The Role of Clinical Examination in Midface Volume Correction Using Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Should Patients Be Stratified by Skin Thickness?

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic physicians have several hundred injectable products to select from. Due to differences in their manufacturing technology, these products display varying biophysical qualities, such as their cohesivity and lift capacity. Currently, there is no guidance to objectively selecting the best product for a particular patient. Therefore, an algorithmic approach is required to take specific skin characteristics into consideration. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate (1) whether subjects seeking injectable treatments for midfacial volume loss and/or contour deficiency can be stratified based on specific skin characteristics (eg, thickness, fat quantity, bony structure) and (2) whether particular hyaluronic acid fillers perform best when used in such particular strata. METHODS: This was a prospective, Phase IV, open-label, single-center clinical trial. Thirty female patients with midface/cheek volume loss and/or contour deficiency were recruited (mean age, 53.5 years; SD, 12.57; range, 35–75 years). Subjects were treated with either Restylane Lyft (HA(L)) or Restylane Volyme (HA(V)) and followed for 4 months post-injection. Treatment allocation was based on the treating physician’s clinical evaluation and compared with ultrasound evaluation. Ultrasound images were used to confirm stratification. Safety and efficacy assessments were performed at each study visit: baseline, week 2, week 4, week 8, and week 16. Subgroup analyses evaluated whether particular strata performed best when treated with specific products. RESULTS: The 2 investigative products varied in their efficacy, depending on the characteristics of the subject. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a treatment algorithm may improve outcomes for patients seeking injectable treatments for midfacial volume loss and contour deficiencies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2: [Image: see text]