Safety and Effectiveness of the Hyaluronic Acid Filler, HYC-24L, for Lip and Perioral Augmentation

Adverse effects of the aesthetic use of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers on the face: a narrative review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the adverse effects of facial aesthetic treatments using botulinum toxin and biomaterial implants.

METHODS

The bibliographic research for this narrative review considered articles published in journals from the Medline, Pubmed, Embase and Lilacs databases with the following terms: "dermal fillers AND complications, vascular complications AND dermal fillers, adverse reaction, AND toxin botulinum and adverse reaction AND dermal fillers". Inclusion criteria were articles available in English on adverse events with the aesthetic use of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers/biostimulators.

RESULTS

The demonstration of complications increases simultaneously with the progressive performance of facial aesthetic procedures. Quantitative statistics of the procedures and the countries that use them are skillfully classified, as well as the prosperity trends of these procedures. Complications do not receive the same relevance. There is a deficiency in dissemination of the information by the scientific community, or in other words, there is a publication bias in favor of successful results as opposed to adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The lack of knowledge about complications arising from so widely publicized and performed procedures prevents the development of evidence-based guidelines. Complications in aesthetic procedures have become a public health problem, an epidemic that occurs under the supervision of health authorities. Mandatory reporting of adverse events occurring in aesthetic procedures that require medical care aims to fill this gap. With reliable and technical data, it will be possible to identify the causes and perform interventions capable of minimizing irreversible sequelae and deaths. Complications should be promptly recognized by the dermatologist so that, when possible, they can be reversed or adequately managed.

Lip Augmentation With Saypha LIPS Lidocaine: A Postmarket, Prospective, Open-Label, Randomized Clinical Study To Evaluate Its Efficacy and Short- and Long-term Safety

BACKGROUND

Versatility, biocompatibility, and reversibility make hyaluronic acid fillers the backbone of minimally invasive lip augmentation procedures.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and short- and long-term safety of Saypha LIPS Lidocaine (Croma Pharma, Leobendorf, Austria) for lip augmentation to correct moderate to severe lip volume deficiency (grade 1-3 lip fullness score [LFS]).

METHODS

In this postmarket, prospective, open-label, multicenter, randomized clinical study, 114 patients were initially treated (with optional touch-up treatment at Week 3). Retrograde and bolus techniques were employed with defined needles or cannula. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the proportion of patients with lip volume improvement of LFS ≥ 1 grade vs baseline at Week 6 (ie, responders); with follow-up (FU) for secondary effectiveness at Months 6, 12, and 18. Evaluation scores included the LFS, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (investigator and patient), patient satisfaction questionnaire FACE-Q, and a numerical pain rating scale.

RESULTS

At Week 6, >90% of the patients were responders (lower-lip: 95% CI, 92.24-99.43, P = .0071; upper-lip: 95% CI, 90.95-99.00, P = .0234), with post hoc analyses showing the outcome was influenced by the initial volume deficiency and total volume injected, but not by touch-up treatment. At Month 6, 90% of the patients were responders; at Month 12, 70%; and at Month 18, >40% still had a visible effect. Adverse events were mostly procedural, mild, and temporary. Pain perception was significantly reduced 15 minutes after the procedure. Aesthetic improvement and patient satisfaction were rated as high at all time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Saypha LIPS Lidocaine for lip augmentation showed long-term aesthetic improvement and safety.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2

Aesthetic management of lips and perioral region with Hylacross® and Vycross® hyaluronic-acid based fillers: A document of recommendations

BACKGROUND

Lip volumization and perioral rejuvenation with hyaluronic-acid (HA) based dermal fillers are generating increasing interest and demand. However, this topic is still having many unmet needs nowadays. This document aimed to provide tips and recommendations that may help clinicians to achieve optimal and more predictable aesthetic outcomes.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group of aesthetic medicine doctors from Spain and Portugal reviewed the tools used for assessing the patient and aesthetic outcomes, as well as the different techniques and products used in lips/perioral rejuvenation.

RESULTS

The consensus panel provided specific recommendations focusing on the basic information to collect before performing the aesthetic procedure; comprehensive approach to lips/perioral region rejuvenation; clinical and aesthetic assessment tools; product and technique selection; patient profile and needs; and safety issues (complications/adverse-events).

CONCLUSIONS

The rapid evolution of techniques and tools for assessing the patient and aesthetic outcomes, as well as the development of new HA-based fillers makes it necessary to update the clinical recommendations that guide the daily practice of clinicians, particularly those who have less experience with these procedures. This document addressed relevant subjects related to lip/perioral-region rejuvenation to perform the correct procedure, with the appropriate HA-based, on the right patient; to help specialists to obtain optimal and predictable aesthetic outcomes.

