Midface volume loss is a typical sign of facial aging. Age-related loss of subcutaneous fullness in the malar prominence results in a less healthy facial proportion. Indeed, the primary goal in any rejuvenation procedure should be to restore the balanced distribution of facial fullness that characterizes the youthful face. Rejuvenating treatments of the cheeks have a significant effect on an overall appearance and on neighbouring periorbital area, making additional treatments unnecessary. Innovative techniques to restore volume loss in the cheeks include the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) volumizing fillers created for facial sculpting. The result of such treatments is a harmonic and natural look, because the technique respects the physiologic alterations occurring during aging. HA is a natural and unbranched polymer belonging to a group of heteropolysaccharides named glycosaminoglycans. The primary structure of HA is a linear chain containing repeating disaccharide units linked by beta 1,4-glycosidic bonds. Each disaccharide consists of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and d-glucuronic acid connected by beta-1,3-glycosidic bonds. HA is distributed ubiquitously throughout the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the skin. HA retains water to a remarkable extent; it is responsible for the hydration and viscoelasticity of the skin. As the skin ages, the content of ECM components, such as HA, decreases and this decrease directly correlates with volume loss, reduced moisture and increased rhytid formation. HA has excellent viscoelasticity, high moisture retention capacity, and unique hygroscopic properties. In addition to its properties, HA is well-tolerated, nonimmunogenic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. For these reasons it has been widely used in a variety of biomedical applications, including aesthetic medicine. HA-based formulations are normally injected into the dermis (as dermal fillers) to restore skin volume and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and folds. An ideal soft tissue filler should also provide an optimal balance of longevity, lifting capacity and ease of injection. In this context, "LMW - CL - HA FACE/BODY" is an injectable medical device indicated for the restoration of the physiological volumes of the face and body. The main ingredient is cross-linked HA of non-animal origin, produced by bacterial fermentation at low molecular weight (100KDa). The aim of this post-market, interventional, confirmative clinical investigation is to evaluate the performance and the safety of "LMW - CL - HA FACE/BODY" used as intended for the restoration of the physiological volumes of the cheeks
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
26
The dosage to be used for the individual case is at the discretion of the doctor. The periodicity with which to repeat the procedure depends on different factors, concerning both the physiology of the patient (skin type, individual metabolism, anatomy, age) and lifestyle; another element to consider is related to the implantation techniques adopted. After the first treatment, the result can be retouched after 15 days, repeating the treatment after 9-12 months to maintain the results obtained. Local anesthesia for facial treatments can be performed, in order to ensure the necessary comfort for the patient. The area of intervention must be cleaned with antiseptic solutions before proceeding to the implant. Do not use quaternary ammonium-based disinfectants, as they can react with the HA and form precipitates."LMW - CL - HA FACE/BODY" is to be used intracutaneously and must not be injected into the blood vessels. Further details on the injection procedure are reported in the IFU.
To evaluate the performance of the filler LMW - CL - HA FACE/BODY used as intended for the restoration of the physiological volumes of the cheeks after 6 months compared to baseline volume. Change will be assessed.
To evaluate the performance of the filler LMW - CL - HA FACE/BODY used as intended for the restoration of the physiological volumes of the cheeks in patients requiring cheeks augmentation. The change from baseline will be assessed by the physician and Facial Volume Loss Scale (FVLS) will be used at the end of the study (V3). For evaluation of FVLS photographs will be taken using a 2D camera according to standardized and reproducible procedures. The FVLS includes five gradations. The face is assessed according to three criteria: contour, bony prominence, and visibility of musculature. Scale grades are: Grade 1. Mild flattening or shadowing of one or more facial regions; Grade 2: An intermediate point between Grade 1 and Grade 3. Grade 3: Moderate concavity of one or more facial regions. Grade 4: An intermediate point between Grade 3 and Grade 5. Grade 5: Severe indentation of one or more facial regions.
Time frame: V0 (Screening/Base line (V0) and V3 (End of Study) 6 months from V0
To evaluate the performance of the filler LMW - CL - HA FACE/BODY used as intended for the restoration of the physiological volumes of the cheeks during all the study visits by Facial Volume Loss Scale
The FVLS includes five gradations. The face is assessed according to three criteria: contour, bony prominence, and visibility of musculature. Scale grades are: Grade 1. Mild flattening or shadowing of one or more facial regions (including the cheek, temple, preauricular, and periorbital areas); no prominent bony landmarks; no visibility of underlying musculature. Grade 2: An intermediate point between Grade 1 and Grade 3. Grade 3: Moderate concavity of one or more facial regions (including the cheek, temple, preauricular, and periorbital areas); prominence of bony landmarks; may have visibility of underlying musculature. Grade 4: An intermediate point between Grade 3 and Grade 5. Grade 5: Severe indentation of one or more facial regions (including the cheek, temple, preauricular, and periorbital areas); severe prominence of bony landmarks; clear visibility of underlying musculature.
Time frame: V0 (Baseline visit day 0, IP administration) V1 (15 days from V0) V2 (3 months from V0) V3 (6 months from V0).
To evaluate the performance of the filler LMW - CL - HA FACE/BODY to improve aesthetic appearance by GAIS at baseline and follow-up visits
the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scale will be assessed. The GAIS will be completed independently by both the Subject and the physician. The GAIS is a 5-point scale rating global aesthetic improvement in appearance, compared to pretreatment, as judged by the investigator. The rating categories were "worse," "no change," "improved," "much improved," and "very much improved."
Time frame: V0 (Baseline visit day 0, IP administration) V1 (15 days from V0) V2 (3 months from V0) V3 (6 months from V0)
To evaluate pain intensity after injection of LMW - CL - HA FACE/BODY
A Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) will be administered to the Subject at V0. The numeric rating scale is a scale designed to help assess the extent of an individual's pain and improve communication regarding pain with health care providers. This scale can help guide the diagnostic process, track the progression of the pain, and more. Numeric pain rating scale, which measures 0-10 - with 0 as no pain and 10 as the worst pain imaginable.
Time frame: V0 (Baseline visit day 0, IP administration)
To evaluate Subject satisfaction after 6 months from baseline.
To evaluate Subject satisfaction after 6 months from baseline, a 5 Likert Scale will be completed by the Subject at EOS visit (V3). The Likert scale is a five point scale that is used to allow an individual to express how much they agree or disagree with a particular statement. Here's a breakdown of a typical 5-point Likert scale: 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral (or Neither Agree nor Disagree) 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree This scale allows respondents to express the intensity of their feelings towards a given statement, making it easier to quantify subjective data. It's widely used because it's simple to understand and analyze.
Time frame: V3 (6 months from V0)
To evaluate the safety and tolerability of LMW - CL - HA FACE/BODY
Facial examination (e.g., reddening, oedema, itching and pain in the touch, bruising, hardening or nodules at the injection site, coloring and discoloring of the skin at the point of injection) will be assessed at each visit
Time frame: V0 (Baseline visit day 0, IP administration) V1 (15 days from V0) V2 (3 months from V0) V3 (6 months from V0)
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