Lip and Perioral Enhancement With Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers in Individuals With Skin of Color

Individuals with skin of color are underrepresented in studies of lip and perioral enhancement.

To examine the effectiveness and safety of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler treatment for lip and perioral enhancement in subjects with skin of color.

Data were pooled from subjects with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV, V, or VI in 2 pivotal studies of HA dermal fillers. Photonumeric scales were used to assess lip fullness (5-point scale) and perioral lines and oral commissures severity (each 4-point scales). Safety was assessed by injection site responses recorded in patient diaries and adverse events (AEs).

The cohort comprised 72 subjects (median age: 49.5 years; 95.8% female). Mean lip fullness improved from baseline by 1.1 points at 3 months after treatment; 85.0% of subjects were responders (≥1-point improvement). Of subjects treated for perioral lines (n = 12) and oral commissures (n = 56), 90.9% and 46.4%, respectively, were responders. Injection site responses were generally mild or moderate in severity, resolved within 2 weeks, and were consistent with those expected for HA dermal filler treatment. The most common AEs were injection site mass (19.4%) and bruising (12.5%).

Lip and perioral enhancement with HA dermal fillers is effective and safe in subjects with skin of color.