IMAGING APPEARANCES OF FACIAL COSMETIC AUGMENTATIONS AND POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Cosmetic augmentation procedures are used for facial rejuvenation procedures. One category of materials used for augmentation is prefabricated silastic implants. Injectable materials used for augmentation include calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres, which stimulate dermal fibroblast proliferation. In general, these cosmetic procedures are safe, and the rate of complications is low. With increasing use of computed tomography (CT) for a variety of dental applications, the oral and maxillofacial radiologist is likely to encounter patients who have had prior cosmetic augmentations. The radiologist should be familiar with the radiographic appearances and locations of commonly used facial cosmetic augmentation materials, and differentiate these from pathologic entities. <h3>Discussion</h3> We present representative cases to demonstrate the radiographic appearances of facial cosmetic enhancements. These include dermal fillers and silastic implants. The presented cases also illustrate potential complications of these augmentations and their importance to diagnosis of problems in the oral and maxillofacial region. Complications include infection and movement or dislodgement of these grafts. The radiologist should be familiar with the principles of the surgical techniques so that deviations from the natural history of the graft can be promptly recognized and managed as necessary. Depending on severity, surgical intervention may be needed to prevent augmentation instability. Therefore, referral to a physician is necessary for complete evaluation and appropriate treatment. Nevertheless, the purposive contributions of the oral and maxillofacial radiologist provide key insight and support to health care providers in evaluating interval cosmetic augmentation stability.