Efficacy of Doppler ultrasound-assisted facial filler injection / 中华医学美学美容杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-assisted facial filler injection, based on the anatomy of facial vessels to prevent intravascular embolization.Methods:From Jan. 2019 to Sep. 2020, 142 patients were treated with facial soft-tissue filler injection (mean age, 39.7 years; 131 female and 11 male). According to the patients＇ own will, autologous fat or hyaluronic acid was applied respectively. When injecting, the assistant could press over the periorbital artery to temporarily occlude the artery, confirmed with Doppler ultrasound, thus reduced the risk of intravascular embolization, and carefully injected with minimal pressure and tiny amount.Results:A total of 142 patients were enrolled in the study, and 54 patients were treated with autologous fat grafting, while 88 patients were injected with hyaluronic acid. The injection sites included forehead, temple, glabella, nasal root, tear trough, nasolabial fold, cheek, chin, and lips. Facial rejuvenation improvement was satisfied with a smooth contour and proper augmentation. No vascular embolization occurred. 9 patients received a second or third round fat grafting to achieve better outcome. Follow-up duration ranged from 1 month to 6 months.Conclusions:With ultrasound assistant, digital pressure over the orbital artery could temporarily occlude the artery and may reduce the risk of intravascular embolization. The simple technique may add a significant benefit with no additional cost or risk to the patients.