A Randomized, Crossover-Controlled Evaluator-Blinded Trial Evaluating Cannula- vs Needle-Assisted Hyaluronic Acid...

Periorbital deformities can be corrected utilizing hyaluronic acid injections. However, previous studies have not evaluated the effect of utilizing different injection techniques (eg, a needle vs cannula) on efficacy and safety.

The authors sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of HA for the correction of periorbital deformities when utilizing either needle or cannula-assisted injections.

This was a prospective, randomized-controlled (with crossover), evaluator-blinded study. Forty-two patients with a mean age of 44.82 ± 11.62 years were recruited. Patients underwent 2 treatment sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart, and attended 1 follow-up visit at Week 4, following the last treatment. Patients were randomized in a 3:3:1 ratio, whereby 18 patients received injections by needle, 18 received injections by cannula, and 6 were randomized to act as their own control at baseline. Those in the control group were randomized (n = 3) to needle or cannula injections at Week 4 and proceeded with the same visit schedule as those treated at baseline. At Weeks 2 and 4 posttreatment, patient satisfaction was evaluated and information on adverse effects was collected. A blinded reviewer assessed patient imagery utilizing standardized efficacy scales.

Chi-square tests did not reveal any associations between treatment group and efficacy, safety, or patient satisfaction scores (P ≥ 0.05). Adverse effects reported in patient diaries were mild to moderate in nature and expected.

For the treatment of infraorbital deformities, hyaluronic acid injections performed utilizing either a cannula or needle result in similarly high efficacy and safety ratios.