Persistent inflammatory reaction to hyaluronic acid gel: a case report

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Cosmetic Surgery
• Material Science

Background:

• Soft tissue augmentation is a common cosmetic procedure.
• Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a widely used dermal filler due to its biocompatibility and low immunogenicity.
• HA fillers are frequently employed for facial rejuvenation, including correction of melolabial folds.

Observation:

• A patient developed a persistent inflammatory reaction following HA gel injection for melolabial fold correction.
• The reaction manifested as prolonged inflammation at the injection site.
• This adverse event occurred despite the generally safe profile of hyaluronic acid fillers.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a rare but significant complication associated with injectable hyaluronic acid.
• Persistent inflammation can occur even with materials known for their lack of immunogenicity.
• This highlights the importance of recognizing and managing delayed inflammatory responses to HA fillers.

Implications:

• Clinicians should be aware of the potential for persistent inflammatory reactions to HA fillers.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for patient outcomes.
• Further research may be needed to understand the mechanisms behind such rare inflammatory responses.