SAFETY IN DERMAL FILLER INJECTION: ASPIRATION OR CONSTANT NEEDLE MOVING?

A. Lanciani¹, S.R. Tari², S. Benedicenti³, S. A. Gehrke⁴ , D. Amuso¹, A. Scarano²

¹ Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
² Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
³ Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
⁴ Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain

Correspondence to:

Annals of Stomatology 2024 January-April; 4(1): 9-14
https://doi.org/10.69129/stomatol/2024v4iss1_5

Received: 12 January 2024 Accepted: 22 February 2024

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Abstract

Although dermal filler injections are extensively used worldwide, no consensus within the scientific literature determines precise guidelines for reducing the risk of vascular occlusion. This narrative review aims to distinguish whether the risk-reduction maneuvers proposed by the various authors are derived from anecdotal knowledge or based on scientific evidence. To pursue the objectives of the present study, a PubMed search was used using the search string (“aspiration” OR “needle movement” OR “needle motion”) AND “filler.” Articles were selected based on inclusion criteria. Twenty-five studies were chosen from 58 studies published between 1980 and 2023. Four opinion categories were compiled: 12 studies against retro-aspiration, 1 study in favor of retro-aspiration, 4 articles partially in favor of retro-aspiration, and 8 articles determined that further research is needed. The review shows no clear guidelines on vascular occlusion prevention techniques. This is due to inadequate study designs that reflect clinical reality. Therefore, further research is needed, focusing on realistic study designs applicable to everyday clinical practice.

Keywords: aspiration, dermal fillers, injections, needle motion