Safety and persistence of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic Acid fillers for nasolabial folds correction in 30 Indian patients

A comparison of the safety, efficacy, and longevity of two different hyaluronic acid fillers in filler rhinoplasty: A multicenter study

Filler rhinoplasty is a popular procedure in Asia, and it is of great importance to understand the clinical efficacy and durability of the different filler products that serve this purpose. Here, we aimed to evaluate and compare the safety, efficacy, and longevity of two different hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers in improving the nasal profile in Asians. A multicenter comparative trial was performed for 48 weeks after a single injection of a popular monophasic monodensified, and a newly developed biphasic HA filler. Assessments including patient satisfaction and three-dimensional (3D) imaging analysis were performed before, immediately after, 2 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks after filler rhinoplasty. Twenty-eight Korean women underwent structured rhinoplasty were divided into monophasic monodensified (n = 14) and biphasic (n = 14) groups. There were significant changes in the facial profile following filler rhinoplasty throughout the study period. Overall, an increase of 1.75 mm in nose height, increase of 3.66° in the nasofrontal angle and 2.77° in the nasolabial angle, and radix elevation of 1.24 mm was noted at week 48 which was statistically different from the baseline values (P < .05). Between the different filler types, statistical difference was only noted in radix elevation (per milliliter of filler material) immediately after filler injection. No serious adverse event occurred during treatment or follow-up. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty with the specific HA filler products led to significant changes in the facial profile which persisted for 48 weeks. Overall, the clinical efficacy and safety were comparable between the two filler types except for radix elevation which was more prominent with C-C immediately after filler injection. J-V was superior to C-C in maintaining the radix elevation long term.

Comparative Evaluation of the Biodegradability and Wrinkle Reduction Efficacy of Human-Derived Collagen Filler and Hyaluronic Acid Filler

BACKGROUND

The development of fillers for wrinkle prevention is growing to meet rising demands to reduce the aging of skin.

OBJECTIVE

In this experiment, we confirmed the effects of human collagen and hyaluronic acid filler biodegradation for wrinkle reduction using a photo-aging mouse model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 10 hairless mice (SKH1-Hrhr) were randomly divided into two groups and injected with hyaluronic acid and human-derived collagen filler. At 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, PRIMOSlite^®, folliscope, and MRI were used to evaluate the biodegradability of the fillers after the injections. We also studied the photo-aging mouse model for skin roughness and histological evaluation and confirmed that the filler injection had excellent anti-wrinkle effects.

RESULTS

Human-derived collagen fillers had excellent biodegradability compared to that of hyaluronic acid fillers. The skin surface roughness in the photo-aging mouse models was significantly reduced after injections of human-derived collagen filler.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that the human-derived collagen filler had excellent biodegradability and effectively reduced wrinkle formation in a photo-aging mouse model.

NO LEVEL ASSIGNED

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Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Highly Viscous 33-mg/mL Hyaluronic Acid Volumizing Filler in the Treatment of Facial Wrinkles: An Open-Labeled, Clinical Trials

Background:

The 33-mg/mL hyaluronic acid (HA) formulation is a highly concentrated, cross-linked, cohesive, smooth, and completely reversible volumizing filler approved by Conformité Européene. For the first time, we aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the 33- mg/mL HA filler for soft tissue augmentation in the treatment of facial wrinkles.

Materials and Methods:

After optimal wrinkle correction was achieved in the patients undergoing treatment by injecting the 33-mg/mL HA filler at the injection site plus one touch-up at a 2-week interval, the safety and efficacy of the filler were assessed on the 5-point Facial Volume Loss Scale through the 1-year study period. Patients were evaluated daily for 14 days and after 6 and 12 months post-treatment.

Results:

A total of 86 subjects were treated. The mean wrinkle scores of the patients were 3.95+0.79 (range of 3-5) before treatment, 2.3+0.94 (range 1-5) six months after treatment, and 2.93+1.29 (range of 1-5) one year after treatment. Clinically significant mean wrinkle correction (P=0.001) was still evident at>12 months of treatment through 33-mg/ mL HA formulation. A clinically significant correction at>12 months after treatment was maintained by 79% of patients. Nodule formation and swelling were more frequent when the 33- mg/mL HA filler was used compared with the use of less concentrated HA fillers. One patient developed angioedema-like swelling and induration last few months.

Conclusion:

The 33-mg/ mL HA filler can provide long-term correction lasting for one year or more. Adverse effects, especially swelling and nodule formation were more common in this filler compared with less concentrated HA fillers. The side effects were correlated with the volume of the injected filler. We recommend using this concentration with low volume or combining high volume with lower concentration.

Comparative Study of UMA Jeunesse Classic® and UMA Jeunesse Ultra®

INTRODUCTION

The emergence of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers with lidocaine has transformed the minimally invasive treatment of wrinkles, lines and folds of the face. Patients can be treated quickly, painlessly and without the need for large doses of lidocaine. Therefore, it is important to scientifically evaluate the merits of lidocaine-containing products over those without.

