Case Report: Lip Augmentation with Injection of a Novel PEG-crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels is one of the most common esthetic procedures worldwide, but requires products with an optimal balance of elasticity and cohesivity to volumize while integrating with the surrounding tissue. This case report describes the results of lip augmentation with a novel, 24 mg/mL HA hydrogel cross-linked with poly (ethylene glycol) diglycidyl (PEGDE-HA 24), and supplemented with l-proline and glycine to limit post-injection swelling. METHODS: In three separate treatment sessions (Weeks 0, 2, and 10), a 29-year-old woman requesting lip augmentation was injected with PEGDE-HA 24 as multiple superficial injections using a tenting technique. Photographs were taken before treatment and at 2-weeks, 1-month, and 5-months after the initial injection. The subject provided post-treatment updates on her experience with the hydrogel in terms of the results achieved and any adverse events experienced. RESULTS: A total of 1.0 mL PEGDE-HA 24 was injected: treatment session 1 (0.3 mL); session 2 (0.4 mL); and session 3 (0.3 mL). The day after each injection the subject reported that her lips were sensitive, but not painful. The level of post-injection bruising and swelling diminished with each subsequent injection and healed rapidly. No other adverse events were reported. The subject was very satisfied with the results describing them as attractive and natural looking for up to 5 months. CONCLUSIONS: This case report demonstrated that 1 mL of PEGDE-HA 24 was effective and well tolerated for volume augmentation of the lip. The subject was very satisfied with her experience of the hydrogel and natural-looking results were achieved.