Delayed adverse reaction to a natural dermal filler mimicking salivary gland neoplasia.

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic dermal fillers are a sought-after procedure globally. However, despite the safety claims of filler materials by the manufacturers, adverse reactions still occur.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report is of a 66-year-old female who presented with a late-onset complication of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that clinically mimicked a salivary gland neoplasm. The patient presented with firm peri-oral swellings of short duration that clinically mimicked a pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The diagnosis was that of a foreign-body granulomatous response to dermal fillers. Although other mimics of a similar nature are reported a knowledgeable clinician, careful choice of filler material, knowledge of the product, thorough pre-procedural history taking and post-procedural patient follow-up can drastically minimize a possible misdiagnosis. The reaction was treated with a combination of hyaluronidase, betamethasone and 5-flurouracil intra-lesional injections monthly for 11 consecutive months, with total clinical resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient education of the procedure, product name and the possibility of an adverse reaction occurring, even years later or at a site distant to the initial site of placement, is vital. Further, we review the recent reported adverse association of the new mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and dermal filler placement.