Efficacy and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid Combined with Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Treatment of Midcheek Groove: A Prospective Study.

[BACKGROUND] The midcheek groove, a diagonal wrinkle in the infraorbital and infrazygomatic regions, disrupts the entire midface smooth lines and impacts facial aesthetics. Despite current treatments' limited effectiveness, including hyaluronic acid fillers and surgical risks, and the neglect of the medial orbicularis oculi muscle, this study explores the efficacy and safety of combining botulinum toxin type A with sodium hyaluronate injection for midcheek groove treatment, considering anatomical and clinical factors.

[METHODS] In this prospective study, healthy participants with midcheek grooves (depth >3 mm) were treated with botulinum toxin type A combined with hyaluronic acid injections. Data were collected at baseline, 4, 12, and 32 weeks as well as 30 min after treatment, and at 1, 3, and 6 months follow-up. Changes in the depth of the midcheek groove were measured using a three-dimensional scanner and assessed using the Patient Satisfaction Assessment Scale. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the impact of different clinical subtypes on treatment outcomes.

[RESULTS] Thirty-six volunteers completed this study, and the midcheek groove depth was significantly reduced at 30 min after treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months of follow-up (p < 0.001). The medial half of the midcheek groove had the best efficacy at 1 month after treatment, while the lateral half responded best at 30 min after treatment. Subgroup analyses showed that clinical subtypes affected treatment efficacy. No complications or severe adverse reactions were observed.

[CONCLUSIONS] Botulinum toxin type A combined with hyaluronic acid injection effectively improved the midcheek groove.

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