Lip augmentation dermal filler reactions, histopathologic features

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
• Dermatopathology
• Histopathology

Background:

• Perioral and labial foreign body reactions are often linked to injectable dermal fillers.
• Accurate identification of filler materials is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile histopathologic characteristics of various injectable dermal fillers.
• To enable pathologists to identify inciting materials in foreign body reactions.

Main Methods:

• Review of archival cases of perioral/labial foreign body reactions.
• Histologic examination including Alcian blue staining and immunohistochemistry (CD68, S-100, AE1/AE2).
• Analysis of host tissue responses and foreign material morphology.

Main Results:

• Natural (collagen, hyaluronate, hydroxyapatite, poly-L-lactate) and synthetic (carboxymethyl cellulose, dimethylpolysiloxane, polyethyl methacrylate) fillers induce unique histologic features.
• Host responses varied, including nodules, inflammation, and granulomas.
• Dermal filler morphology and host reactions are distinct and microscopically differentiable.

Conclusions:

• Histopathologic analysis allows for the differentiation of various dermal fillers based on their unique features.
• Understanding these unique features aids in diagnosing foreign body reactions to lip augmentation materials.