Granuloma as a complication of polycaprolactone-based dermal filler injection: ultrasound and histopathology studies

ABSTRACT

In aesthetic medicine, there has been an ongoing search for an ideal dermal filler to offer zero complication rate. Polycaprolactone-based dermal filler (PCL) has been available since 2009.

The purpose of the paper was to present a case of granuloma as a complication of PCL injection, which has not been reported so far by other researchers. A 68-year-old female was injected with PCL. One year later, nodules accompanied by bluish skin discoloration developed within the injection site. Ultrasound and histopathology studies were performed. The examinations confirmed the presence of foreign body granuloma after PCL, which makes it the first reported case worldwide. The published data analyses showed general lack of studies and case reports to address this issue. The PCL, like an injection of any soft tissue filler, may lead to serious complications, such as granuloma formation. This makes further research legitimate and necessary.

KEYWORDS:

• Fillers
• foreign body granuloma
• high frequency ultrasound
• polycaprolactone

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Karolina Kalisz in translating and editing the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.