Combined treatment with a nonablative infrared device and hyaluronic acid filler does not have enhanced efficacy in treating nasolabial fold wrinkles.

BACKGROUND

Although hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are extensively used for the correction of facial wrinkles and folds, there is a limit to patient satisfaction, especially in patients with severe wrinkles.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential for synergistic effects with combined treatment using a nonablative infrared (IR) device and HA filler in the treatment of nasolabial fold (NLF) wrinkles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a split-face randomized study in which 12 Korean patients were treated with HA filler on both NLFs and with a nonablative IR device on the experimental side of the face. Clinical evaluations from subjects and investigators and photographs were obtained at baseline, just before and after the procedures, and 1 and 2 months after completion of the procedures.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between wrinkle severity and global aesthetic scores for HA gel implantation alone and HA gel with nonablative IR device treatment at any point.

CONCLUSION

Combining the use of a nonablative IR device with HA filler does not appear to be superior to HA filler alone in the treatment of moderate to severe NLF wrinkles.