Ultrasound can be a potent tool for guiding the injection of Botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles. It may contribute to a more personalized procedure, better cosmetic results, and help to avoid potential complications.
ObjectivesTo assess the ultrasonographic patterns of different calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) formulations, including the undiluted, diluted, and mixed with hyaluronic acid (HA) compounds.MethodsTo review the ultrasonographic images of patients ≥18 years with confirmed injections of CaHA clinically and ultrasonographically, and without different concomitant types of fillers in the same region or other systemic or localized cutaneous diseases.ResultsTwenty‐one patients met the criteria (90% female; 10% male; mean age: 52 years ± 12.8). Of these, 33.3% have been injected with an undiluted formulation, 33.3% with diluted, and 33.3% with a mixed formulation. All cases were studied with devices presenting frequencies that ranged from 18 to 24 MHz. Twelve cases (57%) were also studied with the 70 MHz.The ultrasonographic patterns of CaHA presented differences in the presence and intensity of PAS and the degree of inflammation according to the dilution and mix with HA. Diluted formulations show a milder intensity posterior acoustic shadowing (PAS) artifact than undiluted at 18–24 MHz. In mixed formulations, 57% showed mild PAS, and 43% demonstrated no PAS artifact at 18–24 MHz, besides fewer inflammatory changes in the periphery of the deposits.ConclusionsThe ultrasonographic patterns of CaHA show differences in the presence and intensity of PAS and the degree of inflammation according to the dilution and mix with HA. Awareness of these ultrasonographic variations can support better discrimination of CaHA.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.