Xanthelasma-Like Reaction to Filler Injection.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe a new complication of a xanthelasma-like reaction which appeared after dermal filler injection in the lower eyelid region. METHODS: A retrospective case analysis was performed on 7 patients presenting with xanthelasma-like reaction after filler injection to the lower eyelids. RESULTS: Seven female subjects with no history of xanthelasma presented with xanthelasma-like reaction in the lower eyelids post filler injection. Fillers included hyaluronic acid (2 patients), synthetic calcium hydroxyapatite (4 patients), and polycaprolactone microspheres (one patient). Average time interval between filler injection and development of xanthelasma-like reaction was 12 months (range: 6-18 months). Treatment included steroid injections, 5FU injections, ablative or fractionated CO2 laser, and direct excision. Pathology confirmed the lesion was a true xanthelasma in one patient. In treated patients, there was subtotal resolution after laser. Xanthelasma-like reaction resolved completely after direct excision. Three patients elected to have no treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Previously there has been one reported case of xanthelasma after filler injection. This case series is the largest to date. Furthermore, this series is notable because xanthelasma-like reactions appeared after injection with 3 different types of fillers. None of the patients had evidence of xanthelasma prefiller injection. The precise mechanism by which filler injection can lead to the formation of xanthelasma-like reaction is unclear. A possible mechanism may be related to binding of low-density lipoprotein and internalization by macrophages. Further investigation is required. Nevertheless, physicians performing filler injections should be aware of this new complication and treatment options.

Prospective, open-label, 18-month trial of calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for facial soft-tissue augmentation in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-associated lipoatrophy: one-year durability.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of soft-tissue augmentation of calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) in patients with facial lipoatrophy secondary to human immunodeficiency virus disease. METHODS: This 18-month, prospective, open-label, multicenter clinical trial of calcium hydroxylapatite for soft-tissue augmentation of patients with facial lipoatrophy enrolled 100 subjects (94 men and six women). RESULTS: Correction of facial lipoatrophy was evaluated by comparing changes from baseline using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, with confirmation using standardized photography. All 100 patients were determined to be improved or better at 3 months. Secondary effectiveness endpoints-improvement at 6 months on the scale and skin thickness measurements at 3 and 6 months-were also met. Twelve-month data and 18-month scale scores were also available. One hundred percent of assessable patients were rated as improved or better on the scale at every time point through 12 months; 91 percent were improved or better at 18 months. "Yes" responses to all patient satisfaction questions ranged from 97 percent to 100 percent at every evaluation through 12 months. In addition, skin thickness measurements at 12 months remained statistically better than those at baseline. Eighteen-month patient satisfaction and skin thickness measurements were not available at the time of submission. Adverse events reported through 12 months were generally mild (ecchymosis, edema, erythema, pain, and pruritus), not unexpected, and generally short in duration. Eighteen-month safety data were not available at the time of submission. CONCLUSIONS: Radiesse is an appropriate and well-tolerated treatment for patients with facial lipoatrophy. It demonstrates an excellent safety profile, causes immediate augmentation of the soft tissues, and appears to provide relatively long-lasting improvement in appearance, with very high patient satisfaction.