Adverse Events Associated with Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection for Non-surgical Facial Aesthetics: A Systematic Review of High Level of Evidence Studies

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are widely used in aesthetic medicine. While generally safe, potential complications can arise.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to identify and classify potential complications linked to the use of HA dermal fillers, as informed by high-quality, low-risk-of-bias studies.

METHODS

This review follows the Cochrane review standards for clinical systematic reviews. This systematic review analyzed 48 high level of evidence studies on the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers in non-surgical facial aesthetics and the adverse events that occurred.The inclusion criteria were randomized control studies on HA dermal fillers and their complications. Excluded were case reports, case series, observational studies, and other non-randomized research due to their inability to provide generalized conclusions and their inherent publication bias.

RESULTS

Adverse events were classified into three categories: expected reactions, product or technique-related adverse events, and severe adverse events. Most adverse events were short-lived injection site reactions, which resolved spontaneously. Specific HA fillers and injection techniques influenced the occurrence of adverse events, which generally resolved within weeks without treatment. Severe adverse events were rare, persisting for months and requiring active medical intervention.

DISCUSSION

This classification system can enhance understanding, prevention, and treatment of HA filler complications, and support patient education. The common complications were injection site reactions, with persistent symptoms treated with topical steroids, NSAIDs, or hyaluronidase. Severe complications included severe edema, angioedema and others, often necessitating specific treatments.

CONCLUSION

HA dermal fillers are generally safe and effective, with most adverse events being transient and mild to moderate in severity. Severe adverse events, although rare, do occur and are generally non-treatment related. Informed consent, patient education, and professional training are crucial for safe and successful outcomes. Level of Evidence II This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Adverse Events Reported From Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler Injections to the Facial Region: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Dermal filler injections are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. Of the many options available, hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers like Juvederm or Restylane are often used. Despite their use and popularity, adverse events are known to occur from these procedures. Although most outcomes may be mild and resolve over time, rare instances of severe complications cannot be ignored, as these effects may be irreversible. Healthcare practitioners and patients must be aware of these risks, as these cosmetic procedures can affect the patient's quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of adverse events (AEs) reported from the use of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers in the facial region. A systemized search of randomized controlled trials was conducted using Cochrane Central, Embase, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), and the Web of Science databases. After screening for eligibility and conducting a critical appraisal of the articles, 19 studies were retained for the final review. The meta-analysis results included different side effects by facial location, i.e., nasolabial fold (NLF) vs. other (midface, perioral line, and lip region). The midface includes the anteromedial cheek region, the zygomaticomalar region, and the submalar region. The adverse events were swelling, pain, erythema, bruising, lumps and bumps, firmness, tenderness, itching, and skin discoloration. A significant difference was found in the proportion of individuals experiencing swelling, lumps or bumps, and firmness at the nasolabial fold site versus the midface, perioral line, and lip region. There was no significant difference in the proportion of individuals experiencing pain, erythema, bruising, tenderness, itching, or skin discoloration at the nasolabial fold site versus the other sites. The study highlights the prevalence of common AEs that can result from HA dermal fillers like Juvederm or Restylane, thus emphasizing the importance of healthcare professionals explaining the risk and benefits to patients.

Efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid fillers for lip augmentation in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an effective dermal filler for facial rejuvenation. This study aimed to observe the clinical efficacy of HA injection for lip augmentation in Chinese patients.

METHODS

From May 2019 to April 2020, 70 patients with lip fullness scale (LPS) ≤3 underwent local HA injection using the "three-point" injection technique. All patients were followed up to observe the clinical efficacy, LPS, adverse events, and complications.

RESULTS

All 70 patients were followed up for 12 months. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the height of lips within 6-9 months post-treatment (p < 0.05). The LFS improved significantly at follow-up compared with baseline (p < 0.05). Local redness occurred in two patients, and serious swelling occurred in three patients. These adverse events were generally tolerated and disappeared gradually within 1 week. No other serious adverse events and complications were reported in the remaining patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyaluronic acid injection can be used for lip augmentation in the Chinese population. The "three-point" technique is simple, safe, and effective and does not cause serious complications.

Evaluating safety in hyaluronic acid lip injections

INTRODUCTION

Soft tissue filler augmentation has become increasingly popular due to its perceived ease and impressive results. Unfortunately, although the results are impressive, so are the reported complications. This article describes complications specific to peri-oral soft tissue filler injection and then discusses evidence-based, anatomic prevention and treatment guidelines.

AREAS COVERED

The authors aimed at providing an overview of the complications associated with peri-oral soft tissue filler. Hyaluronic Acid (H.A) fillers may have devastating complications which are oft undisclosed or published. This narrative review aims to describe the various complications and provide preventative strategies.

EXPERT OPINION

Given the paucity of prospective, randomized clinical trials on the subject and in light of complication underreporting, the authors believe that efficacy and safety literature on the subject is lacking. Injectors must rely on the one strength which exists in the lip literature to date, that is anatomy. The basis of all successful injections is a mandatory understanding of normal as well as variations of vital structures in an area, combined with meticulous injection techniques, deposition of small aliquots of product and the ability to recognize unwanted adverse events early enough to act on them.

Hyaluronic Acid Is an Effective Dermal Filler for Lip Augmentation: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction: The lips and the mouth play an indispensable role in vocalization, mastication and face aesthetics. Various noxious factors may alter and destruct the original structure, and appearance of the lips and the anatomical area surrounding the mouth. The application of hyaluronic acid (HA) may serve as a safe method for lip regeneration. Although a number of studies exist for HA effectiveness and safety, its beneficial effect is not well-established. Aim: The present meta-analysis and systematic review was performed to investigate the effectiveness of HA on lip augmentation. We also investigated the types and nature of adverse effects (AEs) of HA application. Methods: We reported our meta-analysis in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. PROSPERO protocol registration: CRD42018102899. We performed the systematic literature search in CENTRAL, Embase, and MEDLINE. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case series and case reports were included. The untransformed proportion (random-effects, DerSimonian-Laird method) of responder rate to HA injection was calculated. For treatment related AEs descriptive statistics were used. Results: The systematic literature search yielded 32 eligible records for descriptive statistics and 10 records for quantitative synthesis. The results indicated that the overall estimate of responders (percentage of subjects with increased lip fullness by one point or higher) was 91% (ES = 0.91, 95% CI:0.85-0.96) 2 months after injection. The rate of responders was 74% (ES = 0.74, 95% CI:0.66-0.82) and 46% (ES = 0.46, 95% CI:0.28-0.65) after 6 and 12 months, respectively. We included 1,496 participants for estimating the event rates of AEs. The most frequent treatment-related AEs were tenderness (88.8%), injection site swelling (74.3%) and bruising (39.5%). Rare AEs included foreign body granulomas (0.6%), herpes labialis (0.6%) and angioedema (0.3%). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis revealed that lip augmentation with injectable HA is an efficient method for increasing lip fullness for at least up to 6 months after augmentation. Moreover, we found that most AEs of HA treatment were mild or moderate, but a small number of serious adverse effects were also found. In conclusion, further well-designed RCTs are still needed to make the presently available evidence stronger.

Lip enhancement and mouth corner lift with fillers and botulinum toxin A

Beautiful lips are responsible for facial attractiveness and a youthful appearance. During aging process, lips become thinner and the red lips borders get poor defined. Downturn of the corners of the mouth suggests negative emotions. Lip surgery and underlying pathology may result in asymmetries and lip incontinence. Minor invasive procedures with hyaluronic acid fillers and botulinum toxin A are versatile tools to improve appearance of the lips, restore function and improve psycho-social well-being. In this review, we discuss anatomy, safety concerns, injections techniques as well as esthetic and medical indications.

Safety and Effectiveness of Repeat Treatment With VYC-15L for Lip and Perioral Enhancement: Results From a Prospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

VYC-15L (Juvéderm Volbella XC) is a nonanimal crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel with lidocaine.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate safety and effectiveness of repeat treatment with VYC-15L administered 1 year after treatment for lip and perioral enhancement.

METHODS

In this prospective multicenter study, 124 subjects with minimal, mild, or moderate lip fullness on the validated 5-point Allergan Lip Fullness Scale (LFS) who received initial/touch-up treatment with VYC-15L received repeat treatment with VYC-15L 1 year after initial treatment. Effectiveness endpoints included LFS responder rates (≥1-point improvement from baseline) and scores on the FACE-Q Satisfaction With Lips and Appraisal of Lip Lines scales at 1 month after repeat treatment. Subjects completed safety diaries for 30 days after repeat treatment.

RESULTS

LFS responder rates were 86.2%, 80.3%, and 65.3% at months 1 and 3 and 1 year, respectively, after initial/touch-up treatment. The responder rate improved to 94.3% 1 month after repeat treatment with VYC-15L and required less median volume vs initial/touch-up treatment (1.5 vs 2.6 mL). FACE-Q scores doubled from baseline at 3 months, remained high through 1 year, and doubled from baseline after repeat treatment. At 1 month after repeat treatment, 96.7% and 89.3% of subjects showed improvement over baseline in FACE-Q Satisfaction With Lips and Appraisal of Lip Lines, respectively. Severe injection site responses were less frequent after repeat treatment than initial/touch-up treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat treatment with VYC-15L at 1 year was safe and effective for lip and perioral enhancement, and required less product volume to achieve similar effectiveness to initial/touch-up treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Perioral Rejuvenation: A Prospective, Quantitative Dynamic Three-Dimensional Analysis of a Dual Modality Treatment

BACKGROUND

The perioral region is the most dynamic anatomic area of the face and subject to complex and dramatic changes during aging. Successful treatment for perioral rejuvenation has yet to be identified, and prior studies have reported only subjective outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to utilize our validated dynamic 3-dimensional imaging technology to determine whether conservative neuromodulation combined with hyaluronic acid filler volumization can decrease perioral strain and increase volume with significant patient satisfaction.

METHODS

An IRB-approved prospective study of a dual modality treatment for perioral rhytids was performed on females with perioral aging who had not had prior facial treatment within the past year. Eighteen (18) units of Dysport were injected into the upper and lower orbicularis oris and 1 cc of Restylane Silk was injected in volume-depleted perioral regions in each patient. Each patient underwent imaging with digital image correlation (DIC) and completed the FACE-Q survey prior to injection and at 14 days and 90 days postinjection.

RESULTS

Thirty-two female patients were recruited. A significant reduction in perioral strain was observed at both day 14 and day 90. This was concomitant with a significant increase in perioral volume at day 14 that at 90 days was significantly retained in the marionette lines. Further, there was a significant improvement in patient satisfaction with overall facial appearance at day 14 that was maintained at 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative neuromodulation and hyaluronic acid filler volumization of the perioral region produces a significant reduction in strain correlating with high patient satisfaction, even at 90 days. This dual modality treatment is effective in rejuvenating the perioral region, and its future optimization will provide greater therapeutic options for this anatomically complex area.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4

Filling Procedures for Lip and Perioral Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review

The ideal perioral and lip rejuvenation technique provides the longest period of efficacy, lowest complication rate, and best esthetic results. Genetics, intrinsic aging, sun exposure, and repetitive muscle twitching of the orbicularis oris produce angular, radial, and vertical lines of the perioral lines and, for this reason, the needs of patients in the treatment of this anatomical area can range from simple lip enhancement to a broader and more comprehensive treatment with simultaneous correction of perioral wrinkles. A myriad of materials have been described for rejuvenation of this area. At present, the most popular and commonly used lip enhancers are dermal fillers, but there is still no agreement on what the best material for filling soft tissue of the face and in particular of the perioral region is. This systematic review will focus on the various dermal fillers, of different materials approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) namely poly-L-lactic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and hyaluronic acid and also different grafts, for perioral rejuvenation, with the goal of determining the optimal approach. A systematic search for English studies involving perioral rejuvenation was performed using these databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid, using a combined keyword search or medical subject headings. At the end of our study selection process, 17 relevant publications were included. For each study, year of publication, type of material used for filling, number of patients, subject of study assessment, and efficacy of the filler procedure for lip rejuvenation were analyzed.

Randomized, Evaluator-Blinded Study Comparing Safety and Effect of Two Hyaluronic Acid Gels for Lips Enhancement

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers may differ in terms of gel characteristics and ease of use and it is of interest whether this might affect safety and duration of effect.

Fillers and Facial Fat Pads

Fillers are used for facial sculpturing and anti-ageing treatments with increasing popularity. The optimal outcome of any filler treatment depends upon different factors: exact indication, known limitations, filler product, and filler placement. For volumizing effect and longevity of procedures, however, the interaction of fillers and facial fat pads seems to be crucial. Here, we will review the optimum filler injections for facial applications in relationship to new data and concepts concerning facial fat pads anatomy and physiology. Such a view will us enable to provide optimum results in aesthetic procedures.

Cadaveric Assessment of Lip Injections: Locating the Serious Threats

BACKGROUND

Lip augmentation could be a possible cause of blindness following filler injections. This study evaluated the risk by simulating clinical scenarios of marginal injections to the upper and lower lips and then evaluated the risk of vascular injuries.

METHODS

A 22G cannula was inserted bilaterally along the wet-dry junction of the upper and lower lip margins in fifteen cadavers, and then both lips were dissected to verify possible injuries to the superior and inferior labial arteries. The position of the labial arteries in the vermilion zone was documented to determine the appropriate injection technique.

RESULTS

In the marginal injections to the lips, arterial injuries occurred at the medial segment of the vermilion zone of both the upper and lower lips, at the terminal part of the labial arteries or a distal branch. Considering arterial anatomy, the upper lip has a higher chance of arterial injury than the lower lip. The cannula should not be inserted in the submucosa as it is recommended to evert the vermilion because both the superior and inferior labial arteries are located in the submucosa of the medial and middle segments of the vermilion in all specimens.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of the possibility of vascular injury is necessary during injections of the medial segments of the vermilion of the lips. Vermilion border and marginal injections are recommended for safe and effective lip augmentation. Deep injection around the oral commissure and submucosal injection of the medial and middle segments of the vermilion zone are prohibited because of the high risk of arterial injury.

NO LEVEL ASSIGNED

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.