A<scp>split‐face</scp>, blind, randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid filler for the correction of atrophic facial scars
Robyn Siperstein, Elizabeth Nestor, Suzanne Meran, Lisa D. Grunebaum
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid fillers have been studied extensively for facial wrinkles; however, their efficacy for atrophic facial scars has yet to be analyzed in a prospective placebo-controlled study. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy and safety of a hyaluronic acid filler for atrophic facial scars. METHODS & MATERIALS: Fifteen subjects were randomized to receive up to 1 ml of VYC-17.5 L on one cheek and up to 1 ml of saline on the other side, with an optional touch-up treatment. Subjects were graded by a live blind evaluator using the Quantitative Global Scarring Grading System (QGSGS) (J Cosmet Dermatol. 2006;5:48), the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and Canfield photo-analysis. RESULTS: According to the blind evaluator, there was a significant reduction 90 days after the last treatment on the QGSGS for VYC-17.5L compared with saline (-6.6 VYC-17.5L vs -1.7 saline [t(28) = -4.3196, p = 0.008]). There was a smaller, but still significant reduction on the QGSGS for saline alone (10.4 to 8.6 [t(14) = -3.453, p = 0.004]). In addition, 93% (13/14) of subjects chose VYC-17.5L over saline treatment and reported an improvement on the GAIS. There were no serious side effects and all minor side effects resolved by Day 30. CONCLUSION: VYC-17.5L achieved significant improvements in rolling atrophic scars as compared to saline, though saline also had modest improvements.