Does the temporal region truly induce facial tissue displacement? - A quantitative randomized split-face clinical...

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic medicine
• Dermatology
• Plastic surgery

Background:

• The posterior temporal region's role in facial lifting is debated.
• Objective assessment of injectables in this area is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively evaluate the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) in the posterior temporal region.
• To assess soft tissue displacement and aesthetic outcomes after injections.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, split-face trial involving 17 participants.
• Injections of HA (0.5 mL) and PLLA-SCA (4.5 mL) into the posterior temporal region.
• 3D stereophotogrammetry for soft tissue displacement and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) for outcomes.

Main Results:

• Both HA and PLLA-SCA resulted in minimal, clinically insignificant soft tissue displacement.
• No significant differences in displacement were observed between treatments or over time.
• No relevant aesthetic improvements were noted at 90 and 180 days; no serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions:

• This is the first split-face trial to objectively assess the posterior temporal region for facial lifting.
• Injections in this area with HA or PLLA-SCA are insufficient for clinically meaningful lifting effects.
• Current volumes used in practice do not produce significant lifting when injected into the posterior temporal region.