Effect of facial fillers on post-rhinoplasty oedema- a hypothesis based on literature review.

Abstract

Background: In the quest of achieving younger and media driven facial aesthetics, the use of fillers in the face has recently expanded exponentially. Therefore, it is inevitable that every facial plastic surgeon (FPS) will be facing patients with facial fillers. A consequence of fillers is a sub-optimal/altered lymphatic drainage, which has a direct impact on post-operative oedema following facial surgery including rhinoplasty. In the senior author's experience (AD), it was observed that patients with facial fillers had persistent oedema post-rhinoplasty. This research hypothesizes that prolonged post-rhinoplasty oedema may be related to fillers and aims to gather evidence from the literature to support this hypothesis. It also investigates whether fillers compromise lymphatic drainage.

Methods: A narrative review was performed on selective articles based on fillers and post-rhinoplasty oedema. Then, it is methodologically analyzed to look for a standard theory and categorize it throughout the discussion.

Discussion: Theoretically, with inherent characteristics of hydrophilic nature, hardness, volume and back-flow phenomena, fillers can lead to prolonged oedema. Additionally, they can either directly block or indirectly exert pressure on the lymphatic pathways and hinder drainage.

Conclusion: This research findings support the hypothesis that facial fillers can impact post-operative facial oedema. Future research is required to objectively measure the effect of fillers on facial lymphatic drainage.

Abbreviations: Facial plastic surgeon (FPS), Hyaluronic acid (HA), submandibular (SM), Lymph nodes (LN), ultrasonography (US).

Key words: Hyaluronic acid fillers, dermal oedema, prolonged post-filler oedema, recurrent oedema, persistent oedema, facial oedema, face lymphatics. 'Conflict of Interest: 'none declared'. No commercial interest or financial support.