About T.S. (Tom) Decates, MD, PhD
Introduction
Current Research Interests
My scientific career is aimed at improving prevention and treatment of complications of soft tissue filler injections, with a specific focus on patient safety. I have published 30 international scientific articles; I am part of an international
consortium on solving the adverse events after soft tissue filler injections. I supervise PhD students, residents and interns at the Erasmus MC.
Future Goals
Awareness and prevention of filler complications in the public debate. My mission is to improve the prevention and treatment of filler complications and create awareness among young adults about soft tissue filler treatments. Leading to more patient safety.
Field(s) of expertise
My focus areas and research activities are in injectable complications. Primarily in the etiology of resorbable soft tissue filler complications which are a multifactorial disease (immunology, bacteriology and genetic predisposition).
Education and career
- 2009-2012: Intern Plastic, Reconstructive and Handsurgery
- 2012-present: Cosmetisch Arts KNMG
- 2016-2021: PhD, Erasmus MC
- 2016-present: Principal Investigator, Dermatology, Erasmus MC
- 2016-present: Outpatient Clinic Filler Complications, Dermatology, Erasmus MC
Publications
- Akyol ME, Rustemeyer T, Decates T. Understanding delayed-onset inflammatory responses (DIRs) to hyaluronic acid fillers: a comprehensive literature review and retrospective cohort study. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2026 Jan 27:1-13.
- A Retrospective Study of Nonsurgical Management Options for Permanent Filler Complications of the Gluteal Region. Decates TS et al. 2025. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. Jun 6;13(6):e6815.
- Comparison of Complications of Non-Resorbable (Permanent) Fillers and Resorbable Fillers. Decates TS et al. 2024. J Cosmet Dermatol. Dec;23(12):4386-4388.
- An Amazing Trend in the Number of Injectable Treatments in the Netherlands From 2016 to 2022. Decates TS et al. 2024. Aesthet Surg J. Mar 15;44(4):NP327-NP328.
- Oops I did it (again): Patient experiences of complications after non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Hermans AM, Decates TS et al. 2024. Soc Sci Med. Mar;344:116685.
- Bacterial Contamination Is Involved in the Etiology of Soft-Tissue Filler, Late-Onset, Inflammatory Adverse Events. Decates TS et al. 2023 Plast Reconstr Surg. May 1;151(5):971-978.
- Investigating the Anatomic Location of Soft Tissue Fillers in Noninflammatory Nodule Formation: An Ultrasound-Imaging-Based Analysis. Schelke LW, Decates TS et a. 2023 Dermatol Surg. Jun 1;49(6):588-595.
- No association found between late-onset inflammatory adverse events after soft tissue filler injections and the adaptive immune system. Decates TS et al. 2023 J Cosmet Dermatol. Feb;22(2):458-463.
- Ultrasound-Guided Targeted vs Regional Flooding: A Comparative Study for Improving the Clinical Outcome in Soft Tissue Filler Vascular Adverse Event Management. Schelke LW, Velthuis PJ, Decates TS et al. 2023. Aesthet Surg J. Jan 9;43(1):86-96.
Teaching activities
- 2022-present: Assistant Professor Erasmus MC
- 2022-2025: Head Dutch Training Institute for Aesthetic Medicine
- 2024-present: Supervisor PhD students
Other positions
- 2021-present: CMAC International Expert Board (London, UK)
- 2021-present: Expertise Groep Cosmetische Ingrepen (Rotterdam, the Netherlands)
Scholarships, grants, and awards
- 2016-2021: ZonMW Funding 230.000 Executive Investigator
- 2026-present: Abbvie Funding 298.000 Principal Investigator
