Unusual herpes simplex virus infection mimicking foreign body reaction after cosmetic lip augmentation with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene threads.

BACKGROUND

Adverse reactions after cosmetic lip augmentation with synthetic implant materials include inflammation, infection, and extrusion of and foreign body reaction to the implant. Clinically, all of them are characterized by pain, erythema, swelling, and formation of papules and/or pustules.

OBJECTIVE

To describe an unusual herpes simplex virus infection in a 48-year-old female patient after cosmetic lip augmentation with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene threads clinically resembling a foreign body reaction.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS

A histopathologic examination showed no signs of a foreign body reaction. Instead, herpes simplex virus-specific DNA was demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction from lesional tissue.

CONCLUSION

Cosmetic lip augmentation with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene threads may be complicated by a delayed local herpes simplex virus infection clinically mimicking a foreign body reaction to the implant.