A split‐face, blind, randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid filler for the correction of atrophic facial scars. (12th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Siperstein, Robyn; Nestor, Elizabeth; Meran, Suzanne; Grunebaum, Lisa
• Is Part Of: Journal of cosmetic dermatology. Volume 21:Number 9(2022)
• Page Start: 3768
• Page End: 3778
• Publication Date: 2022-07-12
• Subjects: acne scarring -- atrophic scar -- hyaluronic acid -- rolling scar -- scar; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Lasers in surgery -- Periodicals; Skin -- Pathophysiology -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-2130

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Hyaluronic acid fillers have been studied extensively for facial wrinkles; however, their efficacy for atrophic facial scars has yet to be analyzed in a prospective placebo‐controlled study. Objective: To analyze the efficacy and safety of a hyaluronic acid filler for atrophic facial scars. Methods & Materials: Fifteen subjects were randomized to receive up to 1 ml of VYC‐17.5 L on one cheek and up to 1 ml of saline on the other side, with an optional touch‐up treatment. Subjects were graded by a live blind evaluator using the Quantitative Global Scarring Grading System (QGSGS) (J Cosmet Dermatol. 2006;5 :48), the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and Canfield photo‐analysis. Results: According to the blind evaluator, there was a significant reduction 90 days after the last treatment on the QGSGS for VYC‐17.5L compared with saline (−6.6 VYC‐17.5L vs −1.7 saline [t(28) = −4.3196, p = 0.008]). There was a smaller, but still significant reduction on the QGSGS for saline alone (10.4 to 8.6 [ t (14) = −3.453, p = 0.004]). In addition, 93% (13/14) of subjects chose VYC‐17.5L over saline treatment and reported an improvement on the GAIS. There were no serious side effects and all minor side effects resolved by Day 30. Conclusion: VYC‐17.5L achieved significant improvements in rolling atrophic scars as compared to saline, though saline also had modest improvements.