Complications after polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) injections in the face: a literature review

Abstract

Objective: This article is a review of the several types of complications due to facial fillers containing polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).

Background: Polymethylmethacrylate facial fillers are used to soften the results of the ageing process and to augment tissue. Although considered safe for the most part by advocates, they have been associated with many adverse reactions such as ecchymosis, haematomas, swelling, itching, erythema, hypertrophic scarring, hypersensitivity, palpable nodules, tissue necrosis, blindness and foreign body granuloma.

Materials and methods: The articles presented in this review are the result of a search and selection of literature from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, which met the inclusion criteria for the study.

Conclusion: Polymethylmethacrylate is widely used because it is inexpensive, readily accessible and simple to apply. However, some complications are severe and permanent and can be confused with other types of stomatological lesions.

Keywords: adverse effects; facial fillers; foreign body reaction; oral medicine; oral pathology; polymethylmethacrylate.