Is it safe to use filler such as Juvederm / Hyaluronic Acid with PMMA / Artefill in Lip?

Question

I had a small amount of PMMA filler placed in my upper lip 12 years ago, I have a tiny granuloma now on each side of the lip where it was placed, but the fullness effect in the upper lip from the PMMA went away years ago. My question is, is it possible to apply a small amount of filler in the lip even though I had PMMA in there years ago? The surgeon who did it initially has assured me it’s safe to do so but wanted a second opinion. Thank you!

Nadja Haub, MD · Answer

Hi there,
I am sorry you developed nodules in your lips after PMMA lip filler. As you may already know, PMMA filler is a permanent filler that does not resolve over time. Unfortunately, with this type of dermal filler, complications can occur long after they are injected into the lips. This is one of the main reasons why most health practitioners do not use permanent fillers any more. 
In 2019, a study examined people who developed nodules after PMMA dermal filler treatment. This study showed that the preferred treatment for these nodules is a laser called "neodymium:YAG laser". On top of that, the doctors in this study inserted a small cannula into the nodule and applied suction to it- with or without minor surgery. They believe combining the laser and the cannula suction provided the best results. 
I would suggest you seek help from an experienced plastic surgeon or a cosmetic clinic with experience treating this type of complication. 
Please beware that other types of lip filler can also cause nodules, but often, these require very different treatments, such as antibiotics or steroids.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Artefill/Artesense unfortunately caused small nodules/granulomas in some patients, especially when injected in the lips, so hence why that is never done anymore. That said, you can safely use a hyaluronic acid based filler such as Juvederm to plump the lips and mask the existing granulomas (which will eventually thankfully disappear). The most important thing is to have a highly trained and experienced physician injector treating you (e.g. dermatologist) to optimize safety and results.

Amy Miller, MD · Answer

You bet!  Bellafill does have that tendency when placed in or around a circular muscle  (like the lip area or eye area).  I have had very good results camouflaging the area with hyaluronic acids.  The only problem is the Hyaluronic acids will get absorbed after awhile and you will need to repeat treatments.  The PMMA nodules do seem to get smaller over time.  I have a patient with PMMA bumps around her left eye and HA is working well.  She comes in every 6 to 9 months or so and over the last few years the nodules are smaller and some have gone away.
But to answer your question--yes you can combine the fillers and place filler around PMMA bumps!
Best of luck to you,
Dr. Amy

Is it safe to use filler such as Juvederm / Hyaluronic Acid with PMMA / Artefill in Lip?

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Is it safe to use filler such as Juvederm / Hyaluronic Acid with PMMA / Artefill in Lip?

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Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.