Polymethylmethacrylate Facial Implant: A Successful Personal Experience in Brazil for More Than 9 Years.

Dermatol Surg. 2009 May 12; Carvalho Costa IM, Salaro CP, Costa MCBACKGROUND Synthetic permanent fillers for soft-tissue augmentation have acquired an important role in cosmetic improvement of patients with facial aging, facial atrophic scars, or lipoatrophy leading to facial defects. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a filler introduced to the market as one option for long-lasting treatment. PMMA microspheres are purified, and the particles are larger than 20 mum. The product used as a filler has proven to be safe, effective, and long lasting. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy and safety of PMMA as a facial filler. METHODS Two hundred sixty-six patients (aged 17-72; 154 women) received injections of PMMA to correct facial defects. The number of sessions ranged from one to four, with an interval of 40 to 60 days between applications. RESULTS Seventy-nine subjects (30%) had facial atrophy related to HIV infection, 159 (60%) had photoaging signs with deep wrinkles and atrophic areas, 25 (9%) had depressive scars from acne process, and three (1%) had residual depressions from lupus profundus. The results were satisfactory and long lasting. Side effects were transient. No late complications were observed. CONCLUSION PMMA used for the treatment of atrophy, depressions, and facial wrinkles has been shown to be effective, long lasting, safe, and gratifying to patients and physicians. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.