Filler in the foot: treatment of plantar fat pad atrophy with dermal fillers

Abstract

A significant number of patients presenting to an aesthetics practice for anti-ageing treatments also have metatarsalgia secondary to age-related planter fat pad atrophy. Injections of dermal filler into the plantar fat pads has been shown to relieve foot pain and revolumise the plantar fat pads, leading to an improved quality of life for patients. Aesthetic practitioners, with their knowledge of dermal fillers and injection skills, are ideally situated to help these patients. This article reviews the relationship between metatarsalgia and plantar fat pad atrophy and the history dermal filler injections to the plantar fat pads. Types of dermal fillers suited for plantar implantation, technique for injections and possible adverse events are also reviewed.