BACKGROUND: Information on fillers and their behavior over time in the different layers of tissue is limited. Ultrasound may be used to visualize these fillers and their surrounding tissue to broaden knowledge. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic and research tool to obtain information on facial fillers and their behavior in human tissue. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with a history of facial filler treatment were examined using ultrasound in an outpatient setting. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were examined. Hydrophilic fillers were echo visible, whereas tissue-generating fillers, permanent and resorbable, could be detected according to their tissue-generating reaction within the tissue. Filler characteristics such as longevity and reaction within the tissue and complications such as migration and granulomas could be visualized. CONCLUSION: The use of ultrasound may provide information to broaden our knowledge of facial fillers and may improve the performance and safety of filler treatments. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
BACKGROUND: Information on fillers and their behavior over time in the different layers of tissue is limited. Ultrasound may be used to visualize these fillers and their surrounding tissue to broaden knowledge. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic and research tool to obtain information on facial fillers and their behavior in human tissue. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with a history of facial filler treatment were examined using ultrasound in an outpatient setting. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were examined. Hydrophilic fillers were echo visible, whereas tissue-generating fillers, permanent and resorbable, could be detected according to their tissue-generating reaction within the tissue. Filler characteristics such as longevity and reaction within the tissue and complications such as migration and granulomas could be visualized. CONCLUSION: The use of ultrasound may provide information to broaden our knowledge of facial fillers and may improve the performance and safety of filler treatments. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.