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Panel Presentations

Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

Filler Up! Key Quality and Safety Considerations in Non-Cosmetic Applications of Soft-Tissue Fillers in Otolaryngology

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:30 PM - 1:20 PM EDT
Location: Wabash Ballroom 3
Disclosure(s):
Nancy Jiang, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Shelagh A. Cofer, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Mingyang L. Gray, MD, MPH:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Sarah M. Kidwai, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Since their introduction, soft-tissue fillers have dramatically advanced both the fields of facial aesthetics and clinical otolaryngology. Starting in 2003 with Restylane, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers led the way, sparking a wave of innovation that now includes over 20 FDA-approved formulations for aesthetic use. Beyond hyaluronic acid, the filler market also includes calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate microspheres, each with distinct properties tailored for specific applications.
While fillers are well-established in cosmetic practices, their non-cosmetic applications are recently gaining more prominence in otolaryngology. Soft-tissue fillers are being employed for clinical uses where bulking of tissue is needed, such as pharyngeal and laryngeal augmentation, management of empty nose syndrome, patulous eustachian tube dysfunction, and tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) leakage. A comprehensive understanding of the unique characteristics of all available fillers is crucial for clinicians to choose the most appropriate product for each procedure, ensuring quality and safety.
This panel discussion will explore the current landscape of soft-tissue fillers, focusing on their broadening role beyond aesthetics, helping the non-cosmetic surgeon choose the appropriate product to use for medical indications. Panelists will delve into the formulation differences among the various hyaluronic acid products, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate fillers, emphasizing their utility in otolaryngology. Additionally, autologous fat grafting, as a potentially more permanent alternative, will be addressed. Panelists will also examine the potential risks associated with these products and discuss best practices for complication management.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Review the development, properties, and regulatory approval of various soft-tissue fillers and their implications for clinical use.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Examine the non-aesthetic applications of soft-tissue fillers in otolaryngology and offer guidelines for selecting the most suitable filler based on specific clinical needs.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Identify common adverse effects associated with soft-tissue fillers and outline evidence-based strategies for minimizing and managing complications.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: The growing use of soft-tissue fillers in non-cosmetic otolaryngology, along with the increasing number of products available on the market, highlights the need for a comprehensive review of their clinical applications, safety considerations, and product selection guidelines.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Moderator(s)

  • NJ

    Nancy Jiang, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor
    Stanford University School of Medicine
    Palo Alto, CA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Panelist(s)

  • Shelagh A. Cofer, MD

    Associate Professor
    Mayo Clinic
    Rochester, MN, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • MG

    Mingyang L. Gray, MD, MPH

    Assistant Professor
    New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
    New York, NY, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • SK

    Sarah M. Kidwai, MD

    Assistant Professor
    Zucker School of Medicine At Hofstra/Northwell
    New Hyde Park, NY, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.