Review Article

MRI Visualization and Distribution Patterns of Foreign Modeling Agents: A Brief Pictorial Review for Clinicians

Table 4

Main MRI findings in dermal filler-related complications.

Dermal filler-related complicationEvaluation for imaging (MRI)

Abscess formationThe skin’s natural barrier is interrupted by the filler injection, increasing the possibility of infection [10].
Formated as a lobulated fluid collection with the enhancement of the rim and adjacent fat stranding on MRI. The abscess can show restricted diffusion on DWI [10, 19].

Foreign body granuloma (FBG) and noninflammatory nodule (NIN)A nonallergic chronic granulomatous reaction that develops very slowly after injection of the filler. This can develop many years after filler injection.
It is most frequently seen after long-standing silicone oil infusion [10].
According to Girolamo et al., the MRI findings were that the nodular or diffuse patterns enhancement around the filler suggests FBG. In contrast, the nongranulomatous inflammation did not show enhancement and suggested NIN [10, 20].

CellulitisStreaky enhancement in the subcutaneous fat corresponds to cellulitis [10].

Migration of fillers and overfillingThe substances migrate through lymphatic or haematogenous routes and could mimic a malignant pathology of distant organs.
Overfilling can appear as diffuse facial asymmetry or a focal lump [10].

Scarring and lymph node enlargementMRI may depict a thick band-like subcutaneous deposition of silicone associated with diffuse soft tissue swelling and postcontrast enhancement [10].