Complications of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

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Article initiated by:
Anne Barmettler, MD, Tobin Thuma
All contributors:
Anne Barmettler, MD, Cat Nguyen Burkat, MD FACS
Assigned editor:
Anne Barmettler, MD
Review:
Assigned status Up to Date
 by Anne Barmettler, MD on October 1, 2024.


Introduction

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are used in the periocular area, along with many other locations, for both aesthetic rejuvenation and functional disorders.[1] These fillers are effective and generally well-tolerated, but complications do arise.[1] Fortunately, over 90% of adverse events from the use of HA fillers are mild and transient. These include injection site redness, swelling, or bruising. However, disastrous outcomes can occur, including necrosis, vision loss, and cerebrovascular accidents.[1] In cases of HA filler related complications, certain treatments can be attempted, such as hyaluronidase, massage, and hyperbaric oxygen.[2] This article discusses the complications of HA fillers, along with methods for prevention and management.

Complications

Hematoma

One of the most common complications associated with HA fillers is bruising. Bruising usually occurs immediately secondary to puncture of periocular vessels.[3] It can also sometimes be delayed due to external stretch from swelling secondary to the highly hygroscopic nature of HA.[3] On noticing bleeding from injection, direct pressure can reduce hematoma size. Another possible method that has been suggested to reduce likelihood of hematoma formation is stopping antithrombotic agents, such as NSAIDs and antiplatelet medications, however, this controversial due to the inherent risk of embolism or thrombosis.[1]. Of note, homeopathic arnica has been suggested to expedite healing from bruising, but this is not recommended. In short, this is because the nature of homeopathy depends on two illogical concepts: (1) that the “drug” being sold is actually so dilute that it is not actually present in the treatment container and (2) the ingredient being sold has an action that is opposite to the one desired. For example, arnica is actually a toxic herb. Regardless, despite the extreme dilution, this controversial idea can still be dangerous if use of the homeopathic substance slows the patient from obtaining true medical care or if the ingredients in the bottle are either not diluted properly or packaged with other toxic ingredients.

Early-Onset Nodules and Lumps

Another undesirable event that can arise are lumps and nodules. These can result from larger boluses of filler. This may occur if the injector places higher amounts pressure onto the syringe, which can occur when using a “sticky” syringe.[4] This can be especially noticeable in superficial areas, as well as over bone with thin overlaying skin. Management is with firm massage to spread the HA or to inject hyaluronidase in order to dissolve the HA.[1]

Tyndall Effect

Occasionally, HA filler can result in a bluish discoloration of the skin due to the Tyndall effect. The Tyndall effect states that blue light scatters to a larger degree than longer wavelengths when passing through small particles, such as HA. Thus, if too much HA is placed too superficially, a blue-grey discoloration can occur even without lumps.[4] Less viscous fillers are less likely to produce the Tyndall effect.[5] This is believed to occur due to the more homogenous intradermal distribution of less viscous fillers.[5] For example, Belotero Balance has a low viscosity and is less likely to produce the Tyndall effect than more viscous formulations, such as Juvederm or Restylane products.[5][6] Some physicians dispute the theory that the Tyndall effect is what causes the bluish discoloration, positing that the color occurs because the HA filler displaces veins superficially, causing the skin to appear blue[1]. Regardless of the mechanism, management options include makeup, dissolution via hyaluronidase, and/or gentle massage.[1][4]

Malar Edema

HA fillers to the tear trough can cause malar edema in up to 11% of cases.[1] Anatomically, this occurs because of the malar septum. The malar septum is a fascial structure, which originates superiorly along the arcus marginalis of the orbital rim periosteum and inserts into the midcheek dermis inferiorly with a lateral border about 2.5 to 3 cm inferior to the lateral canthus[7] and a medial border near the nose. It divides the superficial orbicularis oculi fat (SOOF) into superficial and deep compartments.[8] The malar septum is a relatively impermeable barrier, allowing for tissue edema and hemoglobin accumulation above its cutaneous insertion.[7][8] Excessive volume or more elastic product in the superficial SOOF compartment can compress lymphatics and compromise drainage, leading to malar edema.[2][8][9]  Patients may present years after treatment. This occurs because the HA can begin to absorb more water as it slowly depolymerizes into smaller constituents.[1] Fillers to the tear trough are at higher risk for malar edema than other locations due to the proximity and superior location, where gravitational pull of edema can result malar edema[9]. Firmer gels have a higher elastic modulus (G’) and may be more likely to cause malar edema, such as Perlane, Restylane, and Juvederm Voluma.[5][8][9][10] The likelihood of malar edema can be reduced by limiting filler volume, proper filler selection, and placing filler material deep to the malar septum.[9] Bernardini, et al have demonstrated that management with hyaluronidase followed by repeat injection of an alternative HA filler 15 days later can provide good results.[9]

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to the HA injection are very rare, as HA is a natural constituent of skin. Injectable HA is derived from both avian and bacterial sources.[11] It is thought that residual proteins from the manufacturing process can cause hypersensitivity reactions.[11] Both immediate (Type I) and delayed type (Type IV) hypersensitivity reactions are possible.

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions occur due to histamine release in response to antigen exposure. The histamine increases vascular permeability, resulting in edema, erythema, pain, and itching within minutes of the injection.[12] Treatment depends on the severity of the reaction. Many hypersensitivity reactions are mild and resolve spontaneously over hours to days. Oral antihistamines can be used to decrease swelling. Persistent edema refractory to antihistamines can be treated with oral steroids.[2]

Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions usually occur about one to three days after the treatment. These reactions are mediated by T cells, which are activated in response to an antigen. Signs and symptoms include erythema, edema, and induration. They usually resolve spontaneously without sequelae.[2] The treatment for persistent DTH reaction is with oral steroids and hyaluronidase.[2][13] It is important to note that DTH reactions do not respond well to antihistamines.[13]

Infection

Although uncommon, infections secondary to HA fillers occasionally occur due to violation of the protective skin barrier, whether during injection or in the post-treatment period.[12][14][15]

Acute infections occur within two weeks of treatment and present with inflammation and/or abscess at the site of injection.[15] Rarely, multiple erythematous nodules may present, typically three to fourteen days after HA injection.[11][14] Systemic signs and symptoms, such as fever, chills, leukocytosis, and fatigue may or may not be present.[16] Typically, infection results from commensal skin flora, such as staphylococci and streptococci[11][16], but viral and fungal infections can also occur[11].

Delayed infections present similar to acute infections, but later at two or more weeks after the injection. These are highly suspicious for an atypical infection, especially with mycobacteria[16] or from herpes simplex virus[4] (HSV) (see below section, “Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation”).

Empiric antibiotics are the best initial treatment for both acute and delayed bacterial infection.

The recommended initial antibiotics are amoxicillin-clavulanate or cephalexin (ciprofloxacin can be used if penicillin allergic).[2] In cases when etiology is uncertain, double coverage with both antibiotics and antivirals can be appropriate.[4] For an acute infection with a fluctuant abscess, incision and drainage, as well as culture and sensitivity, should be performed in addition to empiric antibiotics.[2] Once the infection is quiescent, hyaluronidase may be reconsidered.[2] In the presence of an active infection, hyaluronidase should only be used in combination with antibiotics to prevent spreading of the infected material.[2]

Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation

Dermal fillers can lead to a reactivation of HSV. The majority of HSV recurrences occur in the nasal mucosa, perioral area, and hard palate mucosa.[13] In a patient with a history of cold sores, valacyclovir 1 gram daily can be considered the day preceding and continuing for three days following an injection[13], as well as if an HSV episode occurs post-injection. In patients with active herpes lesions, HA fillers should be delayed until complete resolution.

