Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen in Filler-Induced Vascular Occlusion

  • Review
  • Non-Surgical Procedures
  • Published:
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

The rising incidence of filler-induced vascular complications in the context of aesthetic procedures necessitates a thorough assessment of therapeutic options. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a potential intervention for filler-induced vascular occlusion (FIVO), although optimal dosing and timing remain undefined.

Methods

This review explores the pathophysiology of FIVO and elucidates HBOT's multifaceted role in salvaging ischemic tissue. The physical and biochemical mechanisms of HBOT, including its vasodilatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects, are examined.

Results

HBOT serves as an adjunctive therapy in FIVO management, emphasizing timely intervention, adherence to specific pressures (two atmosphere absolute), and session durations (60 minutes) to optimize efficacy and minimize complications. While existing HBOT protocols for compromised grafts provide insights, standardized guidelines for FIVO are lacking.

Conclusion

HBOT enhances tissue oxygenation, modulates reactive oxygen species, and influences angiogenesis and hypoxia response. However, it does not replace key treatment protocols for filler vascular complications. Further research and standardized protocols are warranted to define HBOT's definitive role in mitigating filler-induced vascular complications.

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.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Soares DJMD (2022) Bridging a century-old problem: the pathophysiology and molecular interventions. Molecules 27(17):5398. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175398

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Heydenrych I, De Boulle K, Kapoor KM, Bertossi D (2021) The 10-point plan 2021: updated concepts for improved procedural safety during facial filler treatments. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 6(14):779–814. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S315711

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Mathieu D, Marroni A, Kot J (2017) Tenth European Consensus Conference on Hyperbaric Medicine: recommendations for accepted and non-accepted clinical indications and practice of hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Diving Hyperb Med 47(1):24–32

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  4. Moon RE (2019) Hyperbaric oxygen theraphy indications, 14th edn. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society

  5. Sociedad Americana de Cirujanos Plásticos (2020) Informe de estadísticas de cirugía plástica

  6. The Aesthetic Society (2022) The procedural statistics of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank Statistics for 2022

  7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2021) FDA executive summary general issues panel meeting on dermal fillers 2021

  8. De la Guardia C, Virno A, Musumeci M, Bernardin A, Silberberg MB (2022) Rheologic and physicochemical characteristics of hyaluronic acid fillers: overview and relationship to product performance. Facial Plast Surg 38(2):116–123. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1741560

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Chiang C, Zhou S, Liu K (2016) Intravenous hyaluronidase with urokinase as treatment for arterial hyaluronic acid embolism. Plast Reconstr Surg 137(1):114–121. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000001931

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Nie F, Xie H, Wang G, An Y (2019) Risk comparison of filler embolism between polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and hyaluronic acid (HA). Aesthet Plast Surg 43(3):853–860. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-019-01320-w

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. De la Motte C, Nigro J, Vasanji A, Rho H, Kessler S, Bandyopadhyay S, Danese S, Fiocchi C, Stern R (2009) Platelet-derived hyaluronidase 2 cleaves hyaluronan into fragments that trigger monocyte-mediated production of proinflammatory cytokines. Am J Pathol 174(6):2254–2264. https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2009.080831

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Lima VGF, Regattieri NAT, Pompeu MF, Costa IMC (2019) External vascular compression by hyaluronic acid filler documented with high-frequency ultrasound. J Cosmet Dermatol 18(6):1629–1631. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12901

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Schelke LW, Velthuis P, Kadouch J, Swift A (2023) Early ultrasound for diagnosis and treatment of vascular adverse events with hyaluronic acid fillers. J Am Acad Dermatol 88(1):79–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2019.07.032

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Jajoria H, Venkataram A, Mysore V (2020) Importance of choke vessels in injectable fillers. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 13(3):185–190. https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_73_19

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Taylor GI, Corlett RJ, Ashton MW (2017) The functional angiosome: clinical implications of the anatomical concept. Plast Reconstr Surg 140(4):721–733. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000003694

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Hwang K (2016) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to avoid blindness from filler injection. J Craniofac Surg 27(8):2154–2155. https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000003089

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Mori K, Ohta K, Nagano S, Toshinori M, Yago T, Ichinose Y (2007) A case of ophthalmic artery obstruction following autologous fat injection in the glabellar area. Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 111(1):22–25

