A prospective, split-face study comparing the efficacy and safety of 2.5% agarose gel filler (a natural hydrocolloid with a three-dimensional structure similar to the extracellular matrix) to hylauronic acid filler Restlyane Lyft (NASHA‐L, 20 mg/mL) for the correction of nasolabial folds (NLF) found that the outcomes were equivalent, with results that lasted seven to eight months. The study was published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (May 2021).
Researchers Nicolo Scuderi, MD, et al, treated 66 patients. Assessments included the NLF, Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS [blinded investigator]), subject satisfaction, adverse events and usability.
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At three months, 46 subjects were available for evaluation. The mean change in WSRS was identical for both sides of the face. The investigators noted that scores for each product remained similar across all time points and NLFs began to return to baseline between seven and eight months.
The GAIS scores for both sides followed a similar pattern. At seven months, the GAIS was 2.7 ± 0.6 for 2.5% agarose and 2.7 ± 0.6 for NASHA‐L. At eight months, the scores were 3.3 ± 0.5 for 2.5% agarose and 3.3 ± 0.5 for NASHA‐L. Ultrasound confirmed the longevity of both fillers between seven months and eight months. The number of adverse events were similar between the two fillers; all adverse events were transient in nature and resolved within 15 days.
