Oral and Maxillofacial Complications due to the use of Hyaluronic Acid as an Alternative for Facial Implants

This work aimed to review in the scientific literature the reported complications associated with the use of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) as an option for dermal implants in the maxillofacial region and how the health professional should intervene. The pathological and aesthetic defect restorative treatments for the human body are increasingly gaining space in several areas of health. Dentistry is one of these areas that has stood out in diseases and complications diagnosis of functional and aesthetic treatments of the maxillofacial complex. Hyaluronic acid fillers are predominantly used in aesthetic and functional procedures in the maxillofacial region. HA is a hydrogel of natural occurrence in human skin, belonging to the family of glycosaminoglycan’s (GAGs), present in abundance in the extracellular connective tissue matrix, It is a polymer used in the manufacture of artificial frameworks for tissue engineering due its nature biocompatible, biodegradable, non-immunogenic and non-thrombogenic, presenting benefits in the aesthetic and functional treatment of the skin and mucous membranes of the maxillofacial region. Nevertheless some complications are expected from its application to the living organism. These complications can be divided into early and late complications according to the patient’s symptoms. HA application liable to success shall respect important items/steps, thus its use must be correctly indicated and well applied by trained professionals who are familiar with facial anatomy, appropriate injection techniques and the preparation of the integumentary system. Early identification of complications and immediate intervention with medications and invasive procedures can significantly decrease the risk of long-term consequences.