Biofilms

Bacterial biofilms form a barrier that protects the bacteria from the immune system and antibiotics. Biofilms are omnipresent in the environment[17] and are the leading cause of device-associated infection in medical devices and implants.[18] HA fillers are a foreign material injected into the body and should thus be conceptually considered analogous to medical devices.[18] During the HA injection procedure, potential sources of biofilm inoculation include contamination from the local environment, needle, local skin flora, or HA itself.[17][18] Fastidious adherence to aseptic technique is essential to reduce the likelihood of bacterial biofilms.[17] Bacteria may remain dormant in the biofilm for long periods of time and reactivate when the local environment is more favorable.[4] This can result in granulomatous inflammation, nodules, abscesses, and full-blown recurrent infection.[4] The nodules are often culture negative and treatment can be complicated.8 Treatment is with oral ciprofloxacin and clarithromycin for 4-6 weeks.[8] The filler should be dissolved with hyaluronidase and occasionally surgical excision is required.[4][8]

Bilateral lower lid granulomas (R>L) after hyaluronic acid filler injections. Credit: Michael K Yoon, MD

Delayed-Onset Nodules

Delayed-onset nodules occur in 0.5% of HA filler treatments, typically four weeks to over one-year post-treatment.[15] These nodules are believed to occur due to either delayed onset inflammation or bacterial biofilms.[1][4][15] Often, these nodules have preceding infectious or immune triggers.[1] One possible mechanism of action is through the breakdown of HA over time. On injection, HA has a high molecular weight, which provide anti-inflammatory properties. However, over time, this degrades into smaller fragments. These smaller fragments may be presented to the immune system and result in delayed-onset inflammation.[1] Another mechanism of action may be through the introduction of the skin flora with future aesthetic treatments, which then triggers inflammatory nodule formation.[15] Nodule culture is usually negative.[1] Management is with oral antibiotics, such as macrolides and tetracyclines. If symptoms are refractory to antibiotics, hyaluronidase can be added. Additional treatments can include a short course of systemic steroids, as well as intra-lesional steroids or 5-fluorouracil.[1]

Filler migration from distant sites can also cause delayed-onset nodules months to years after treatment.[1] However, these nodules are non-inflammatory.[1] These displaced filler nodules can be treated with hyaluronidase.[2]

Vascular Complications

Skin Necrosis

Skin necrosis as a result of HA fillers is a rare, but calamitous complication. The incidence of ischemic complications in HA fillers is about 0.3%.[1] Tissue necrosis is ideally prevented by thorough knowledge of facial vascular anatomy and meticulous technique, but anatomic variations occur and this can be a risk with even the most experienced injector.[19][20] Necrosis occurs due to arterial or venous obstruction.[1][12] In HA fillers, the mechanisms of vascular interruption include accidental injection into an artery or vein, external compression of the vessel due to the filler, or direct trauma to the vessel wall.[1] Patients typically present clinically with severe prolonged pain and blanching. This is followed by livedo reticularis due to capillary obstruction causing venule swelling, slow capillary refill, and dusky blue-red discoloration.[19] Late signs include necrotic areas, small white blisters, and tissue sloughing.[1][19] In cases of venous compression, symptoms may not initially be present as the clinical onset is generally slow and gradual.[12] In these cases, symptoms may slowly occur over the course of many hours, with the longest reported interval between HA injection and onset of ischemic symptoms being 36 hours. In contrast, arterial embolic obstructions usually present with symptoms immediately post-injection.[21] The mainstay of treatment is hyaluronidase, which should be on-hand during an HA filler treatment.[19] Because hyaluronidase readily crosses fascial planes and blood vessel walls, gentle massage can be performed to aid in its distribution.[1][19] Warm compresses aid in vasodilation.[19] Other treatments, which have been attempted, involve aspirin, topical nitropaste, hyperbaric oxygen, and local injections of prostaglandin E1 (Alprostadil).[19]

