Orbitofacial rejuvenation of temple hollowing with Perlane injectable filler

Temple hollowing with soft tissue volume loss is well recognized in HIV lipoatrophy. Similar changes occur as part of aging, with skeletalization of the orbital rim and clipping of the eyebrow tail.

The authors report their initial experience treating temple volume loss and orbitofacial asymmetry with nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA).

This study was a retrospective, interventional case series with a patient satisfaction questionnaire and independent physician grading of results. Patients initially received approximately 1 mL of Perlane (Q-Med, Uppsala, Sweden; Medicis, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona) injected into the superficial fascia of each temple. The filler was placed behind the frontozygomatic process to soften the bony contour of the lateral orbital rim. Outcome measures included satisfaction with injection procedure, fulfillment of expectations, satisfaction with appearance, change in self-confidence, the need for retreatment, and complications.

Twenty patients were treated, for a total of 39 temples. Mean follow-up was nine months (range, four to 14 months). Patients were primarily female (90%), all were Caucasian, and their ages ranged from 20 to 60 years. Eighteen patients had age-related temple hollowing, one had dysthyroid volume loss, and one had hollowing due to orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis. The majority had 1-mL injections to each side (range, 0.3-3 mL). One patient received 3 mL to correct asymmetry. The procedure was well tolerated with ice pack cooling and no local anesthesia. Of 16 patients who replied to the questionnaire, 13 were very or moderately satisfied and requested repeat treatment, whereas three were only mildly satisfied or ambivalent. Side effects included transient mild or moderate discomfort, superficial vein prominence, and localized bruising.

This series suggests the effective and safe application of Perlane in temple hollow rejuvenation and correction of asymmetry. It offers tolerability, high patient satisfaction, few complications, and the option of reversibility.