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Nonomura S, Oshitari T, Miura G, Chiba A, Yamamoto S (2014) A case of ophthalmic artery occlusion following injection of hyaluronic acid into the glabellar area. Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 118(9):783–787

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Celebi AR, Kilavuzoglu AE, Altiparmak UE, Cosar CB, Ozkiris A (2016) Hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of the rare combination of central retinal vein occlusion and cilioretinal artery occlusion. Diving Hyperb Med 46(1):50–53

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Hayreh SS, Weingeist TA (1980) Experimental occlusion of the central artery of the retina. IV: retinal tolerance time to acute ischaemia. Br J Ophthalmol 64(11):818–825. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.64.11.818

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Navarro-Hernandez E, Pérez-López M (2022) Effectiveness of retrobulbar hyaluronidase in the treatment of visual loss caused by periocular hyaluronic acid injection. A systematic review. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol (Engl Ed) 97(9):521–538. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oftale.2022.06.005

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Justice J Jr, Lehmann RP (1976) Cilioretinal arteries: a study based on review of stereo fundus photographs and fluorescein angiographic findings. Arch Ophthalmol 94(8):1355–1358. https://doi.org/10.1001/archopht.1976.03910040227015

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Wang RS (1991) Cilioretinal arteries under fundus fluorescein angiography. Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi 27(4):219–220

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Stoffelns BM, Laspas P (2015) Cilioretinal artery occlusion. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 232(4):519–524. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1396327

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Patz A (1955) Oxygen inhalation in retinal arterial occlusion; a preliminary report. Am J Ophthalmol 40(6):789–795. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9394(55)91107-7

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Weaver LK (ed) (2014) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy indications: the hyperbaric oxygen therapy committee report, 13th edn. Best Publishing Company, North Palm Beach

    Google Scholar 

  27. Basset B, Bennett P (1977) Introduction to the physical and physiological basis of hyperbaric therapy o Title. In: Davis J, Hunt T (eds) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, Betesda, pp 11–24

    Google Scholar 

  28. Krogh A (1919) The number and distribution of capillaries in muscles with calculations of the oxygen pressure head necessary for supplying the tissue. J Phisiol 52:409–415

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Kawamura M, Sakakibara K, Yusa T (1978) Effect of increased oxygen on peripheral circulation in acute, temporary limb hypoxia. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 19(2):161–168

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Rosas RR, Flanagan CE, Odland RM (2007) R109: Reduction of edema with hyperbaric gas-induced osmosis. Otolaryngol–Head and Neck Surg 137(2_suppl):P188

    Google Scholar 

  31. Shinomiya N, Asai Y (2020) Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy [internet]. In: Shinomiya N, Asai Y (eds) Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Springer, Singapore, pp 6–7

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  32. Steenebruggen F, Jacobs D, Delporte C, Van Antwerpen P, Boudjeltia KZ, Biston P et al (2023) Hyperbaric oxygenation improve red blood cell deformability in patients with acute or chronic inflammation. Microvasc Res 148:104534

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Thom SR (2009) Oxidative stress is fundamental to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. J Appl Physiol 106(3):988–995

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Hadanny A, Efrati S (2020) The hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox. Biomolecules 10(6):958

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  35. Wang GL, Semenza GL (1993) Characterization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and regulation of DNA binding activity by hypoxia. J Biol Chem 268(29):21513–21518

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Kleban S, Baynosa RC (2020) The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on compromised grafts and flaps. Undersea Hyperb Med 47(4):635–648. https://doi.org/10.22462/10.12.2020.13

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Jones MW, Cooper JS (2023) Hyperbaric therapy for skin grafts and flaps. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island

  38. Memar MY, Yekani M, Alizadeh N, Baghi HB (2019) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: antimicrobial mechanisms and clinical application for infections. Biomed Pharmacother 109:440–447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.142

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Bumah VV, Whelan HT, Masson-Meyers DS, Quirk B, Buchmann E, Enwemeka CS (2015) El efecto bactericida de la luz de 470 nm y el oxígeno hiperbárico en el Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina (MRSA). Láseres Med Ciencia 30(3):1153–1159

    Google Scholar 

  40. Kellogg RH (1978) La pression barométrique: Paul Bert’s hypoxia theory and its critics. Respir Physiol 34(1):1–28

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Sheffield PJ (2004) How the Davis 2.36 ATA wound healing enhancement treatment table was established. Undersea Hyperb Med 31(2):193–194

