External vascular compression by hyaluronic acid filler documented with high-frequency ultrasound

We present a case report of a hyaluronic acid filler-induced complication documented using high-frequency ultrasound. We regard the scientific value of the case as indicating the benefit that ultrasound provides for the management and documentation of this complication. This technology has been becoming increasingly widespread in the care of patients who experience unwanted effects of hyaluronic acid filler because it can be used for the high-resolution visualization of skin layers as well as the differentiation of filler types and their relationships with adjacent tissues (via gray scale or B-mode ultrasound) and blood vessels (via color Doppler ultrasound). In addition, it was possible to conclude that external vascular compression causes clinical repercussions, a fact that is often questioned by some dermatologists. This questioning is based on the vast vascularization and anastomosis of arteries of the face, which should permit compensation for vascular compression. However, in this case, there was no doubt that compression caused a region of low output with the clinical manifestation of peri-oral pallor. Ultrasound was used to document the compression of a vessel by the filler; after application of hyaluronidase, increased vessel lumen and clinical reversal of hypoperfusion in the affected area were observed.