Assessment of the Impact of Perioral Rejuvenation With Hyaluronic Acid Filler on Projected First Impressions and Mood Perceptions.

[BACKGROUND] Small-particle hyaluronic acid filler is approved for lip augmentation and correction of perioral rhytides. Treatment with this product may improve facial aesthetics, projected first impression, and self-perception of mood.

[OBJECTIVE] To determine the effect of perioral rejuvenation with hyaluronic acid on patient perception of mood and projected first impression.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] Seventeen subjects underwent perioral rejuvenation treatment with small-particle hyaluronic acid filler. Each subject underwent photography and completed 2 surveys measuring self-perception of mood before treatment and after achieving an optimal cosmetic result. Aesthetic improvement with treatment was assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and the Oral Commissure Severity and Perioral Line Severity scales. Seventeen hundred blinded evaluators rated pre-treatment and post-treatment photographs of the subjects using a First Impressions Questionnaire.

[RESULTS] Perioral filler treatment significantly improved pre-treatment and post-treatment scores for happiness within the Happiness Measures Scale. This treatment was found to significantly improve projected first impression across all categories.

[CONCLUSION] Small-particle hyaluronic acid filler treatment for perioral rejuvenation is an effective method for improving physical appearance as well as first impressions. Larger studies are necessary to verify whether perioral rejuvenation with hyaluronic acid offers enhanced self-perception of mood.