Effect of midfacial volume augmentation with non animal stabilized hyaluronic acid on the nasolabial fold and global aethestic appearance

INTRODUCTION: Non animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (Perlane, Galderma, SA) was FDA approved in 2007 for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds. Off-label use led to the observation that injection of Perlane in the midface improved both global aesthetic appearance and reduced the depth of nasolabial folds. A proof-of-concept trial was undertaken to explore this clinical observation further. METHODS: Twenty subjects with moderate midfacial volume loss and prominence of nasolabial folds underwent injection of the midface with Perlane between May and July, 2009. The average volume administered was 3.68 +/- 0.55 ml. Assessments were performed by the injecting physician and subject self-assessment for 6 months following treatment. RESULTS: 17 of 20 subjects completed all study visits. At the 6-month follow up visit 16 of 17 subjects were found to have clinically significant improvement of the midface and 14 of 17 subjects were found to have clinically significant improvement of the nasolabial folds. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: In this early stage, proof-of-concept trial, the majority of patients treated demonstrated clinically significant, aesthetically pleasing improvement 6 months after injection of Perlane in the midface.