CO2 Extends Duration of HA Fillers

Researchers Giuseppe Nisi, MD, et al, sought to compare the efficacy, tolerability and effect duration of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers with and without the addition of CO₂ therapy for the cosmetic correction of nasolabial folds.

They enrolled 40 healthy women who received a split-face, blinded and randomized treatment for their nasolabial folds: The subjects received only HA filler only in one fold, and filler plus subcutaneous injections of CO₂ in the other. Two blinded plastic surgeons evaluated the results after the implant at one week, four months and six months using a 1-5 graduated scale (GAIS). Each patient was also asked to express her opinion about the cosmetic result at that time.

All patients experienced better results on the side treated with CO₂ therapy plus HA, according to the blinded evaluation at four and six months. At the six-month follow-up, patients treated with HA plus CO₂ therapy had maintained their results, while the nasolabial fold treated only with filler had returned to baseline. The results suggest that the CO₂ extends the longevity of HA fillers.

The study was published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (June 2016).

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