Calcium Hydroxylapatite for Augmentation of Face and Hands: A Retrospective Analysis in Italian Subjects.

To assess the use and safety of calcium hydroxylapatite for volume restoration of the face and hands in clinical practice, subjects from four Italian aesthetic clinics who had received calcium hydroxylapatite augmentation treatment between January 2012 and December 2013 were recruited. Records were retrospectively reviewed for demographic characteristics, number of treatments, area treated, injection depth and volume, method of administration, and adverse events. A total of 1,783 treatments were administered to 800 subjects (female: 93.5%; mean age: 49.6 years). Overall, 620 (77.5%) subjects were treated over two sessions for a particular indication, and 243 (30.3%) treated over three sessions. The most frequently treated areas were the zygomatic area (men: 30.2%; women: 30.6% of all treatments), malar area (24.5% and 24.3%), and marionette lines (18.9% and 11.6%). A cannula was used for most treatments (86.7%). Injection volume ranged from 0.4 mL to 1.5 mL. Injection-site swelling and bruising occurred with 18.2% and 11.3% of treatments, respectively. Most cases resolved within one week and two weeks, respectively. No serious/unexpected adverse events occurred. In clinical practice, calcium hydroxylapatite is a versatile, well-tolerated treatment for filling folds and volume restoration of the face and hands.