High-Frequency Ultrasound of Facial Filler Materials in the Nasolabial Groove

Background: Various dermal fillers are often used for nasolabial groove filling. High-frequency ultrasonography might be a valuable tool for assessing facial filler materials.

Methods: The facial ultrasound images of plastic surgery hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from November 2014 to November 2021 were analyzed and judged.

Results: A total of 94 patients who underwent high-frequency ultrasound with a nasolabial groove filler were included in the study. Hyaluronic acid was detected in 35 cases, polyacrylamide in 34 cases, lipofilling in 10 cases, silicon oil in seven cases, calcium hydroxyapatite in six cases, and silicone implant in two cases. The ultrasonic performance of hyaluronic acid was divided into four types: aggregation, diffusion, mixed pattern, and associated infection; of polyacrylamide was divided into five types: aggregation and inclusion, aggregation and non-inclusion, diffusion, mixed pattern, and associated infection; and of lipofilling was divided into four types: aggregation, diffusion, fat liquefaction necrosis, and cystic change. Echo intensity, echo characteristics, boundary clarity, fluidity, and blood flow signals can be used as the basis for identifying filler materials.

Conclusion: High-frequency ultrasound has an identification significance for the filling materials in the area of nasolabial groove.

Level of evidence iv: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .