Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 27, 2025

Microvascular Embolism Mouse Model for In Vivo Two-photon Microscopy Using Fluorescent Polystyrene Microspheres
Published on: November 21, 2025
Generation of Filler Emboli as a Mechanism for Filler-Related Blindness
Shoaib Ugradar1, Stefania Diniz, Jonathan Hoenig
1All authors are affiliated with the Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
Background:
Intra-arterial injection of fillers can lead to occlusion of the ophthalmic artery or its branches supplying the retina or the optic nerve. The mechanism through which this occurs is incompletely understood. We investigated the possibility of generating microparticles after injecting commercially available fillers into a flowing system in vitro.
Methods:
Three hyaluronic acid fillers and one calcium hydroxylapatite filler were injected into an artificial saline flow system mimicking arterial systolic blood pressure and corresponding to the diameter of the facial artery. All the saline at the end of the tube was collected, centrifuged, and inspected for filler particles.
Results:
After injection into the system, all fillers immediately disintegrated into small particles that were carried downstream with the flow of the saline. The saline at the end of the tube contained collections of filler.
Conclusion:
Hyaluronic acid and hydroxylapatite fillers break up into small particles immediately after injection into a flowing system, generating emboli rather than a column of filler. The results of this study lead us to hypothesize another potential mechanism leading to filler-related blindness.
More Related Videos
10:16Retrograde Perfusion and Filling of Mouse Coronary Vasculature as Preparation for Micro Computed Tomography Imaging
Published on: February 10, 2012
07:13An Alternative and Validated Injection Method for Accessing the Subretinal Space via a Transcleral Posterior Approach
Published on: December 7, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Mechanism of Angiogenesis
Glaucoma: Overview