Effect of facial fillers on post-rhinoplasty edema: A hypothesis based on literature review

Journal article


Maamari, Salwa Al, Vansteelant, G., Appan, Shirrushtii and D'Souza, Alwyn 2024. Effect of facial fillers on post-rhinoplasty edema: A hypothesis based on literature review. Facial Plastic Surgery. 41 (05), pp. 689-694. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2466-1407
AuthorsMaamari, Salwa Al, Vansteelant, G., Appan, Shirrushtii and D'Souza, Alwyn
AbstractAbstractThe quest to achieve younger and media-driven facial aesthetics has resulted in an exponential increase in the use of facial fillers. Inevitably, this has meant that it is now commonplace for facial plastic surgeons to have patients with fillers in the face. In the senior author's experience (A.R.D.), it was observed that patients with facial fillers experienced persistent edema post-rhinoplasty. It was, therefore, hypothesized that this prolonged edema may be related to fillers affecting the lymphatic drainage impacting postoperative edema following facial surgery.This article aims to gather evidence from wider literature to support the hypothesis that fillers do indeed compromise lymphatic drainage. A narrative literature review was performed using selective articles on fillers and post-rhinoplasty edema. A methodological analysis was then followed to develop a standard theory characterized through the discussion.It is theorized that due to their hydrophilic characteristics, hardness, volume, and backflow phenomena, hyaluronic acid fillers can lead to prolonged edema. In addition, they can either directly block or indirectly exert pressure on the lymphatic pathways and hinder drainage.The research findings support the hypothesis that facial fillers impact postoperative facial edema. Further research is required to objectively measure the effect of fillers on facial lymphatic drainage.The level of evidence is IV.
KeywordsFacial fillers; Facial swelling; Plastic surgery
Year2024
JournalFacial Plastic Surgery
Journal citation41 (05), pp. 689-694
PublisherGeorg Thieme Verlag KG
ISSN0736-6825
1098-8793
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2466-1407
Official URLhttps://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2466-1407
Publication dates
Online03 Dec 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted07 Nov 2024
Deposited27 Nov 2024
Output statusPublished
Additional information

Publications router.

Permalink -

https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/99v6w/effect-of-facial-fillers-on-post-rhinoplasty-edema-a-hypothesis-based-on-literature-review

  • 99
    total views
  • 0
    total downloads
  • 17
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Bridging the gap in rhinoplasty training: The effectiveness of 3D-printed models in surgical education
Rehman, Umar, Polglase, Natasha, Kahn, D., Dogan, Teoman, Paun, Santdeep, D'Souza, A., Uppal, Rajan, Eynon-Lewis, Nick and Lechner, Matt 2025. Bridging the gap in rhinoplasty training: The effectiveness of 3D-printed models in surgical education. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaf045
Facial fillers and surgical rhinoplasty: Cross-sectional study
Vansteelant, G. and D'Souza, A. 2025. Facial fillers and surgical rhinoplasty: Cross-sectional study. Facial Plastic Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2535-0108
Assessing the quality and readability of online patient information: ENT UK patient information e-leaflets versus responses by a generative artificial intelligence
Shamil, E., Ko, Tsz Ki, Fan, K., Schuster-Bruce, James, Jaafar, Mustafa, Khwaja, Sadie, Eynon-Lewis, Nicholas, D'Souza, Alwyn and Andrews, Peter 2024. Assessing the quality and readability of online patient information: ENT UK patient information e-leaflets versus responses by a generative artificial intelligence. Facial Plastic Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2413-3675
“Comprehensive Rhinoplasty: Structural and Preservation Concepts” by Sam P. Most
Vansteelant, Géraldine and D'Souza, Alwyn Ray 2024. “Comprehensive Rhinoplasty: Structural and Preservation Concepts” by Sam P. Most. Facial Plastic Surgery. 40 (06), pp. 803-804. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-1786186
Myomodulation using botulinum toxin in septorhinoplasty for crooked noses: Introducing the concept and application of Nasal Muscle Imbalance Theory (NMIT)
Wong, E. and D'Souza, Alwyn Ray 2023. Myomodulation using botulinum toxin in septorhinoplasty for crooked noses: Introducing the concept and application of Nasal Muscle Imbalance Theory (NMIT). Facial Plastic Surgery. 40 (01), pp. 052-060. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2047-7179
Update on the role of emerging stem cell technology in head and neck medicine
Spencer, H., Moshkbouymatin, N. A., Webb, W.R., Joshi, A. and D'Souza, A. 2021. Update on the role of emerging stem cell technology in head and neck medicine. Head and Neck. 43 (6), pp. 1928-1938. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.26674