Hyaluronic acid lip filler products differ in terms of outcomes, but no product is superior in all outcome categories, according to a research letter published online Nov. 9 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology .

Serge A. Steenen, M.D., from the University of Amsterdam, and colleagues conducted a multicenter randomized clinical trial involving 143 women who requested lip augmentation. Participants were randomly assigned to receive Juvéderm Ultra 3, Belotero Intense, Restylane Kysse, or Stylage M brands in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, day 14, and follow-up (week 13).

The researchers found that from baseline to follow-up, there was an overall increase in lip height ( 18.9 percent), with more of an increase for Stylage than Juvéderm ( 26.3 versus 10.9 percent). From baseline to follow-up, appearance appraisal increased overall ( 40.7 percent), with more of an increase for Juvéderm than Belotero ( 50.7 versus 29.8 percent). There were no serious adverse events reported. From baseline to follow-up, increases were seen in social function ( 9.8 percent) and psychological well-being ( 8.7 percent) scores. A greater increase in social function was seen with Stylage than Belotero ( 11.0 versus 6.3 percent). Lip height increased from baseline to day 14 checkup ( 34.4 percent), with more of an increase for Belotero than Juvéderm and Stylage ( 41.3 percent versus 27.7 and 31.1 percent, respectively). Higher side effect scores were seen for Juvéderm than Stylage.

"Statistically significant but clinically arguably relevant superiority was found with regard to duration, patient satisfaction, and quality of life," the authors write. "No product was superior in all categories."

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