Persistence of Nonanimal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid Filler in Nasolabial Fold Correction: An Investigator and Participant Evaluation

Building on the benchmarks set by bovine collagen, nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid fillers have been increasingly used in the United States for nasolabial fold (NLF) correction since initial approval from the US Food and Drug Administration in late 2003. More durable and less immunogenic than collagen, nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid fillers have been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of moderate to severe NLFs.

A recent study evaluating NLF correction with 2 retreatment schedules demonstrated a duration of effect of up to 18 months as assessed by blinded evaluators. The authors reviewed the results of this study and included their perspective on improvement as assessed by participants and the treating investigator.

This randomized study included 75 participants at 3 centers whose NLFs were rated as 3 or 4 on the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS). During the initial visit, each participant’s NLFs were treated, with touch-up injections at 2 weeks as needed. For each participant, 1 NLF was re-treated at 4.5 months and the other was re-treated at 9 months. During an 18-month period, each participant had at least 7 follow-up visits. At baseline, the treating investigator, blinded evaluator, and participant assessed the NLFs using the WSRS scores and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale.

For both retreatment schedules, the majority of participants demonstrated significant improvement in both WSRS and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores for up to 18 months by both investigator and participant assessments.

This prolonged duration of persistence is likely to increase patient satisfaction and improve patient retention.