A randomized trial to determine the influence of laser therapy, monopolar radiofrequency treatment, and intense pulsed light therapy administered immediately after hyaluronic acid gel implantation.
BACKGROUND
Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid gel (Restylane, Q-Medical AB, Uppsala, Sweden), are widely used for tissue augmentation of the nasolabial folds. Additional dermatologic treatments using infrared light, radiofrequency (RF), and intense pulsed light (IPL) are also important tools for facial rejuvenation. This study was designed to evaluate whether these therapies could be safely administered immediately after hyaluronic acid gel treatment without compromising the effect of the dermal filler.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to confirm or refute any possible subtractive effects of augmentation of the nasolabial folds when followed by 1,320-nm Nd:YAG laser, 1,450-nm diode laser, monopolar RF, and/or IPL treatments.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients with prominent nasolabial folds were treated with hyaluronic acid gel implantation on one side of the face and hyaluronic acid gel followed by one of the nonablative laser/RF/IPL therapies on the contralateral side of the face.


RESULTS
There were no statistically significant differences between wrinkle severity or global aesthetic scores for hyaluronic acid gel implantation alone and hyaluronic acid gel with laser/RF/IPL treatment at any time point. In a small sample, histologic changes were not apparent after laser/RF/IPL treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this small pilot study, laser, RF, and IPL treatments can safely be administered immediately after hyaluronic acid gel implantation without reduction in overall clinical effect.
Goldman
Mitchel P
MP
La Jolla Spa MD, 7630 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. mgderm@aol.com
Alster
Tina S
TS
Weiss
Robert
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015595:Skin Aging; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005782:Gels; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid