Navigating Vascular Occlusions: Insights from Michelle Henry, MD

Dr Michelle Henry delivered an enlightening session on “Cosmetic Pearls: Preventing Vascular Occlusions When Using Dermal Fillers” at Spring Dermatology Week 2024.

Michelle Henry, MD, is a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, NY. With a focus on facial anatomy, aging dynamics, and clinical assessment, Dr Henry provided attendees with valuable insights into identifying danger zones and minimizing risks associated with vascular occlusions during filler injections.

Reviewing the mechanisms of vascular occlusion, Dr Henry delineated 3 proposed mechanisms: intravascular embolism, extravascular compression, and vascular spasm. She emphasized the importance of recognizing these mechanisms to prevent devastating complications such as necrosis.

Dr Henry dissected facial layers and critical points in the upper, mid, and lower face, highlighting the importance of depth and precise injection techniques to mitigate risks. Through comprehensive assessments and dynamic analyses, clinicians were equipped with the knowledge to identify ideal injection sites while avoiding vascular territories.

Intriguing case studies shed light on the comparative safety of needles vs cannulas in filler injections, with cannulas demonstrating significantly lower odds of occlusion. Dr Henry emphasized key safety points, advocating for a layered approach, constant movement, and meticulous patient selection to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize complications.

Furthermore, Dr Henry delved into specific techniques for enhancing the nasal dorsum using a supraorbital approach, outlining ideal candidate criteria and cautioning against poor candidate selection to mitigate risks and achieve satisfactory results.

In the lower face, Dr Henry navigated attendees through danger zones and critical points, emphasizing the importance of dynamic assessments and meticulous techniques to avoid potential complications near vital structures.

In conclusion, Dr Henry's session provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy and vascular occlusions in dermal filler procedures.

For more meeting coverage, visit the Spring Dermatology Week 2024 newsroom.

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Reference
Henry M. Cosmetic pearls: preventing vascular occlusions when using dermal fillers. Presented at: Dermatology Week; May 8–11, 2024; Virtual.