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David Funt,1 Tatjana Pavicic21Mount Sinai Hospital, Department of Plastic Surgery, New York, NY, USA; 2Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, GermanyBackground: The ever-expanding range of dermal filler products for aesthetic soft tissue augmentation is of benefit for patients and physicians, but as indications and the number of procedures performed increase, the number of complications will likely also increase.Objective: To describe potential adverse events associated with dermal fillers and to provide structured and clear guidance on their treatment and avoidance.Methods: Reports of dermal filler complications in the medical literature were reviewed and, based on the publications retrieved and the authors' extensive experience, recommendations for avoiding and managing complications are provided.Results: Different dermal fillers have widely varying properties, associated risks, and injection requirements. All dermal fillers have the potential to cause complications. Most are related to volume and technique, though some are associated with the material itself. The majority of adverse reactions are mild and transient, such as bruising and trauma-related edema. Serious adverse events are rare, and most are avoidable with proper planning and technique.Conclusion: For optimum outcomes, aesthetic physicians should have a detailed understanding of facial anatomy; the individual characteristics of available fillers; their indications, contraindications, benefits, and drawbacks; and ways to prevent and avoid potential complications.Keywords: aesthetic medicine, complications

Background: Radiesse, a widely utilized calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) dermal filler, has shown effectiveness in soft tissue augmentation and regeneration. As with all dermal fillers, the potential for nodules may arise. Understanding the pathogenesis of these nodules and exploring effective treatment methodologies are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes., Objectives: A literature search was carried out to identify published literature documenting reversal of CaHA nodules. After identification, a consensus panel developed a structured approach, denoted by levels, for applying such reversal methods., Methods: This concise review presents an algorithmic approach to addressing CaHA focal accumulations (noninflammatory nodules) based on invasiveness, cost, and potential risks based on published literature., Results: Level 0 involves no intervention, relying on natural degradation for asymptomatic nodules. Level 1 interventions utilize mechanical dispersion techniques, including massage and in situ dispersion, which have demonstrated high success rates, cost effectiveness, and minimal invasiveness. Level 2 introduces alternative modalities such as pharmacological treatments with 5-fluorouracil and corticosteroids, lasers, and experimental approaches. Level 3 represents last-resort options, including calcium-chelating agents, manual removal, and surgical excision., Conclusions: The article offers a structured approach to managing CaHA focal accumulations., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Aesthetic Society.)

Background: Inadvertent intra-arterial injection of dermal fillers including calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) can result in serious adverse events including soft tissue necrosis, permanent scarring, visual impairment, and blindness. When intra-arterial injection occurs, immediate action is required for optimal outcomes, but the infrequency of this event means that many physicians may never have experienced this scenario. The aim of this document is to provide evidence-based and expert opinion recommendations for the recognition and management of vascular compromise following inadvertent injection of CaHA., Methods: An international group of experts with experience in injection of CaHA and management of vascular complications was convened to develop a consensus on the optimal management of vascular compromise following intra-arterial CaHA injection. The consensus members were asked to provide preventative advice for the avoidance of intravascular injection and to produce a treatment protocol for acute and delayed presentation. To ensure all relevant treatment options were included, the recommendations were supplemented with a PubMed search of the literature., Results: For prevention of intra-arterial CaHA injection, consensus members outlined the importance of a thorough knowledge of facial vascular anatomy and patient history, as well as highlighting potential risk zones and optimal injection techniques. Individual sections document how to recognize the symptoms of vascular occlusion leading to vision loss and tissue necrosis as well as detailed treatment protocols for the management of these events. For impending tissue necrosis, recommendations are provided for early and delayed presentations with treatment protocols for acute and follow-up treatment. A separate section details the treatment options for open and closed wounds., Conclusions: All physicians should be prepared for the eventuality of intra-arterial injection of a dermal filler, despite its rarity. These consensus recommendations combine advice from aesthetic experts with the latest reports from the published literature to provide an up-to-date office-based protocol for the prevention and treatment of complications arising from intra-arterial CaHA injection., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: The ever-expanding range of dermal filler products for aesthetic soft tissue augmentation is of benefit for patients and physicians, but as indications and the number of procedures performed increase, the number of complications will likely also increase., Objective: To describe potential adverse events associated with dermal fillers and to provide structured and clear guidance on their treatment and avoidance., Methods: Reports of dermal filler complications in the medical literature were reviewed and, based on the publications retrieved and the authors' extensive experience, recommendations for avoiding and managing complications are provided., Results: Different dermal fillers have widely varying properties, associated risks, and injection requirements. All dermal fillers have the potential to cause complications. Most are related to volume and technique, though some are associated with the material itself. The majority of adverse reactions are mild and transient, such as bruising and trauma-related edema. Serious adverse events are rare, and most are avoidable with proper planning and technique., Conclusion: For optimum outcomes, aesthetic physicians should have a detailed understanding of facial anatomy; the individual characteristics of available fillers; their indications, contraindications, benefits, and drawbacks; and ways to prevent and avoid potential complications.

A 78-year-old woman had increased activities of creatine kinase (CK; EC 2.7.3.2) and CK-MB isoenzyme in her serum, associated with severe theophylline intoxication. The time course for CK-MB activity was similar to that from an acute myocardial infarction. Clinical findings, however, including electrocardiograms, did not support the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. We suggest caution in interpreting CK-MB results in severe theophylline intoxication.