Deep-fill hyaluronic acid for the temporary treatment of the naso-jugal groove: a report of 303 consecutive treatments.

[PURPOSE] To report a 2-year experience of treating the naso-jugal groove with injectable hyaluronic acid gel, using a deep-fill method.

[METHODS] This was a consecutive, retrospective, nonrandomized case series of patients presenting with concerns involving dark circles, lower eyelid hollows, or other contour irregularities that make up the naso-jugal groove. One author performed all treatments, consisting of transcutaneous injection of hyaluronic acid gel filler, to address the naso-jugal groove. The filler was placed deep on the anterior lip of the orbital rim and molded to the desired shape.

[RESULTS] Between December 2003 and December 2005, 164 patients (34 male and 130 female) received hyaluronic acid gel filler in the face. Ninety-eight patients were treated just once and 66 had multiple treatment sessions. The mean dose of filler per session was 1.53 +/- 0.8 ml, with 0.84 +/- 0.38 ml divided between the two lower eyelids. The most common complication was localized swelling, followed by bruising, asymmetry, cellulitis (2 cases), and migraine (1 case). There were no cases of visual loss.

[CONCLUSIONS] Hyaluronic acid gel fillers have had an enormous impact on the practice of cosmetic surgery, and this series demonstrates the usefulness of these fillers for treatment of the lower eyelid and midface. The authors recommend the deep-fill method described as a reliable means of addressing the hollow created by the naso-jugal groove.