Imaging Sci Dent.  2020 Jun;50(2):175-180. 10.5624/isd.2020.50.2.175.

Ultrasonography for long-term evaluation of hyaluronic acid filler in the face: A technical report of 180 days of follow-up

• Rocha LPC
• Rocha TdC
• Rocha SdCC
• Henrique PV
• Manzi FR
• Silva MRMAe

• KMID: 2506015
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2020.50.2.175

Abstract

Purpose
In this study, we used ultrasonography to monitor the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) as a filler in the face for esthetic reasons. We monitored changes in the filler shape, distribution, and relationship with adjacent anatomical structures over a 180-day period.
Materials and Methods
Two patients each received an ultrasound-guided injection of HA, with different products and application sites for each patient. In 1 patient, the injection was administered in the angle of the mandible, while in the other, it was administered in the zygomatic region. The injection sites were monitored via ultrasonography at 24 hours, 30 days, and 180 days, at which times the imaging characteristics of the filler were observed. All injections were performed by the same professional, as were the ultrasound exams, which were conducted using the same equipment.
Results
In both cases, the HA fillers were visualized using ultrasound at all time points. Some differences were observed between the cases in the images and the distribution of the pockets of filler. In 1 case, the filler appeared as a dark hypoechoic region with well-defined contours, and the material was observed to have moved posteriorly by the 180-day mark. In the other case, the material appeared hyperechoic relative to the previous case and presented no noticeable changes in its anteroposterior distribution over time.
Conclusion
Based on these 2 cases, ultrasonography can be a complementary tool used to monitor facial fillers over the long term, allowing for the dynamic observation of different fillers.

Keyword

Ultrasonography; Esthetics; Hyaluronic Acid; Dermal Fillers