Top Cosmetic Injectable Filler Gets a Makeover
Solid Hyaluronic Acid Provides More Precise Wrinkle Correction, Study Finds

DENVER - A new development in the application of cosmetic surgery's most popular injectable filler, hyaluronic acid, is sure to make a splash at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual conference, Plastic Surgery 11 THE Meeting, September 23-27, in Denver. Plastic surgeons have developed a solid hyaluronic acid filler that is instantly reversible and offers a more precise correction of wrinkles than its popular gel counterpart, reveals a study being presented at the conference.

"This novel technology has significant advantages over injecting fillers in gel form," said Geoffrey Gurtner, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study lead author. "It can be placed in the exact depth and position desired without spreading and boasts a greater predictability than other treatments."

Hyaluronic acid soft tissue fillers are traditionally administered in gel form, and though highly effective for treating most deep wrinkles and folds, are not optimal for reducing fine wrinkles such as crow's feet or long horizontal wrinkles along the forehead, the study reports. To address these needs, the authors turned hyaluronic acid into a solid thread, the size of a fine strand of hair, which was then placed under wrinkles using a fine needle. Since the filler is solid, it can be easily removed and the results are immediately reversible. Within a few hours, the solid thread hydrates, swells and reverts back to a soft gel similar to existing gel fillers.

The study examined 31 patients who were treated with the solid hyaluronic acid filler for various wrinkles including forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, and marionette lines around the mouth. All patients experienced improvement of their wrinkles and found treatment to be non-painful. Physicians unanimously reported solid hyaluronic acid was faster to administer and easier to use than gel fillers.

"We believe the results of the solid filler may last moderately longer than comparable gel fillers," said Dr. Gurtner. "However, the longevity of the product cannot be confirmed until long-term clinical studies are completed."

Soft tissue fillers accounted for 1.8 million of the 11.6 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures performed in 2010, according to the ASPS. Hyaluronic acid was the most popular soft tissue filler, with more than 1.2 million procedures performed.

"I see this new technology, turning injectable gels into solids, as a necessary innovation for the optimal treatment of all facial wrinkles and one that will complement our existing toolkit of gel fillers and neurotoxins," said Dr. Gurtner. "While additional, long-term studies are planned, this advanced technique may change the way we rejuvenate the face."

The study, "Solid State Hyaluronic Acid: A Novel Delivery System to Enable the Precise and Rapid Treatment of Fine and Deep Wrinkles," is being presented Saturday, September 24, 1:10 p.m., at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

Reporters can register to attend Plastic Surgery 11 THE Meeting or arrange interviews with presenters by contacting ASPS Public Relations at (847) 228-9900 or in Denver, September 23-27, at (303) 228-8410.