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Boerema I, Brummelkamp W, Meijne N (1964) Clinical application of hyperbaric oxygen. Elsevier, New York, p 427

    Google Scholar 

  43. Madero J, Salvador M (2022) Capítulo 15. Intoxicaciones por gases respiratorios y otros. In: Marin MS (ed) Manual de Medicina Subacuática. Amazing BooKs

  44. Celebi ARC (2021) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for central retinal artery occlusion: patient selection and perspectives. Clin Ophthalmol 13(15):3443–3457. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S224192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Murphy-Lavoie H, Butler F, Hagan C (2012) Central retinal artery occlusion treated with oxygen: a literature review and treatment algorithm. Undersea Hyperb Med 39(5):943–953

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Henderson R, Reilly DA, Cooper JS (2018) Hyperbaric oxygen for ischemia due to injection of cosmetic fillers: case report and issues. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 6(1):e1618. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001618

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  47. Oley MH, Oley MC, Mawu FO, Aling DMR, Faruk M (2022) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in managing minimally invasive aesthetic procedure complications: a report of three cases. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 14(15):63–68. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S344408

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Worley N, Lupo M, Holcomb K, Kullman G, Elahi E, Elison J (2020) Hyperbaric oxygen treatment of keratitis following facial hyaluronic acid injection. Ochsner J. 20(2):193–196. https://doi.org/10.31486/toj.18.0133

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  49. Jalilian F, Hetz SP, Bostwick J, Boet S (2022) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of a late presenting ischaemic complication from hyaluronic acid cosmetic filler injection. BMJ Case Rep 15(7):e249190. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2022-249190

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Simman R, Bach K (2022) Role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in ischemic soft tissue wounds: a case series. Eplasty 22:e61

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Hong WT, Kim J, Kim SW (2019) Minimizing tissue damage due to filler injection with systemic hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Arch Craniofac Surg 20(4):246–250. https://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2019.00059

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  52. Wang HC, Wang Y, Long X, Wang X (2021) Mandibular osteomyelitis after hyaluronic acid injection. J Cosmet Dermatol 20(2):457–459. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13575

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Uittenbogaard D, Lansdorp CA, Bauland CG, Boonstra O (2019) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for dermal ischemia after dermal filler injection with calcium hydroxylapatite: a case report. Undersea Hyperb Med 46(2):207–210

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Alves DD, Menezes HS, Chacur R, Mafaldo RC, Chacur NMBDS, Gomes LD, Nardi R, de Castro GAM, Borges VPB, Gomes MGD (2021) Vascular complications with injection implants: treatment with hyperbaric chamber. Case Rep Plast Surg Hand Surg 8(1):81–86. https://doi.org/10.1080/23320885.2021.1933492

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. McGuire LK, Hale EK, Godwin LS (2013) Post-filler vascular occlusion: a cautionary tale and emphasis for early intervention. J Drugs Dermatol 12(10):1181–1183

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Rodriguez-Valera A, Nieto-Lopez F (2023) Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy improve recovery in early or late vascular occlusion generates by tissue fillers. J Cosmet Dermatol. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15677

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Kruize RGF, Teguh DN, van Hulst RA (2020) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in hyaluronic acid filler-induced dermal ischemia. Dermatol Surg 46(12):1755–1757. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000002109

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Darling MD, Peterson JD, Fabi SG (2014) Impending necrosis after injection of hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite fillers: report of 2 cases treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Dermatol Surg 40(9):1049–1052. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.DSS.0000452637.52575.16

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Fakih-Gomez N, Porcar Plana CA, Verano-Garcia A, Muñoz-Gonzalez C, Kadouch J (2023) Updated filler emergency kit: next-generation emergency solution. Aesthetic Plast Surg. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03722-3

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

None of the authors received any funding or financial support for the content of this article.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nabil Fakih-Gomez.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors N.F. and J.K. are both consultants for Merz Aesthetics (Frankfurt, Germany).

Animal and human rights

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

Informed consent

For this study, formal consents were not needed.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Madero, J., Salvador, M., Kadouch, J. et al. Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen in Filler-Induced Vascular Occlusion. Aesth Plast Surg (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-03920-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-03920-7

Keywords

Navigation