The Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of a Subcutaneously Injected Large-Particle Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid–Based Gel of NonAnimal Origin in Esthetic Facial Contouring

BACKGROUND Nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) offers longer-lasting correction than many other injectable products and is associated with low risk of immunogenic and hypersensitivity reactions. A new large-particle stabilized hyaluronic acid–based gel has been developed to restore facial volume and define facial contours. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of a large-particle stabilized hyaluronic acid–based gel in patients seeking facial contouring. METHODS Fifty-seven adult patients seeking esthetic cheek or chin augmentation or both received subcutaneous or supraperiosteal injections or both of large-particle stabilized hyaluronic acid–based gel (20 mg/mL). Efficacy was assessed subjectively using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale at intervals up to 12 months after treatment. RESULTS After treatment, patients and investigators independently considered treatment sites to be at least somewhat improved in 91% and 96% (6 months), 68% and 77% (9 months), and 58% and 52% (12 months) of cases, respectively. Patient- and investigator-assessed treatment response rates (the proportion of patients showing at least moderate improvement) were 72% and 81% (6 months), 42% and 40% (9 months), and 21% and 15% (12 months), respectively. Most commonly reported adverse events were local injection-site reactions, skin induration, and implant mobility. CONCLUSION This large-particle stabilized hyaluronic acid–based gel is well tolerated and provides relatively long-lasting esthetic correction of the cheeks and chin after subcutaneous or supraperiosteal injection. Claudio DeLorenzi, MD, Michael Weinberg, MD, Nowell Solish, MD and Arthur Swift, MD, have been consultants to both Medicis Inc. and Q-Med AB, and have received payment for clinical research and training preceptorships. Q-Med AB provided the material used, and the authors (investigators) were paid for their parcticipation in the study.