The demand for aesthetic treatments targeting the middle and lower face is on the rise, especially because of changes in appearance associated with aging. This study aimed to assess the use of a hybrid filler for sculpting and contouring of the chin, jaw, and malar region. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent jaw and chin contouring and cheek augmentation using a hybrid filler (hyaluronic acid and dextranomer). The evaluation focused on the naturalness of appearance, enhancement in volume, and the durability of the results, employing a 5-point scale. Both patient satisfaction and physician evaluations were measured using the Likert scale and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), respectively. Follow-up with patients extended up to 6 months after treatment, during which any treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were meticulously recorded and analyzed. Nineteen patients participated in the study, receiving an average injection volume of 2.4 ± 0.9 mL to attain the desired outcomes. The evaluation of natural appearance, volumizing effects, and durability at the analyzed time point consistently scored above 4. All 19 patients' aesthetic improvement was evaluated as "very much improved" and "much improved", at the GAIS score. All patients report improvement in their appearance, with 89.5% rating it as "very much improved" or "much improved" on the Likert scale. Only expected AEs such as mild pain and lower swelling were registered. The hybrid filler proved effective and safe for facial contouring, with significant patient satisfaction and minimal adverse effects.
Read full abstract