ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ultrasound imaging is a useful tool to study the injection of fillers and biostimulators in the body. OBJECTIVE: Sonographically evaluate real-time injections of fillers and biostimulators and describe their behavior in the subcutaneous tissue of the buttocks of fresh-frozen specimen. METHODS: injection of two brands of high-density hyaluronic acid (HA), one brand of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), one brand of hybrid injectable (CaHa + HA), one brand of polycaprolactone (PCL) and three brands of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) were performed in the subcutaneous tissue of the gluteal region under ultrasonography visualization on a fresh-frozen specimen. Videos during injection and static images immediately after injection were obtained. The sonographic aspects of the substances and their dispersion and interaction with the surrounding tissues were described. RESULTS: Real-time ultrasound showed different dispersion patterns of the two brands of HA, CaHA, hybrid injectable (CaHa + HA) and the three brands of PLLA. The sonographic aspects among the brands of PLLA were also different. CONCLUSIONS: The dynamic ultrasound evaluation of the injection of HA, CaHA, hybrid injectable (CaHa + HA), PCL and PLLA in a fresh-frozen specimen shed some light on their aspects and dispersion pattern in the buttock. If these patterns are confirmed in further studies in vivo, there will be a positive impact on the selection and development of safer and more effective techniques to enhance buttock contour.
