title: A novel prospective three-dimensional analysis of nasolabial fold augmentation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are many products approved for aesthetic soft tissue augmentation. Despite this abundance, there is limited objective data regarding safety, longevity, and complication rates. Instead, most reports rely on subjective measures to report volume changes and outcomes, making product comparison difficult.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The authors developed and validated a mathematical model to prospectively calculate and analyze three-dimensional (3D) volumetric changes associated with nasolabial fold augmentation based on human acellular dermis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven consecutive patients were included in this prospective review. The patients underwent nasolabial fold treatment with BellaDerm (Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, Edison, NJ), administered by a single surgeon. 3D photographs were obtained and analyzed with a novel mathematical model to determine absolute volumetric changes and objective longevity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean preoperative nasolabial fold volume was 0.17 mL. The mean one-, three-, and six-month postoperative fill volumes were 0.35, 0.19, and 0.07 mL, respectively. Fill volumes and contour changes returned to baseline by 24 weeks postoperatively in the majority of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The mathematical model utilized in this study provided prospective and objective data regarding longevity and volumetric changes associated with nasolabial fold augmentation. The analysis demonstrated minimal objective filler permanence beyond six months, with peak volume enhancement between one and three months. Adoption of objective 3D mathematical metrics into the assessment of soft tissue filler outcomes is critical to obtaining more accurate product-to-product comparisons.
authors.affiliation: Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Armando A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Davila
authors.forename: Donald W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Buck
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chopp
authors.forename: Caitlin M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Connor
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Persing
authors.forename: Vinay
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rawlani
authors.forename: John Y S
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D060052:Nasolabial Fold / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies