Perceived naturalness of facial expression after hyaluronic acid filler injection in nasolabial folds and lower face.

[BACKGROUND] In addition to having a younger and more attractive appearance after facial aesthetic treatment, patients desire natural-looking and long-lasting results.

[OBJECTIVE] To evaluate perceived naturalness of dynamic facial expressions after treatment with hyaluronic acid fillers in nasolabial folds (NLFs) and lower face wrinkles and folds.

[METHODS] Subjects requiring treatment of moderate-to-severe NLFs and at least one other lower face indication were treated with hyaluronic acid fillers. Assessments included perceived naturalness, attractiveness and age, NLF severity, aesthetic improvement, satisfaction, and safety.

[RESULTS] Sixty-three subjects were enrolled. Six months after treatment, naturalness of facial expression was maintained or enhanced for ≥98% of subjects, attractiveness was enhanced for ≥61% of subjects, and ≥34% of subjects looked younger, as assessed by investigators and an independent evaluator. Wrinkle severity had improved at least 1 grade for ≥54% of subjects at Month 12. Aesthetic improvement was reported for ≥92% of subjects 12 months after treatment. Satisfaction with treatment outcome was high. Local tolerability events and adverse events were mainly mild or moderate and resolved spontaneously.

[CONCLUSION] Hyaluronic acid treatment in NLFs and lower face was well tolerated and achieved natural-looking results, long-lasting aesthetic improvement, and high satisfaction with treatment outcome.