Safety and Efficacy of Dermal Fillers in Patients with Connective Tissue Disease: A Review

Cristian D. Gonzalez, Jarod John Pamatmat, Heather W. Goff

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUNDDermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid, poly-l-lactic acid, and polymethyl-methacrylate are often used to treat cutaneous defects such as lipoatrophy. However, concern exists regarding their use in patients with a connective tissue disease (CTD) because of a theoretical risk of disease reactivation or exacerbation. Evidence regarding their use in patients with CTD also remains limited.OBJECTIVEThis review intends to summarize and evaluate the available literature regarding the use of dermal fillers in patients with CTD.MATERIALS AND METHODSA literature search until May 2020 was conducted through PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid Embase to identify articles discussing the treatment of cutaneous defects secondary to CTD. Articles discussing the use of autologous fat transfer alone were excluded.RESULTSTwenty-three articles were reviewed. The amount of available evidence varies between the type of CTD and type of filler with morphea having the most published evidence out of the CTDs discussed and hyaluronic acid having the most published evidence out of the fillers discussed. Most studies demonstrated positive results with no report of disease reactivation or exacerbation.CONCLUSIONDespite limited available evidence, dermal fillers seem to be safe as an adjunctive treatment for cutaneous defects in patients with CTD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)360-364
Number of pages5
JournalDermatologic Surgery
Volume47
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Dermatology

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