Objectives: In this paper, I describe a method of real-time ultrasound imaging of the face while injecting hyaluronic acid (HA), referring illustratively to temple and lateral forehead augmentation using HA fillers.
Introduction: Several recently published articles describe the examination of facial vessels prior to these injections.
To my knowledge, this paper is the first to describe the real-time ultrasound examination during filler application.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging tool that, in this case, enables us to bring all fillers, vessels, and needles or cannulas into sight very well.
Using the temple as illustrative region, I describe the technique, also showing videos and pictures to visibly elucidate the process.
Materials / method: Using an ultrasound device with a 8MHz probe, a 23g cannula is superficially inserted into the temple and forehead region. Arteries, veins, and cannula are made visible by using color doppler ultrasound.
The plane in which the cannula is inserted is located and the injection can start slowly. One can see the injected filler, as well as the vessels, live while the fluid is entering the temple region.
Using the color doppler ultrasound, the HA filler is visible as a hypoechoic mass. The procedure has been filmed, and will be shown in the presentation.
Results: In my experience, using real-time ultrasound while injecting, can be considered a safe and satisfying technique: at no point does one need to fear injecting HA into an artery. The vessels, cannula, and HA are all clearly visible.
It is possible to learn and develop the technique in a reasonable amount of time.
Conclusion: After having learnt and mastered the technique, color doppler ultrasound can be used very well in HA filler treatment.
It is possible to learn this technique within reasonable time, and considering that ultrasound devices are becoming more and more affordable, it can now be used in special cases, such as after facelifts or in treating anxious patients- Especially, since cases of vessel occlusion are increasingly reported in the media.
Real-time ultrasound is also of interest for injectors, trying to get even a deeper knowledge of the patients’ individual anatomy.
Declaraciones
¿Ha recibido algún tipo de financiamiento para realizar su investigación sobre esta temática?
No
¿Ha recibido algún pago, honorario u otra compensación por su trabajo acerca de esta investigación?
No
¿Tiene vínculos financieros con alguna entidad que podría llegar a competir estrechamente con los medicamentos, materiales o instrumentos tratados en su investigación?
No
¿Posee o ha solicitado una patente relacionada a los materiales, productos o instrumentos utilizados en su investigación?
No
Este trabajo no cuenta con el apoyo de ningún financiamiento directo o indirecto. El autor asume plena responsabilidad sobre el mismo.