WEDNESDAY, May 17, 2023 -- Art Filler Volume (AFV), a hyaluronic acid-based filler formulated with a unique combination of three sizes of hyaluronic acid chains, produces midface volume restoration, which persists in some individuals for 540 days, according to a study published online May 2 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Philippe Kestemont, M.D., from the MEDITI Center in Juan-les-pins, France, and colleagues conducted an open-label study to examine AFV efficacy and safety over 18 months when used to restore midface volume. A maximum of 1.8 mL AFV was injected into each cheek area on day 0. Individuals were assessed on day 21, when a retouch could be performed if necessary. Participants were followed up at seven visits through day 540.

The researchers found that 25 of the 79 Caucasians enrolled required a second injection. There was a significant improvement observed in mean overall Medicis Midface Volume Scale (MMVS) scores from day 0 to day 21 and day 42 (3.2 ± 0.4 to 1.8 ± 0.6 and 1.7 ± 0.6) in the intention-to-treat population. For each cheek, there was also significant improvement in MMVS scores, regardless of retouch on day 21; persistent benefit on day 540 was seen for 22 percent of injections without retouch. Pain on palpitation, erythema, and edema were the most common adverse events (19, 15, and 13 percent, respectively); most events were mild or moderate and resolved within two weeks.

"AFV shows a sustained objective and subjective benefit that persists in some subjects for at least 18 months, often without retouching," the authors write. "The sustained improvement was consistent in both cheeks, and across multiple assessment methods, suggesting the findings are robust and clinically meaningful."

Two authors are employees of Laboratories FILLMED, which supported the study.