METHODS

The two products, with (UJU) and without lidocaine (UJ), were randomly injected into nasolabial folds of 75 healthy volunteers with varying skin types in a split face study, age ranging 26-60 years. Only 73 subjects completed the follow-up. There were 68 females and 5 males with medium-to-deep nasolabial folds. All subjects were randomly injected with the two products on one or the other side of the face. Patients were followed up for 9 months.

RESULTS

Both products achieved significant improvement in the wrinkle severity score. Overall results were slightly better with UJU due to ease of injection, lack of pain and avoidance of topical or parenteral anaesthetic. In all other respects, differences in clinical data were not statistically significant. UJU^® was preferred by patients and injectors due to less pain during and after injection as compared to UJ^® (P < 0.0001). The overall rate of early and late complications with the two products was similar. Duration of maintenance of aesthetic effect between products also showed similarity. Optimum aesthetic effect was maintained in most cases for over 9 months with both products but patients in the 30-50-year age group did better. The patient acceptability rate was much higher with UJU.

CONCLUSION

Clinical data from this study suggest that performance and outcomes of treatment of medium-to-deep nasolabial folds with UJ and UJU are quite similar. However, treatment with UJU offers enhanced patient comfort and is preferred by patients and injectors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I

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Consensus Recommendations for Treatment Strategies in Indians Using Botulinum Toxin and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

BACKGROUND

Indians constitute one of the largest population groups in the world. Facial anthropometry, morphology, and age-related changes in Indians differ from those of other ethnic groups, necessitating a good understanding of their facial structure and the required aesthetic treatment strategies. However, published recommendations specific to Indians are few, particularly regarding combination treatment.

METHODS

The Indian Facial Aesthetics Expert Group (19 dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic physicians with a mean 15.5 years' aesthetic treatment experience) met to develop consensus recommendations for the cosmetic facial use of botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers, alone and in combination, in Indians. Treatment strategies and dosage recommendations (agreed by ≥ 75% of the group) were based on results of a premeeting survey, peer-reviewed literature, and the experts' clinical experience.

RESULTS

The need for combination treatment increases with age. Tear trough deficiency is the most common midface indication in Indian women aged 20-40 years. In older women, malar volume loss and jowls are the most common aesthetic concerns. Excess medial soft tissue on a relatively smaller midface precedes age-related sagging. Hence, in older Indians, fillers should be used peripherally to achieve lift and conservatively in the medial zones to avoid adding bulk medially. The shorter, wider lower face requires 3-dimensional correction, including chin augmentation, to achieve increased facial height and the oval shape desired by most Indian women.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations give physicians treating Indians worldwide a better understanding of their unique facial characteristics and provide treatment strategies to achieve optimal aesthetic outcomes.

Durability of Three Different Types of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers in Skin: Are There Differences Among Biphasic, Monophasic Monodensified, and Monophasic Polydensified Products?

Background

Hyaluronic acid fillers are used for facial rejuvenation and are classified as non-cross-linked or cross-linked (monophasic mono- or polydensified).

Objectives

To histologically assess the intradermal durability of three types of fillers (biphasic, monophasic monodensified, and monophasic polydensified), to compare the durability of the products over 6 months, and to evaluate the structural changes after application.

Methods

In all, 25 volunteers received injections of three different fillers in the dermis of the right lumbar region (in one line), and equal amounts of the fillers were injected into three different sites (in the same column), yielding nine points of application in each patient. Each line was biopsied on days 2, 92, and 184; these skin samples were analyzed histologically, and the presence or absence of these fillers was verified by a dermatopathologist.

Results

The histological analysis showed that over 182 days, the amount of the injected monophasic polydensified, monophasic monodensified, and biphasic filler products decreased by 62.5%, 25%, and 12.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

The biphasic and monophasic monodensified fillers presented greater intradermal durability than did the monophasic polydensified filler at 6 months after intradermal injection.

Level of Evidence 2

Experience and Management of Intravascular Injection with Facial Fillers: Results of a Multinational Survey of Experienced Injectors

BACKGROUND

Intravascular injection leading to skin necrosis or blindness is the most serious complication of facial injection with fillers. It may be underreported and the outcome of cases are unclear. Early recognitions of the symptoms and signs may facilitate prompt treatment if it does occur avoiding the potential sequelae of intravascular injection.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the frequency of intravascular injection among experienced injectors, the outcomes of these intravascular events, and the management strategies.

METHODS

An internet-based survey was sent to 127 injectors worldwide who act as trainers for dermal fillers globally.

RESULTS

Of the 52 respondents from 16 countries, 71 % had ≥11 years of injection experience, and 62 % reported one or more intravascular injections. The most frequent initial signs were minor livedo (63 % of cases), pallor (41 %), and symptoms of pain (37 %). Mildness/absence of pain was a feature of 47 % of events. Hyaluronidase (5 to >500 U) was used immediately on diagnosis to treat 86 % of cases. The most commonly affected areas were the nasolabial fold and nose (39 % each). Of all the cases, only 7 % suffered moderate scarring requiring surface treatments. Uneventful healing was the usual outcome, with 86 % being resolved within 14 days.

