Filler Nodules: Inflammatory or Infectious? A Review of Biofilms and Their Implications on Clinical Practice

BACKGROUND The numbers of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States have steadily increased each year. Concurrently, the rates of filler complications have also increased. Delayed filler reactions and granulomas have recently been attributed to biofilm infections. OBJECTIVE The biology and pathogenesis of biofilms, and their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention will be discussed. METHODS The relevant and recent literature on delayed filler reactions and biofilms was reviewed. RESULTS Increasing evidence implicates biofilm infections in the pathogenesis of delayed filler reactions. Therapeutic and preventative measures can be taken to minimize the occurrence of these potentially devastating consequences of dermal fillers. CONCLUSION Awareness of biofilm infections is key in the assessment of filler reactions in order to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment.