Adverse effects after use of polyacrylamide gel as a facial soft tissue filler.

Abstract

Although the "perfect" filler material to correct soft tissue facial defects, wrinkles, and scars has not yet been found, ideal characteristics for such a substance may be considered as the following: permanent, inert, malleable, easily injectable, quick to metabolize, not prone to infection, affordable, removable, nonmigratory, and not associated with any disorder or disease state as shown by clinical and paraclinical studies. The authors present an evaluation of patients undergoing treatment for facial wrinkles or soft tissue defects by injection of polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) and analyze outcomes on the basis of the incidence of moderate to severe complications. A retrospective study was performed, including history taking, physical examination, and follow-up of 542 patients who received facial injections of PAAG. Of 542 patients, 42 (7.7%) experienced complications such as swelling, abscess formation, lumpiness, change in facial appearance, change in gel location after injection, and sensitivity. The authors recommend that complications from treatment with PAAG be studied further before widespread use of this soft tissue filler.