Minimizing tissue damage due to filler injection with systemic hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Plastic Surgery
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Hyaluronic acid fillers are popular for cosmetic enhancement.
• Complications, though rare, can include vascular occlusion and tissue necrosis.
• Systemic hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is increasingly explored for various medical conditions.

Observation:

• A 43-year-old female developed severe nasal, philtral, and upper lip necrosis.
• The necrosis resulted from retrograde arterial occlusion post-nasolabial fold hyaluronic acid filler injection.
• The patient underwent 43 sessions of HBOT over 47 days.

Findings:

• HBOT was administered at 2.8 ATA for 135 minutes initially, then 2.0 ATA for 110 minutes per session.
• The treatment aimed to mitigate soft tissue damage and promote healing.
• The case demonstrates a potential therapeutic application of HBOT in managing filler-induced complications.

Implications:

• This case serves as a warning about the potential risks associated with hyaluronic acid filler injections.
• It suggests that early intervention with systemic hyperbaric oxygen therapy may minimize severe soft tissue damage.
• Further research into HBOT protocols for managing filler-related vascular complications is warranted.