Lip Lifting Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injections: A Quantitative Assessment Using 3-Dimensional Photography

Three-Dimensional Photography for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin Injection for Masseter Hypertrophy

BACKGROUND

Masseter hypertrophy is a common condition that causes a undesirable square face, and often treated with botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA). Subjective assessments of BoNTA effectiveness vary from physician to patient, necessitating an objective approach for evaluation. This study introduces three-dimensional photography (3DP) for the first time in clinical assessment to evaluate BoNTA treatment for masseter hypertrophy.

METHODS

Ten patients received 36U of BoNTA at three injection points on each side masseter muscle. 3DP scanner using Artec Eva® was taken at the first, third, and sixth postoperative months for objective evaluation. Patient's self-perceived prominence, patients self-rated satisfaction, and physicians provided 5-grade scores were the subjective indicators.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in left masseter volume at the sixth month (P = 0.002, P = 0.004 at rest and clenching, respectively) was observed. Patient's self-perceived prominence decreased at the first (P = 0.021) and third (P = 0.039) months. Physicians' scores significantly decreased at all postoperative months. No significant changes were noted in the right masseter volume and patients self-rated satisfaction. Patient self-rated satisfaction did not consistently correlate with objective measures, except for left masseter with clenching at the sixth month.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional photography accurately quantifies facial changes post-BoNTA treatment. Despite objective improvements, patient satisfaction may not align consistently. Reliable assessment tools are crucial in cosmetic surgery to manage expectations and prevent disputes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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 .

Using the depth deviation based on three-dimensional images to evaluate the correction of nasolabial folds: A prospective and quantitative analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The deepening of the nasolabial fold (NLF) is a common occurrence during the aging process, necessitating the development of an objective method to evaluate changes in NLFs. The objective of our study was to introduce a method of depth deviation based on three-dimensional (3D) image for evaluating the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) injection in correcting NLFs.

METHODS

Between May 2019 and November 2019, we recruited 56 Chinese volunteers with moderate to severe NLFs for this study. The participants received HA injections and were followed up for a period of 12 months. Pre and posttreatment, we collected the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) scores and 3D images. To assess the efficacy of NLF correction, we used the maximum value of depth deviation (MVD) based on 3D images and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) score. Additionally, we compared the relationship between MVD and other clinical parameters.

RESULTS

Fifty-four female participants completed the study and were included in the analysis. The HA injection resulted in a significant decrease in NLF severity (p < 0.05). One month after the injection, the average GAIS score was 4.72 ± 0.45, and the average MVD was 2.10 ± 0.56 mm. Both the GAIS score and the average MVD exhibited a decline over time during the follow-up period, with the average MVD showing a significant correlation with the GAIS score at all time points (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Using 3D technology, we demonstrated that the quantitative data provided by MVD can serve as an objective method for evaluating the correction of NLFs.

From Nasolabial Folds to Pan-facial Rejuvenation-The Evolution of Fillers in my Career

This is a comprehensive review of facial fillers including landmark studies and expert commentary spanning the years from 2003 (when the first hyaluronic acid [HA] dermal filler underwent Food and Drug Administration approval in United States) to present.

Hyaluronic Acid-Extraction Methods, Sources and Applications

In this review, a compilation of articles in databases on the extraction methods and applications of hyaluronic acid (HA) was carried out. HA is a highly hydrated component of different tissues, including connective, epithelial, and neural. It is an anionic, linear glycosaminoglycan (GAG) primarily found in the native extracellular matrix (ECM) of soft connective tissues. Included in the review were studies on the extraction methods (chemical, enzymatical, combined) of HA, describing advantages and disadvantages as well as news methods of extraction. The applications of HA in food are addressed, including oral supplementation, biomaterials, medical research, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry applications. Subsequently, we included a section related to the structure and penetration routes of the skin, with emphasis on the benefits of systems for transdermal drug delivery nanocarriers as promoters of percutaneous absorption. Finally, the future trends on the applications of HA were included. This final section contains the effects before, during, and after the application of HA-based products.

Different Techniques and Quantitative Measurements in Upper lip lift: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The upper lip area is an important component of facial aesthetics, and aging produces an increase in the vertical height of the upper lip. Different upper lip lifting techniques are described in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to assess both invasive and noninvasive upper lip lifting techniques with patient satisfaction, adverse effects, and quantitative measurements of lifting efficiency.

METHODS

This study was conducted per PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (OvidSP), and Cochrane Library database were searched from September 14, 2022, to October 12, 2022. Inclusion criteria were reporting on upper lip lift efficiency with quantitative measurements of the lifting degree.

RESULTS

Out of 495 studies through the search strategy, nine articles were included in the systematic review, eight for surgical procedures and one for nonsurgical. Surgical procedures seem to have better longevity than nonsurgical techniques. Reported patient satisfaction for both surgical and nonsurgical treatments was good with no severe complaints. The quantitative measures differ between researches and may be classified into two metrics: anatomy ratio computation using photographic analysis or direct height measurement with a caliper and precise parameters utilizing a three-dimensional method.

CONCLUSION

In general, surgical therapies seem to have a longer-lasting lifting effect on upper lip lifts with an inevitable scar, while nonsurgical techniques are minimally invasive but temporary. There was a lack of consistency in the measurements used to assess lifting efficiency. A consistent quantitative assessment can be beneficial for both clinical decision-making and high-level evidence research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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 .