Polyalkylimide implants are made of a compound of gel and water, and they are used primarily in Europe. However, they are gaining popularity in the U.S.A., as well.
These implants are used to fill out the lips, cheeks, forehead and those nasty, whistle-blowing nasolabial folds...the parentheses lines that run from nose to mouth.
According to the article we uncovered at ScienceDaily.com, manufacturers' information originally claimed that polyalkylimide structures did not change or migrate over time. Also, according to the earlier reports, there were no significant signs of "rejection of or reaction to the foreign material".
You can read an article written prior to the adverse reactions findings where Polyalkylimide gel was touted to be safe for the treatment of facial lipoatrophy (FL), or facial wasting - a common occurence in patients with AIDS.
Polyalkylimide gel safe and effective for treatment of facial lipoatrophy
Now recipients of polyalkylimide implants must beware. More recent evidence refutes these earlier claims of stability and so the "complete safety of polyalkylimide implant gels can no longer be assured."
A study involving 25 patients was conducted by Jaume Alijotas-Reig, M.D., Ph.D., of Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain and colleagues. The adverse reactions occured on an average of 13.4 months after polyalkylimide implant injection. Reactions included "swelling, hardening and swollen or tender nodules (skin lesions) near the injection site, as well as systemic effects such as fever, arthritis and dry eyes or mouth."
Polyalkyliminde implants are used in the United States, as well as in European countries. The article stated that plastic surgeons should "be aware" that delayed adverse reactions can occur with the gel-and-water implants just as they can with other popular cosmetic fullers such as collagen, polyacrylamide, polylactic acid or methacrylate.
Injectable Fillers: Delayed Adverse Reactions - Science Daily, Article: May 22, 2008
