Anterior filler displacement following injection of calcium hydroxylapatite gel (Radiesse) for anophthalmic orbital volume augmentation.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the complication of anterior filler displacement following injection of calcium hydroxylapatite gel (Radiesse) for anophthalmic enophthalmos correction.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of patients who experienced anterior filler displacement following orbital injection of calcium hydroxylapatite. Data includes patient demographics, indication for injection, route and volume of injection, description of postinjection complications, and final outcome.

RESULTS

Four cases of anterior filler displacement and expansion following injection of calcium hydroxylapatite were identified. The patients' ages ranged from 33 to 64 years old. All 4 patients underwent multiple prior orbital surgeries and suffered from anophthalmic enophthalmos. Injectable calcium hydroxylapatite was delivered transcutaneously, to the deep extraconal orbital space, via 27-gauge, 1.25-inch retrobulbar needles. Each patient received an initial 1.3 ml of filler, with 1 patient receiving an additional 0.8 ml. Within 1 week, all patients experienced prominent, edematous lower eyelids. A CT scan of 1 patient radiographically documented anterior migration of the filler material. Two patients required transconjunctival excision of the filler and infiltrated orbital fat. Histopathologic examination of 1 specimen revealed chronic foreign body granulomatous inflammation. Two patients were treated medically, with resolution of clinical findings over 6 to 9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior filler displacement is a potential complication of orbital volume augmentation with injectable calcium hydroxylapatite. Patients should be counseled regarding this possibility when considering options for the treatment of anophthalmic enophthalmos. A history of multiple prior orbital surgeries, with associated tissue disruption and scarring, may be a risk factor for filler displacement.