POCUS in the Management of Complications with Barbed Polydioxanone (PDO) Threads in Aesthetic Medicine: Case Report

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is becoming an essential tool in aesthetic medicine, allowing clinicians to evaluate tissues in real time and respond promptly to complications. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman with diabetes who developed swelling, pain, and purulent drainage shortly after undergoing nonsurgical rhinoplasty with hyaluronic acid and polydioxanone (PDO) threads. POCUS quickly revealed an abscess surrounding a thread knot as well as additional fluid collections along the nasal dorsum. These findings guided the surgical plan and enabled real-time visualization during thread removal, improving safety and ensuring complete extraction. Histology later confirmed granulomatous inflammation. The patient recovered without further issues. This case illustrates how POCUS can assist in diagnosing and guiding the treatment of aesthetic complications, reinforcing its value as a simple, non-invasive tool that enhances patient safety and outcomes in everyday clinical practice.