[Treatment of tear trough deformity with hyaluronic acid gel filler].

BACKGROUND Volume loss and muscular hyperactivity are two major components of the aging process that contribute to the formation of the folds and wrinkles. Tear trough deformity is one of the most difficult depressions to correct surgically. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of ten patients submitted to periorbital filling with hyaluronic acid gel filler. METHODS Between June and August, 2008, 10 patients have had their tears troughs treated with hyaluronic acid gel filler. The filler was introduced by a serial puncture technique and approximately 0.1 ml was injected at each pass. The filler was placed in the pre-periosteal tissue. Patients photographs before and after the procedure were reviewed to assess the outcomes. RESULTS The mean volume per side needed to achieve correction was on the right side 0.61 ml (SD=0.25) and on the left side 0.65 ml (SD=0.26). The most common complications were bruising, erythema, local swelling, and pain at the injection site. The effect of treatment lasted up to 12 months. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study showed that the treatment of tear trough deformity with hyaluronic acid gel filler was feasible, predictable and effective. All patients were very satisfied with their results.