A split‐face comparison of a new hyaluronic acid facial filler containing pre‐incorporated lidocaine versus a standard hyaluronic acid facial filler in the treatment of naso‐labial folds

Abstract

This split‐face, single‐blind study compared the comfort and ease of injection of a new hyaluronic acid facial filler containing pre‐incorporated lidocaine (Juvéderm^® ULTRA 3) versus the established hyaluronic acid facial filler Restylane‐Perlane^®. A total of 126 individuals were treated with both products, randomly assigned to the right or left naso‐labial fold. Injector assessment‐indicated mean injection pain, pain of massaging the injected area and post‐injection discomfort (based on a scale of 0=no pain to 10=extreme pain) were 2.1, 0.9 and 0.4 for Juvéderm ULTRA 3, and 4.1, 3.3 and 1.7 for Restylane‐Perlane, respectively (p<0.0001). Patient assessment of the same parameters were 2.8, 1.3 and 0.4 for Juvéderm ULTRA 3, and 4.9, 3.6 and 1.8 for Restylane‐Perlane (p<0.0001). Injectors indicated that 92% of Juvéderm ULTRA 3 injections were ‘very easy’, compared with 21% for Restylane‐Perlane. Post‐treatment smoothness was comparable, but 95% of individuals preferred Juvéderm ULTRA 3 for overall injection comfort. A total of 95% of individuals indicated that Juvéderm ULTRA 3 was a more comfortable and gentle experience.

Keywords::

• Hyaluronic acid
• Juvéderm^® ULTRA 3
• naso‐labial folds
• Restylane‐Perlane^®

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr Kelvin Tan for his valuable assistance. Medical writing support for this paper was provided by Allergan.

Disclosure of interest: Dr Levy is Chargé d' Enseignement, Department of Dermatology, UFR, Besançon, France. Dr Levy has received honoraria, reimbursement of travel expenses and grants for consultancy, lectures, workshops and advisory boards from Allergan Inc, Q‐Med, ESC‐Sharplan and Quantel Medical.

Dr De Boulle has received honoraria, reimbursement of travel expenses and grants for consultancy, lectures, workshops and advisory boards from Allergan Inc, Q‐Med and Johnson & Johnson.

Dr Raspaldo has received honoraria, reimbursement of travel expenses and grants for consultancy, lectures, workshops and advisory boards from Allergan Inc, Q‐Med and Sanofi‐Aventis and has received royalties on endoscopic facelift instruments from Karl Storz GmbH.