Prospective Clinical Trial Demonstrating the Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Filler for the Improvement of Atrophic Facial Scars up to 2 years

BACKGROUND Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler longevity has been studied for wrinkles. However, its long-term use for treating atrophic facial scars has not yet been analyzed in long-term prospective studies. OBJECTIVE Analyze the safety and duration of a HA filler for the use in atrophic scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen subjects received VYC-17.5L in atrophic scars on 1 randomized cheek and saline on the other, with 1 optional touch-up treatment and crossover after the short-term trial. Grading for this long-term extension was done on Day 720, using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and the Quantitative Global Scarring Grading System. RESULTS On Day 720, a live blind evaluator rated the VYC-17.5L assigned side as having significant reduction in scar severity (−7.2 t(22) = −6.01, p = .00009) and number of scars (−8.8 t(22) = −6.25, p = .00006) as compared with baseline. There was no significant difference in the results from Day 120 to Day 720. Ninety-two percent (11/12) of subjects reported improvement (GAIS), were satisfied with the treatment, thought it looked natural, and had fewer side effects than expected. There were no persistent or late-onset side effects. CONCLUSION VYC-17.5L improved rolling atrophic facial scars, and the results were sustained throughout the 2-year trial without side effects.