Does my butt look firm... or inflammed?

Complications of Polymethylmethacrylate injections

1) What is it?
PMMA is a synthetic material that was first synthesized in 1902 and patented as Plexiglas in 1928. It was initially used in the medical field as bone cement but has gone on to have multiple different uses, including intra-ocular lenses and vertebroplasty. Given its smooth surface, chemical innertness and biocompatibility it has become popular as a dermal filler in cosmetic procedures. There are many commercial fillers containing PMMA, differing in terms of the size of the PMMA spheres and the suspension.


2) How does it work?
PMMA is injected into the dermis. Initially after implantation there is an acute macrophage mediated inflammatory reaction. Permanent results occur when macrophages convert into epitheliod cells that replace the suspension material with fibrin and eventually collagen. However, in a small percentage of cases (pharmaceuticals state less than 2.5%) a nodular granulomatous reaction can occur.

3) Complications:
A study out of the University of Sao Paulo documented and described 32 cases of complications due to PMMA.

• Tissue necrosis: can occur immediately. Caused by disruption of the vascular supply, by injection or compression on vessels.
• Delayed type sensitivity to bovine collagen plus PMMA, has been documented 6-24 mo post injection.
• Granulomas: occurred 6 months - 1 year post injection. Characterized by localized pain and nodules at the site of injection.
• Chronic inflammation: 1-10yr post injection. Characterized by cyclic pain and swelling.
• Local infection: can occur immediately and has been documented up to 1 yr post injection.

Some food for thought next time you consider joining a PMMA party...

Complications of PMMA injections