Safety and efficacy of the transoral approach for cheek volumization with hyaluronic acid: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND

With aging, there is a decrease in the volume of facial fat compartments, which can be restored using injectable biodegradable fillers.

AIMS

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of an ultrasound-guided transoral injection versus the traditional percutaneous approach for cheek volumization with hyaluronic acid.

PATIENTS/METHODS: This is a pilot, single-center, comparative, prospective study conducted in Spain in which the hemifaces were randomized to receive an injection with each technique, and the duration of follow-up was 1 year. Results were assessed using the GAIS and the procedure satisfaction survey. The degree of pain experienced was evaluated using a VAS for pain.

RESULTS

This study included 20 women with a mean age of 45.3 years (SD 5.1, range of 38-53). No significant differences were observed in esthetic improvement scores or in the satisfaction surveys. There were significant differences in the transoral approach assessment at V3 (p = 0.0362) and in both procedures at V6 (p = 0.0026) between patients and evaluators. Of all patients, 55% (n = 11/20) reported less pain with the transoral approach, and 15% (n = 3/20) did not perceive pain with any techniques. No side effects different than those expected were observed, and they all resolved without the need for treatment.

CONCLUSION

The transoral approach for cheek volumization with hyaluronic acid was shown as a safe, effective technique that provides more comfort and minor sensation of pain than the traditional percutaneous approach but with equivalent esthetic outcomes.