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.