Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Injectable Non-Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Associated with a Protective Buffer in Patients with Photoaging of the Periorbital Area

Alfredo Osuna Arellano,1 Evgeniya Ranneva,2 Oxana Doroshenko,3 Albina Mustafina,3 Philippe Deprez2 1Corporal Estetics, Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain; 2Clinica Hera, Empuriabrava, Catalonia, Spain; 3Regulatory Department, Skin Tech Pharma Group S.L.U., Castelló d’Empúries, Catalonia, SpainCorrespondence: Philippe Deprez, Clinic Hera, Carrer Port Grec, 40, PB, 17487 RDC, Empuriabrava, Catalonia, Spain, Email phd@estetik.comPurpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of injectable non-crosslinked HA associated with a protective buffer in patients with photoaging, particularly in lateral canthal rhytids.Patients and Methods: We conducted a post-market interventional clinical investigation in patients with lateral canthal rhytids graded between 1 and 4 based on the crow’s feet grading scale who received a single session of the product in the periorbital area. The primary endpoint of this clinical investigation was improvement in hydration. Secondary endpoints included the evaluation of the product efficacy against lateral canthal rhytids and infraorbital dark circles, subjects’ and investigator’s satisfaction, as well as the occurrence of any adverse events. The follow-up was for 7 days.Results: The study included 34 patients (6 male and 28 female) with a mean age of 53 ± 7.58 years. The mean corneometric index (CM value) increased from 57.17 ± 11.04 to 58.83 ± 7.36 (p < 0.05). Dynamic rhytids reduced by 6%, with a significant reduction in the crow’s feet grading scale from 2.76 ± 0.69 to 2.59 ± 0.76 (p < 0.05). Infraorbital dark circles improved in 50% of patients. Patients’ satisfaction was similar to the evaluators’ satisfaction, with 74% of the patients rating the outcome as “improved” or “ much improved”, and 68% of evaluators rating the outcome as “improved” or “much improved” on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Mild ecchymosis was the only reported adverse event.Conclusion: Non-cross-linked HA associated with a protective buffer is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for the consequences of photoaging in the periorbital area.Keywords: hyaluronic acid, hydration, wrinkles, skin quality, aesthetic improvement, photoaging