Clinical Application of Earlobe Augmentation with Hyaluronic Acid Filler in the Chinese Population

Cosmetic injectables in skin of color: A review of uses, safety, and effectiveness of neuromodulators and dermal fillers

BACKGROUND

Skin of color (SOC) individuals represent a growing market for cosmetic injectables and can have different aesthetic goals and responses to treatment.

OBJECTIVE

A review of the uses, safety, and effectiveness of injectable neuromodulators and dermal fillers in SOC individuals.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A search of the PubMed/MEDLINE database was conducted from August 1960 to December 2020. Studies that were included either had a focus on SOC (>20% SOC study participants) or dedicated article content commenting on the safety and/or efficacy of injectables in SOC participants.

RESULTS

Of the 503 publications identified, a total of 88 articles were selected for this review. Differences in aging and cultural factors can influence aesthetic goals amongst SOC populations. Available data suggests that botulinum toxin (BTX) and dermal fillers are safe and effective in SOC populations, with the largest amount of data existing for Asian populations. There remains a paucity of research on Black and Latinx populations.

CONCLUSION

BTX and dermal fillers are generally effective and well tolerated in SOC populations, particularly Asian populations for which the greatest amount of data exists. More high quality, randomized controlled trials in Black and Latinx populations are warranted.

Correction of Lying Ear and Aesthetic Modification of Helix and Ear Lobule With Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection: Experience in Chinese Patients

BACKGROUND

Large and long ears are regarded as symbols of wealth and health in East Asian culture, and people with lying ears often want their ears to be more exposed and prominent. Surgeries to correct lying ears have been documented.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to report the correction of lying ears and the aesthetic modification of helix and ear lobule with hyaluronic acid (HA) injections.

METHODS

HA injections were performed at the auriculocephalic sulcus to increase the cranioauricular angle (CA) and correct lying ears. The injections at helix and lobule were case specific. The CA was measured and photographs were taken at baseline and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 10-month follow-ups. Efficacy was assessed with the 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (92 ears) received HA injections and completed follow-ups. Instant correction outcomes were observed. Sixteen (34.8%) patients received 1 touch-up injection, the clinical efficacy of which persisted for 1 to 1.5 years. For over 90% of cases with touch-up treatment the GAIS was "very much improved" or "much improved" at all follow-ups. The GAIS for over 70% of cases without touch-up treatment was "very much improved" or "much improved" at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. CA increased significantly compared with the baseline. Patients also reported "more V-shaped face shape" and "lifted jawline" effects. No serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

As an alternative technique to surgeries, HA filler injections at the auriculocephalic sulcus effectively corrected lying ears. This technique produced immediate, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing results. The side effects and downtime were minimal.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Earlobe Rejuvenation: A Review of Current Treatment Modalities

BACKGROUND

As one of the defining features of the face, the ear influences perceptions of beauty. Despite its significance, comparatively little is known about rejuvenation options for the ear.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comprehensive review of minimally invasive options for earlobe rejuvenation.

METHODS

& Materials: Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed were used to identify articles exploring minimally invasive treatments for ear rejuvenation.

RESULTS

Topical medications, peels, fillers, lasers, photodynamic therapy, and dermabrasion are safe and efficacious for managing a variety of concerns related to earlobe aesthetics.

CONCLUSION

Numerous minimally invasive treatment modalities are available for earlobe rejuvenation; further investigation is needed to design a grading system and treatment algorithm.

Rejuvenating earlobe esthetics with dermal fillers

BACKGROUND

The external ear plays a significant aesthetic role in the appearance of the face. Chronological and extrinsic aging effects on the ear lobe get further pronounced since routine surgical aesthetic procedures for the face do not address these morphological changes. Ear adornment with jewelry and piercings further cause sagging of the ear lobe and stretch the ear piercing. Dermal fillers offer a viable option for ear lobe rejuvenation by increasing its volume and addressing the morphological changes with minimal adverse effects or downtime associated with surgery.

AIMS

The authors aim to review the choice of dermal fillers used for ear lobule correction. The anatomy and its implications on techniques used for ear lobe rejuvenation are elaborated in this article based on the authors experience and reported literature.

METHODS

All patients who had received ear lobe fillers were evaluated, treated and followed up. Literature review of experience of treating patients with hyaluronic acid fillers for ear lobule correction and their rejuvenation was reviewed.

RESULTS

Hyaluronic acid fillers are a quick and easy method to restore the youthfulness and aesthetic ideals of the ear lobe. They address all the parameters of aging, volume deficit, reduction in the number and depth of creases and improvement in the number of wrinkles which surgical correction may not address. They can also be used for prejuvenation in younger populations expected to wear heavier ear jewelry. The results are immediate, long-lasting and the side effects and downtime are minimal.

Nonsurgical treatment of earlobe aging in Mowlavi stages I and II earlobe ptosis with Hyaluronic acid fillers

BACKGROUND

Earlobe deflation caused by fat atrophy is normally treated with lipofilling, mostly in the context of facelift surgery. In this report, we aim at reporting on Hyaluronic Acid injections to treat earlobe deflation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

16 Mowlavi Grade I and II patients were treated with HA injections, followed by molding to shape the lobule.

RESULTS

Effective correction, lasting 14 months on average, is achieved. Five patients needed a touch-up procedure after 4-6 months to improve the result.

CONCLUSIONS

Earlobe augmentation with HA is an ideal option for correction of earlobe atrophy in cases of Mowlavi Grades I and II ptosis. Long-lasting (about 14 months) correction is achieved with no downtime.