Lip and Perioral Enhancement With Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers in Individuals With Skin of Color.

[BACKGROUND] Individuals with skin of color are underrepresented in studies of lip and perioral enhancement.

[OBJECTIVE] To examine the effectiveness and safety of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler treatment for lip and perioral enhancement in subjects with skin of color.

[METHODS] Data were pooled from subjects with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV, V, or VI in 2 pivotal studies of HA dermal fillers. Photonumeric scales were used to assess lip fullness (5-point scale) and perioral lines and oral commissures severity (each 4-point scales). Safety was assessed by injection site responses recorded in patient diaries and adverse events (AEs).

[RESULTS] The cohort comprised 72 subjects (median age: 49.5 years; 95.8% female). Mean lip fullness improved from baseline by 1.1 points at 3 months after treatment; 85.0% of subjects were responders (≥1-point improvement). Of subjects treated for perioral lines (n = 12) and oral commissures (n = 56), 90.9% and 46.4%, respectively, were responders. Injection site responses were generally mild or moderate in severity, resolved within 2 weeks, and were consistent with those expected for HA dermal filler treatment. The most common AEs were injection site mass (19.4%) and bruising (12.5%).

[CONCLUSION] Lip and perioral enhancement with HA dermal fillers is effective and safe in subjects with skin of color.