RSNA study: Ultrasound flags filler vessel blockages
At the RSNA meeting in Chicago, researchers reported that Doppler ultrasound can accurately detect vascular occlusions after hyaluronic acid filler injections, enabling targeted treatment to prevent serious harm. In a cohort of 100 patients from six sites (data collected May 2022–April 2025), ultrasound identified blockages—over 40% in perforator vessels and 35% with no flow in major facial arteries—highlighting the nasal region as highest risk and supporting enzyme (hyaluronidase) placement to dissolve filler.
📌 Key Facts
- Study presented this week at RSNA in Chicago; data from 100 patients across six locations
- Ultrasound detected vascular occlusions, with >40% in perforator vessels and 35% showing no flow in major facial arteries
- Nasal region cited as highest risk; ultrasound guided precise hyaluronidase placement to restore blood flow
📊 Relevant Data
The incidence rate of filler-induced vascular occlusion is estimated at 0.01% to 0.05% per treatment based on retrospective surveys.
Cosmetic Filler–Induced Vascular Occlusion: A Rising Threat Presenting to the Emergency Department — Annals of Emergency Medicine
In 2024, females accounted for 97% of all hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler treatments and 89% of non-hyaluronic acid treatments in the US, compared to approximately 50% of the US population being female.
2025 Dermal Filler Statistics — Elite Facial Plastic Surgery
In 2022, Generation X (ages 40-54) accounted for 45% and Baby Boomers (ages 55-69) for 30% of total cosmetic procedures in the US.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons Breaks Down 2022 Plastic Surgery Trends Among Different Demographics — American Society of Plastic Surgeons
In 2020, ethnic patients accounted for 32% of all cosmetic plastic surgery patients in the US, while representing approximately 42% of the US population, indicating underutilization by ethnic groups.
Briefing Paper: Plastic Surgery for Ethnic Patients — American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Cosmetic plastic surgery in the United States is underutilized by African American and Hispanic populations compared with their White and Asian counterparts.
Using Microeconomic Spending Traits to Inform Trends in Utilization — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open