Hyaluronic acid, autologous fat augment nasolabial folds

(HealthDay)—Hyaluronic acid (HA) and autologous fat are both beneficial for augmentation of nasolabial folds (NLFs), according to a study published online March 14 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Xiaogen Hu, M.D., from the China Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, and colleagues examined the effectiveness and safety of correction of the NLF in a randomized study. Fifty-seven patients were randomized to receive injections of HA or autologous fat in both NLFs. Efficacy was assessed using evaluation of final improvement by blinded evaluator and patient-self using photographs.

The researchers found that within nine months there were no significant differences between the two methods in the blinded evaluator scores for NLF in accordance with the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale. At 12-month follow-up there was a statistically significant difference between the groups favoring the use of autologous fat. The results were similar for subjects' self-assessment and the evaluator scores. In the early stages of recovery there was a higher rate of reactions at the injection site for the fat group compared with the HA group, while in later stages the adverse events were similar.

"Both HA gel and autologous fat provide augmentation of NLFs," the authors write. "The magnitude and duration of NLF correction appear to be similarly effective and safe within a period."