Combined treatment with a nonablative infrared device and hyaluronic acid filler does not have enhanced efficacy in treating nasolabial fold wrinkles.

[BACKGROUND] Although hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are extensively used for the correction of facial wrinkles and folds, there is a limit to patient satisfaction, especially in patients with severe wrinkles.

[OBJECTIVE] To evaluate the potential for synergistic effects with combined treatment using a nonablative infrared (IR) device and HA filler in the treatment of nasolabial fold (NLF) wrinkles.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] This was a split-face randomized study in which 12 Korean patients were treated with HA filler on both NLFs and with a nonablative IR device on the experimental side of the face. Clinical evaluations from subjects and investigators and photographs were obtained at baseline, just before and after the procedures, and 1 and 2 months after completion of the procedures.

[RESULTS] There were no significant differences between wrinkle severity and global aesthetic scores for HA gel implantation alone and HA gel with nonablative IR device treatment at any point.

[CONCLUSION] Combining the use of a nonablative IR device with HA filler does not appear to be superior to HA filler alone in the treatment of moderate to severe NLF wrinkles.