Silvester von Buelow1, Norbert Pallua. 1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hand Surgery-Burn Center, University Hospital, Aachen University of Technology, Germany. svonbuelow@ukaachen.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Polyacrylamide (Aquamid) is a nonabsorbable soft-tissue filler. It consists of a polyacrylamide hydrogel. Safety and aesthetic results after injection of polyacrylamide hydrogel for facial soft-tissue enhancement were analyzed in a clinical trial. METHODS: In a prospective multicenter study, 251 patients were enrolled for injection of polyacrylamide hydrogel (Aquamid). The results of the first year follow-up have been described previously. One hundred one of 251 initially enrolled patients could be recruited for follow-up 24 months after the first injection. Standardized photographs were taken, and blood and urine samples were collected before treatment and during follow-up visits. Common sites of injection were nasolabial folds, lips, glabella folds, and other sites. The amount of injected gel ranged from 0.2 to 12 ml. RESULTS: A course of 24 months was followed in 101 patients. Results were judged to be good or very good by the investigators in 93 patients. Eighty-six patients judged the aesthetic outcome as satisfactory or very satisfactory. No severe side effects were observed during the 2-year follow-up period. Transient local reactions that resolved spontaneously were detected in several patients. In one case, burning sensations after lip augmentation were reported lasting up to the 24-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Polyacrylamide hydrogel (Aquamid) yielded satisfying aesthetic results in more than 90 percent of patients. There was no difference in efficacy between 12 and 24 months' follow-up. No adverse soft-tissue reaction was observed. The study group may be biased, as patients with bad results may have refrained from further follow-up. Long-term follow-up is necessary.
BACKGROUND:Polyacrylamide (Aquamid) is a nonabsorbable soft-tissue filler. It consists of a polyacrylamide hydrogel. Safety and aesthetic results after injection of polyacrylamide hydrogel for facial soft-tissue enhancement were analyzed in a clinical trial. METHODS: In a prospective multicenter study, 251 patients were enrolled for injection of polyacrylamide hydrogel (Aquamid). The results of the first year follow-up have been described previously. One hundred one of 251 initially enrolled patients could be recruited for follow-up 24 months after the first injection. Standardized photographs were taken, and blood and urine samples were collected before treatment and during follow-up visits. Common sites of injection were nasolabial folds, lips, glabella folds, and other sites. The amount of injected gel ranged from 0.2 to 12 ml. RESULTS: A course of 24 months was followed in 101 patients. Results were judged to be good or very good by the investigators in 93 patients. Eighty-six patients judged the aesthetic outcome as satisfactory or very satisfactory. No severe side effects were observed during the 2-year follow-up period. Transient local reactions that resolved spontaneously were detected in several patients. In one case, burning sensations after lip augmentation were reported lasting up to the 24-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS:Polyacrylamide hydrogel (Aquamid) yielded satisfying aesthetic results in more than 90 percent of patients. There was no difference in efficacy between 12 and 24 months' follow-up. No adverse soft-tissue reaction was observed. The study group may be biased, as patients with bad results may have refrained from further follow-up. Long-term follow-up is necessary.
Authors: M Massella; J Ivanovic; R Bellagamba; R De Vita; L Fracasso; V Tozzi; V Fragola; M Rizzica; P Narciso Journal: Patient Prefer Adherence Date: 2011-05-17 Impact factor: 2.711