Quantitative assessment of augmentation therapy

We report the results obtained from 18 women whose facial folds and furrows were treated with augmentation therapy. The results of treatment with microlipoinjection and injectable collagen were measured and compared at regular intervals for a period of 1 year using a method of optical profilometry. Subsidence was noted with both modalities. Collagen gave consistent results. Seventy-five percent of correction on the average is lost at 6 months, but 22% of the collagen-treated subjects maintained at least 30% correction 1 year from the time of treatment. Autologous fat gave unpredictable results ranging from poor to excellent. A good result at 6 months is likely to be maintained until 1 year from the time of treatment. Forty-four percent of fat augmented subjects maintained at least 30% correction 1 year after treatment.