, Z Paul; Pilcher, Brian; McArthur, Tina; Patel, Nimitt
• Is Part Of: Aesthetic surgery journal. Volume 41:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: NP88
• Page End: NP93
• Publication Date: 2020-11-21
• Subjects: Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjaa314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-820X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Soft tissue fillers are comprised of a range of materials with differing physiochemical and rheologic (ie, flow) properties. These properties can inform treatment selection for specific anatomic areas, planes of injection, and clinical applications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the rheologic properties of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-collagen gel for comparison with other available fillers. Methods: Commercially available PMMA-collagen gel, hyaluronic acid (HA), and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers were obtained from their respective manufacturers. Measures of complex viscosity (η*) and elastic modulus ( G ′) for each filler were collected at 0.7 Hz in triplicate according to standard procedures on a rotational rheometer fitted with a 40-mm steel plate at 25° C on a Peltier plate (500-μm gap). Results: The measured η* and G ′ values for HA and CaHA fillers were in agreement with previously published data. The difference in η* between CaHA (mean [standard deviation], 358.9 [21.56] Pa-s) and PMMA-collagen gel (656.41 [68.03] Pa-s) was statistically significant ( P < 0.0001), as was the difference between the G ′ of CaHA (1424.8 [83.3] Pa) and the G ′ of PMMA-collagen gel (2815.27 [304.07] Pa; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: PMMA-collagen gel exhibited the highest η* and G ′ of all tested fillers. These properties likely underpin an increased capacity for lifting and support in areas where long-lasting revolumization is appropriate. In practice, PMMA-collagen gel is well suited for treatment of acne scars, as well as injection into the supraperiosteal plane in the temple, chin, mandible, and piriform by a retrograde linear threading technique. Additional clinical considerations are discussed.