Vision Loss

The most devastating vascular complications of HA filler injections are stroke and vision loss.[1][19] This occurs due to arterial occlusion when there is retrograde flow of the material into the arterial system. Retrograde passage of filler can occur because of Poiseuille’s law, which states that vessel branching and reduced diameter exponentially increases resistance to anterograde flow.[1] Additionally, pressure from the needle can promote retrograde flow.[12][19] Thus, injected filler may find lower resistance through retrograde flow to more proximal vessels.[1] It may then return to anterograde flow into vessels distant from the injection site, such as the ophthalmic artery.[19]

Fortunately, intracerebral stroke as an adverse event of HA fillers is exceedingly rare, with only a handful of occurrences reported in the scientific literature.[22] Similarly, vision loss from the use of HA fillers is also rare. Between 1906 and 2019 there have been over 190 cases of blindness secondary due to injectable aesthetic treatments.[1] However, most of these cases were due to autologous fat injections, resulting in retrograde emboli into the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries.[1] HA related embolic events occur in a similar manner, via retrograde flow. As HA is structurally much smaller than fat, it is more likely to move further into the vascular system. This obstructs the smaller distal branches of the ophthalmic artery, such as the retinal and choroidal branches, as opposed to the larger ophthalmic or central retinal arteries.[1]

Example of an ocular complications from filler injection: fundus photography of patient with vision decreased to 20/70 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye, demonstrating Purtscher-like retinopathy following a soft tissue gluteal injection of an unknown substance. A: Right eye fundus photography demonstrating cotton wool spots and intraretinal hemorrhage. B: Left eye fundus photography showing similar findings. Credit: Chrisfouad Raif Alabiad, MD

The periorbital area in particular is prone to vascular events due to its anatomy.[1] The external carotid artery supplies blood to most of the face, except for the eye, upper nose, and central forehead, which are supplied by the internal carotid artery. The ophthalmic artery possesses many branches that project to areas outside the ocular area onto the nose and forehead. These branches anastomose with other arteries in the face, explaining why intravascular injections at sites distant from the eye can still result in visual loss (see above example of vision loss after injection to the gluteal area).[1] The injection sites with the highest risk for ocular complications are the glabella, nasal region, nasolabial fold, and forehead.[1][13][19]

Patients may present with a visual field defect and ocular pain.[19] Various measures to improve retinal perfusion have been described in the scientific literature but, unfortunately, have had limited success.[2] These methods include emergent ophthalmologic consultation, ocular massage, intraocular pressure lowering eye drops, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, diuretics, systemic and topical corticosteroids, anticoagulation, and needle decompression of the anterior chamber[2]. The use of retrobulbar hyaluronidase in cases of vision loss is controversial as it has not consistently proven effective in the medical literature. Recent in-vitro studies have demonstrated that hyaluronidase cannot penetrate the optic nerve to reach the central retinal artery[1]. Retrobulbar injection could also result in additional complications if done by an inexperienced provider.

Orbital migration/ Filler migration

Orbital complications secondary to migrated filler may occur long after the initial procedure. Because of this and the fact that the site of the complication can be distant from the injection site, patients and physicians may not immediately recognize the connection, thus leading to delay in diagnosis. [23]

Conclusion

HA fillers provide excellent results, are largely well-tolerated, and have a favorable safety profile, but complications can occur. Fortunately, the incidence of adverse events is low and the vast majority are mild in nature. However, disastrous complications, such as skin necrosis, vision loss, and stroke do occur very infrequently. Ultimately, complications are not completely avoidable for even the most skillful and experienced clinicians. Thus, awareness of the potential complications, prevention, and management, along with the underlying facial anatomy, are essential for optimally safe patient care.

