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Unusual herpes simplex virus infection mimicking foreign body reaction after cosmetic lip augmentation with expanded
Christina M Rudolph1, Robert R Müllegger, Sanja Schuller-Petrovic
1Department of Dermatology, Karl-Franzens-University School of Medicine, Graz, Austria. christina.rudolph@kfunigraz.ac.at
Background:
Adverse reactions after cosmetic lip augmentation with synthetic implant materials include inflammation, infection, and extrusion of and foreign body reaction to the implant. Clinically, all of them are characterized by pain, erythema, swelling, and formation of papules and/or pustules.
Objective:
To describe an unusual herpes simplex virus infection in a 48-year-old female patient after cosmetic lip augmentation with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene threads clinically resembling a foreign body reaction.
Methods:
Case report and literature review.
Results:
A histopathologic examination showed no signs of a foreign body reaction. Instead, herpes simplex virus-specific DNA was demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction from lesional tissue.
Conclusion:
Cosmetic lip augmentation with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene threads may be complicated by a delayed local herpes simplex virus infection clinically mimicking a foreign body reaction to the implant.
