BIOFILMS IN DERMAL FILLERS: FROM MICROBIOLOGY TO CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

Authors

  • Maria Eduarda Duarte Albuquerque Author
  • Rachel Catharina de Paula e Silva Caetano Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56238/arev8n5-064

Keywords:

Hyaluronic Acid, Biofilms, Complications

Abstract

Introduction: Hyaluronic acid is the gold standard material in facial rejuvenation; however, the increase in late complications related to biofilms represents a significant clinical challenge. Objective: To analyze the risk factors, diagnosis, and management of biofilms in dermal fillers, describing their pathophysiology and compiling effective clinical protocols. Methodology: This was an integrative literature review, conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles published between 2021 and 2026 were selected. Results: It was identified that the formation of biofilms by pathogens such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes is the underlying cause of late nodules. High-frequency ultrasound diagnosis and multimodal treatment with high doses of hyaluronidase and combined antibiotic therapy (macrolides and quinolones) proved to be the most effective strategies. Conclusion: The study confirms the hypothesis that proper management requires enzymatic dissolution of the filler to disrupt the polymeric matrix. The biomedical professional's role is fundamental in applying rigorous aseptic protocols and in early diagnosis to avoid permanent sequelae and psychosocial impacts on patients.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

AL-TALIB, H. et al. Management of delayed-onset nodules. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, v. 16, n. 1, p. 11-19, 2023.

BELEZNAY, K. et al. Infection Prevention in Dermal Filler Injections. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, v. 8, n. 6, p. 28-33, 2015.

CHI, H. et al. Delayed-onset inflammatory nodules after hyaluronic acid injection: a case report and literature review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, v. 22, n. 6, p. 1827-1830, 2023.

COSTERTON, J. W.; STEWART, P. S.; GREENBERG, E. P. Bacterial biofilms: a common cause of persistent infections. Science, v. 284, n. 5418, p. 1318-1322, 1999.

DE BOULLE, K. et al. A Review of the Role of Hyaluronidase in the Management of Complications from Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, v. 41, n. 10, p. 1191-1204, 2021.

DE MAIO, M. The MD Codes revisited: A 5-year clinical experience. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, v. 147, n. 5, p. 804e-816e, 2021.

FALLACARA, A. et al. Hyaluronic acid: a cosmetic revolution. Dermatology and Therapy, v. 8, n. 1, p. 5-11, 2018.

FUNT, D.; TATARYN, R. Rheology and Biocompatibility of Hyaluronic Acid. Facial Plastic Surgery, v. 33, n. 5, p. 525-529, 2017.

MONROE, D. Looking for chinks in the armor of bacterial biofilms. PLoS Biology, v. 5, n. 11, p. e307, 2007.

PAPAKONSTANTINOU, E.; ROTH, M.; KARAKIULAKIS, G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, v. 4, n. 3, p. 253-258, 2012.

REVOL, M.; COEUGNIET, E. Les biofilms en chirurgie plastique. Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique, v. 52, n. 2, p. 119-124, 2007.

ROHRICH, R. J. et al. The Role of Biofilms in Delayed-Onset Aesthetic Complications: A Review of the Literature. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, v. 125, n. 4, p. 1211-1218, 2010.

SATHASIVAM, D. et al. Biofilms in Dermal Fillers: A Clinical Challenge. Annals of Plastic Surgery, v. 83, n. 1, p. 82-85, 2019.

SATTLER, G. et al. Guía de consenso para la prevención y el manejo de las complicaciones de los rellenos de ácido hialurónico. Cirugía Plástica Ibero-Latinoamericana, v. 44, n. 1, p. 95-111, 2018.

SIGNORINI, M. et al. Global Aesthetics Consensus: Avoidance and Management of Complications from Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, v. 137, n. 6, p. 961e-971e, 2016.

ULEWICZ, M. et al. The role of biofilms in the pathogenesis of late-onset complications of dermal fillers. Postepy Dermatologii i Alergologii, v. 39, n. 1, p. 1-7, 2022.

WORTSMAN, X. Ultrasound in Dermatology: Why, How, and When?. Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI, v. 36, n. 2, p. 177-187, 2015.

Published

2026-05-18

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

ALBUQUERQUE, Maria Eduarda Duarte; CAETANO, Rachel Catharina de Paula e Silva. BIOFILMS IN DERMAL FILLERS: FROM MICROBIOLOGY TO CLINICAL MANAGEMENT. ARACÊ , [S. l.], v. 8, n. 5, p. e13155 , 2026. DOI: 10.56238/arev8n5-064. Disponível em: https://periodicos.newsciencepubl.com/arace/article/view/13155. Acesso em: 20 may. 2026.