Research Roundup

Claudia McGloin

Almost every injectable treatment with dermal filler has reported granulomatous foreign body reactions (GFBR). Such granulomatosis is uncommon; however, when they occur, they can cause substantial discomfort and repercussions to both the aesthetic practitioner and the patient.

A recent study on platelet-rich plasma reported positive results from the treatment despite a lack of randomsed controlled trials

The aim of this study was to look at whether immunomodulation alongside low doses of methotrexate was effective in treating GFBR to filler material. The study took the clinical cases of four patients with severe GFBR to non-biodegradable fillers that was resistant to treatment. They were successfully treated with 10–15 mg of either oral or subcutaneous methotrexate once per week for 6 months. For the first month, adverse occurrences were monitored throughout the treatment once a week, and then once a month for the last 5 months.

Four women with nodularity of the face were part of the study and were treated for 6 months. Following injection of the filler, the delay ranged from 17 to 30 years. The results showed that one patient's inflammatory lesions were followed by dental care, and, following 10–15 mg of methotrexate once per week for 6 months, all patients were cleared.