Do I Need To Have Filler Removed Before Getting a 3D CT Scan?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Quick question before I book the CT. I had some hyaluronic acid filler in the infraorbital area about a year ago, and there may still be minor residual present.

A couple of questions:

1. Is the 3D cranio-maxillofacial CT sufficient for planning, or would you recommend additional imaging (e.g. high-frequency ultrasound) to assess soft tissue and any residual filler?

2. If there is residual filler, do you typically recommend dissolving with hyaluronidase prior to surgery and planning based on a clean baseline?

Want to make sure I sequence this correctly so Dr. Eppley has what he needs.

A: 3D Ct scanning is adequate. The filler does not obstruct the bone images.

Usually I don’t recommend  the dissolution of the filler unless a very large volume has been placed. But for typical low volume filler I don’t feel that it makes any difference in the implant designing process.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon