PhD defence T.S. (Tom) Decates

Treatment with injectable soft tissue fillers has become an increasingly popular, minimally invasive method for facial rejuvenation and correction of certain medical conditions. Such a treatment requires no anesthesia or extensive preparation and is relatively easily performed in a relatively short period of time. These treatments have limited down time and are relatively inexpensive. In addition, filler injections have an overall low rate of adverse events. However, when adverse events occur, their impact may be considerable. The aim of the studies described in this thesis, was to investigate the origin of soft tissue filler adverse events. We focused on factors that may provoke the occurrence of an adverse events after soft tissue fillers injections: 1) immunological profile, 2) bacterial contamination, and 3) genetic predisposition. This was done by examining biopsies of patients with adverse events after treatment with soft tissue fillers. Patients were divided in two groups, depending on their clinical status. The Inflammatory group displayed late-onset (2 weeks or later after treatment) symptoms of inflammation and the non-Inflammatory group displayed other non-inflammatory adverse events.

The public defence will take place at the Prof. Andries Queridoroom, 3rd floor Education Center, Erasmus MC. The ceremony will begin exactly at 10.30 AM. In light of the solemn nature of the ceremony, we recommend that you do not take children under the age of 6 to the first part of the ceremony.