Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Procedures: Facial Injection Procedures

Area of Science:

• Cosmetic dermatology
• Medical aesthetics
• Minimally invasive procedures

Background:

• Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, particularly injections, represent a rapidly expanding sector of medical practice.
• In 2018, botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid injections were the most frequently performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the U.S.
• Botulinum toxin, a neuromodulator, has multiple serotypes, with A and B being clinically relevant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the common nonsurgical cosmetic injection procedures.
• To discuss the types of injectable dermal fillers and their characteristics.
• To highlight potential complications and the importance of prompt management.

Main Methods:

• Review of common nonsurgical cosmetic injection procedures.
• Discussion of various injectable dermal fillers, including hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate.
• Analysis of filler characteristics such as elasticity and viscosity for application suitability.

Main Results:

• Botulinum toxin is frequently used for forehead, glabella, and lateral canthal lines, with transient adverse effects.
• Hyaluronic acid is the most common, hypoallergenic filler, though other types exist.
• Serious complications, including vascular occlusion leading to tissue necrosis or blindness, can occur.

Conclusions:

• Injectable cosmetic procedures are increasingly prevalent.
• Understanding filler properties is key to selecting appropriate agents for specific facial areas.
• Physicians require appropriate training to safely administer these injections and manage potential complications effectively to prevent long-term issues.