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Full-facial volume restoration sustained over 18 months with hyaluronic acid filler

Full-facial volume restoration was sustained over 18 months in patients who received hyaluronic acid filler with lidocaine, according to recently published study results.

Researchers studied 60 patients (54 women; mean age, 53.5 years) between February 2012 and March 2013 at four centers in Brazil. Requirements included a score of at least 2 (visible depression or descent) on a 4-point volume loss scale and at least two indications affected among the chin, temporal areas,  jawline, cheeks, cheekbones and nasolabial folds.

Treatment consisted of 20 mg/mL of hyaluronic acid and 3 mg/mL of lidocaine, supplied in a single-use 2.0 mL syringe with a 23 G ultrathin wall needle, with injections given in two to six indications at baseline and optional touch-up 3 weeks later. Patients completed satisfaction questionnaires at 3 weeks and 18 months after the last injection. Investigators completed questionnaires after the last visit from the final patient.

There were 71.6% of patients who received three or four indications injected, with the cheekbones being the most common location (96.7%), followed by nasolabial folds (93.3%). There was at least a one-grade improvement in volume loss scale for full face in 68.3% of patients, 77.8% for chin, 73.7% for temporal areas, 66.6% for cheeks, 58.6% for cheekbones and 43.2% for jawline.

Lemperele rating scale of nasolabial folds at 3 weeks after the last injection showed improvement for 98.2% of patients, with 71.4% showing improvement after 18 months.

The 3-D digital imaging showed that for all indications, more than 60% of volume gained at 3 weeks was sustained at 18 months.

Ninety-five percent of patients had improved full-face Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale at 18 months, according to investigators. All patients reported satisfaction with their outcomes, with 78.3% reporting the treatment had given them “more self-esteem and confidence” at 18 months.

One patient experienced treatment-related adverse events (AEs), which resolved without treatment before the next injection visit. No severe AEs were reported.

“Volume restoration of the aging face with [hyaluronic acid with lidocaine] was sustained over 18 months for the full face for all indications, particularly in the mid-face area, as demonstrated by subjected volume restoration assessments and objective 3-D imaging assessments,” the researchers concluded. — by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The study was funded by Galderma R&D. Talarico reports receiving investigator fees for conducting the study and serving as a consultant for Galderma R&D.