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 Murthy, R, Roos, JCP, Goldberg, RA. Periocular hyaluronic acid fillers: applications, implications, complications. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2019;30(5):395-400.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 Signorini, M, Liew, S, Sundaram, H, et al. Global Aesthetics Consensus: Avoidance and Management of Complications from Hyaluronic Acid Fillers—Evidence- and Opinion-Based Review and Consensus Recommendations. Plast Reconstr Surg 2016;137(6):961e-971e.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Dayan, SH. Complications from Toxins and Fillers in the Dermatology Clinic
    Recognition, Prevention, and Treatment. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2013;21(4):663-673.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 DeLorenzi, C. Complications of injectable fillers, part I. Aesthet Surg J 2013;33(4):561-575.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Sundaram, H, Fagien, S. Cohesive Polydensified Matrix Hyaluronic Acid for Fine Lines. Plast Reconstr Surg 2015;136(5S):149S-163S.
  6. ↑ Gutowski, K. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Science and Clinical Uses. Clin Plast Surg 2016;43(3):489-496.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Pessa, JE, Garza, JR. The Malar Septum: The Anatomic Basis of Malar Mounds and Malar Edema. Aesthet Surg J 1997;17(1):11-17.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Funt, DK. Avoiding Malar Edema During Midface/Cheek Augmentation with Dermal Fillers. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2011;4(12):32-36.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Funt D, Pavicic T. Dermal fillers in aesthetics: an overview of adverse events and treatment approaches. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2013;6:295-316.
  10. ↑ Kablik, J, Monheit, G, Yu, L, et al. Comparative Physical Properties of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers. Dermatol Surg 2009;35(s1):302-312.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Jones, D. (2010). Injectable Fillers: Principles and Practice. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Vidič, M, Bartenjev, I. An adverse reaction after hyaluronic acid filler application: a case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat 2018;27(3):165-167.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 Urdiales-Gálvez, F, Delgado, NE, Figueiredo, V, et al. Treatment of Soft Tissue Filler Complications: Expert Concensus Recommendations. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2018;42(2):498-510.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Abduljabbar, MH, Basendwh, MA. Complications of hyaluronic acid fillers and their managements. J Dermatol Dermatol Surg 2016;20(2):100-106.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 Heydenrych, I, Kapoor, KM, De Boulle, K, et al. A 10-point plan for avoiding hyaluronic acid dermal filler-related complications during facial aesthetic procedures and algorithms for management. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2018;11:603-611.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Lowe, NJ, Maxwell, CA, Patnaik, R. Adverse reactions to dermal fillers: review. Dermatol Surg 2005;31(11 Pt 2):1616-1625.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Rohrich, R, Monheit, G, Nguyen, A, et al. Soft-tissue filler complications: the important role of biofilms. Plast Reconstr Surg 2010;125(4):1250-1256.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Saththianathan, M, Johani, K, Taylor, A, et al. The Role of Bacterial Biofilm in Adverse Soft-Tissue Filler Reactions: A Combined Laboratory and Clinical Study. Plast Reconstr Surg 2017;139(3):613-621.
  19. ↑ 19.00 19.01 19.02 19.03 19.04 19.05 19.06 19.07 19.08 19.09 19.10 19.11 DeLorenzi, C. Complications of injectable fillers, part 2: vascular complications. Aesthet Surg J 2014;34(4):584-600.
  20. ↑ De Maio, M, Swift, A, Signorini, M, et al. Facial Assessment and Injection Guide for Botulinum Toxin and Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Focus on the Upper Face. Plast Reconstr Surg 2017;140(2):265e-276e.
  21. ↑ Souza Felix Bravo, B, Klotz De Almeida Balassiano, L, Roos Mariano Da Rocha, C, et al. Delayed-type Necrosis after Soft-tissue Augmentation with Hyaluronic Acid. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2015;8(12):42-47.
  22. ↑ Lee, S, Jung, J, Seo, J, et al. Ischemic Stroke Caused by a Hyaluronic Acid Gel Embolism Treated with Tissue Plasminogen Activator. J Neurocrit Care 2017; 10(2): 132-135.
  23. ↑ Hamed-Azzam S, Burkat C, Mukari A, Briscoe D, Joshi N, Scawn R, Alon E, Hartstein M. Filler Migration to the Orbit. Aesthet Surg J. 2021 May 18;41(6):NP559-NP566. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjaa264. PMID: 32887989.
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