CONCLUSION

Intravascular injection with fillers can occur even at the hands of experienced injectors. It may not be always associated with immediate pain or other classical symptoms and signs. Prompt effective management leads to favorable outcomes, and will prevent catastrophic consequences such as skin necrosis. Intravascular injection leading to blindness may not be salvageable and needs further study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

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 .

Interdental papilla loss: treatment by hyaluronic acid gel injection: a case series

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this prospective clinical trial was to examine the clinical and patient outcomes following esthetic reconstruction of interdental papilla loss in anterior teeth, using an injectable, non-animal-based, hyaluronic acid gel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten systemically healthy adults, with at least one anterior site with class I or II interdental papilla loss, were recruited. Following local anesthesia, ∼0.2 ml of hyaluronic acid gel was injected directly into the base of the papilla. The injection was repeated twice 21 days later. Patients were seen monthly for follow-up. Lost papilla surface area was calculated from digital clinical photographs taken at baseline and at 4 and 6 months postoperatively. Differences in lost papilla surface area between baseline and postoperative time points were statistically analyzed. Participants completed questionnaires (satisfaction surveys).

RESULTS

Seventeen sites (13 maxillary, 4 mandibular) were treated in 9 females who completed the study. The lost inderdental papilla area at baseline and at the 4- and 6-month postoperative visits was 1.2 ± 1.8 mm(2) (mean ± SD), 0.6 ± 0.9 mm(2), and 0.7 ± 0.7 mm(2), respectively. Differences between baseline and postoperative visits were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Two thirds of the patients would choose to undergo the procedure again.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of hyaluronic acid gel to treat interdental papilla loss resulted in significant improvement at 6 months. Patients expressed satisfaction with the obtained improvement and dissatisfaction with the associated procedure discomfort.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Treatment of interdental papilla loss (black triangle) by hyaluronic acid gel injection appears a promising modality to address this esthetic patient concern.

New anatomical insights on the course and branching patterns of the facial artery: clinical implications of injectable treatments to the nasolabial fold and nasojugal groove

BACKGROUND

Improper manipulation of injectable treatments to the face can result in disastrous vascular complications. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the detoured course of the facial artery and to provide detailed metric data regarding facial artery location with a view to helping physicians avoid iatrogenic vascular accidents during injectable treatments.

METHODS

Sixty specimens from 35 embalmed cadavers (24 male and 11 female cadavers; mean age, 70.0 years) and one fresh male cadaver (age, 62 years) were used for this study.

RESULTS

In 56 cases (93.3 percent), the branches of the facial artery were observed at the vicinity of the nasolabial fold. The facial artery was located 3.2 ± 4.5 mm (mean ± SD) lateral to the ala of the nose and 13.5 ± 5.4 mm lateral to the oral commissure. It crossed the nasolabial fold in 33.9 percent of cases, and ascended within 5 mm of the nasolabial fold in 42.9 percent. The facial artery and detoured branches were found in 18 cases (30.0 percent). In the cases with detoured branches, the facial artery turned medially over the infraorbital area at 39.2 ± 5.8 mm lateral to the facial midsagittal line and 35.2 ± 8.2 mm inferior to the plane connecting the medial epicanthi of both sides. The nasojugal portion of the detoured branch traveled along the inferior border of the orbicularis oculi and then ascended toward the forehead, forming the angular artery.

CONCLUSION

This detailed vascular anatomy of the facial artery will promote safe clinical manipulations during injectable treatments to the nasolabial fold and nasojugal groove.

Experimental and Clinical Efficacy of Two Hyaluronic Acid-based Compounds of Different Cross-Linkage and Composition in the Rejuvenation of the Skin

BACKGROUND

In the field of aesthetic medicine there is an increasing demand for safe and effective hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers to counteract the aging process.

METHODS AND AIMS

We designed a study to evaluate the safety and histological biocompatibility of Aliaxin® Global Performance, a cross-linked HA filler and Viscoderm® Skinkò E, a product composed of non-cross-linked HA and a complex including vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and minerals injected into the skin of guinea pigs. Then, we translated our findings into the clinical setting, administering a combination of these compounds to patients seeking a facial rejuvenation procedure targeting moderate-to-severe wrinkles affecting the nasolabial folds.

RESULTS

The animal study showed that the two compounds did not induce any significant inflammatory reactions and increased collagen and elastic fibers in the skin. In the clinical setting, injection of Aliaxin® Global Performance, followed by Viscoderm® Skinkò E, resulted in a higher improvement in nasolabial fold hydration, trans-epidermal water loss and wrinkle aesthetic appearance, if compared with a protocol based on Aliaxin® Global Performance alone.

CONCLUSION

In summary, we show evidence on the safety and mechanism underlying two new HA-based compounds of different cross-linkage and composition, proposing that they can be safely used in combination in patients seeking facial rejuvenation procedures with long-lasting efficacy.