How Can I Remove PMMA Filler from my Cheeks?

asked 1 year ago by Norahh in Venezuella
Latest answer by Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Question viewed 818 times
Tags: PMMA, revision

Hi Drs. 6 years ago i had PMMA injections in my cheeks. 3 months ago, i started having swelling in my cheeks and under my eyes (even though the PMMA was not injected under my eyes). The swelling is increasing day after day, my cheeks feels very warm on touch, i feel pain in my eyes and head. And when i touch the bone under the filling, i feel a small nodule. I asked many doctors in my country, some advised to inject steroids, others to do surgical incision. I'm very worried! Please advise!

6 answers to How Can I Remove PMMA Filler from my Cheeks?

Possiblity of Infection - See a Facial Plastic Surgeon

It sounds like you may have a developing infection and I urge you to see a Facial Plastic Surgeon, ENT, Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon for evaluation ASAP. PMMA is a permanent filler and can't be removed except by removing (typically through liposuction) the fatty tissues within which the PMMA was injected. That's why I prefer to use Cheek Implants or a temporary filler like Perlane and Radiesse for Cheek Augmentation.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

drfrancispalmer.com

The disasters of Artefil and Artecoll

The are injectable beads of plexiglass that should never made it on the market place. There were highly endorsed by Alastair Carruthers who practiced medicine for companies such as Allergan,Medicis and Artes without a green card or a US License of any type.He together with William Coleman controlled virtually all cosmetic misinformation in the Journal Dermatologic Surgery. As I stated, "As injectable fillers become mainstream it is no surprise people are looking for longer lasting... more

Arnold W. Klein, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

Removal of PMMA filler from cheeks

This problem is not one observed with hyaluronic acid fillers which can be readily dissolved with hyaluronic acid. With a permanent filler, come potentially permanent problems. That said, I'd consider injecting kenalog (cortisone) to see if that helps, or otherwise even normal saline to see if it can be broken up. With the swelling and pain, I'd first consider an oral antibiotic for 4-6 weeks, and then even consider a short course of prednisone for the swelling. If things don't... more

Benjamin Barankin, MD
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon

Removal of PMMA after Injection in Cheeks

PMMA crystals are permanent spheres injected into the skin in a gel which ultimately absorbs. In the United States the most commonly used product is called Artifill. Unfortunately it sounds like you have developed an infectiion or a reaction to the material which is still in your skin. Antibiotics will be necessary; removal should be considered, but this is extremely difficult.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Swelling with PMMA

PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) is a filler similar to acrylic. Unfortunately, there is no perfect filler. The great thing about juvederm and restylane is that they are not permanent. Thus, if you hate your results, the injector can evacuate the filler or wait for it to resorb. The great thing about PMMA is that it is semi-permanent. This can also be a bad thing, as you've seen. The swelling and redness you're experiencing sounds like a low... more