Abstract
BACKGROUND: Versatility, biocompatibility, and reversibility make hyaluronic acid fillers the backbone of minimally invasive lip augmentation procedures. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and short- and long-term safety of Saypha LIPS Lidocaine (Croma Pharma, Leobendorf, Austria) for lip augmentation to correct moderate to severe lip volume deficiency (grade 1-3 lip fullness score [LFS]). METHODS: In this postmarket, prospective, open-label, multicenter, randomized clinical study, 114 patients were initially treated (with optional touch-up treatment at Week 3). Retrograde and bolus techniques were employed with defined needles or cannula. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the proportion of patients with lip volume improvement of LFS ≥ 1 grade vs baseline at Week 6 (ie, responders); with follow-up (FU) for secondary effectiveness at Months 6, 12, and 18. Evaluation scores included the LFS, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (investigator and patient), patient satisfaction questionnaire FACE-Q, and a numerical pain rating scale. RESULTS: At Week 6, >90% of the patients were responders (lower-lip: 95% CI, 92.24-99.43, P = .0071; upper-lip: 95% CI, 90.95-99.00, P = .0234), with post hoc analyses showing the outcome was influenced by the initial volume deficiency and total volume injected, but not by touch-up treatment. At Month 6, 90% of the patients were responders; at Month 12, 70%; and at Month 18, >40% still had a visible effect. Adverse events were mostly procedural, mild, and temporary. Pain perception was significantly reduced 15 minutes after the procedure. Aesthetic improvement and patient satisfaction were rated as high at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: Saypha LIPS Lidocaine for lip augmentation showed long-term aesthetic improvement and safety.