The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the potential of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) to restore facial volume and improve skin quality in patients with GLP-1 receptor agonist-associated facial volume loss. Participants will: * Schedule first dose of a prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonist drug to coincide with the baseline visit of this study * Be randomly assigned to one of two groups (Group A will receive off-label injections of hyperdiluted CaHA at Month 0. Group B will receive on-label injections of CaHA after serving as a control group through Month 6) * Have clinical photos taken at each office visit to track progress
Forty-eight (48) subjects will be enrolled in this study, all of whom are initiating GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy for weight management. These 48 subjects will be split evenly between and randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A will receive off-label injections of hyperdilute calcium hydroxylapatite diluted at a 1:2 ratio to target the sub-zygomatic fat pad, sub-malar fat pad, buccal fascial space, and prejowl sulcus. Group A will receive two treatment sessions at Months 0 and 1. Participants in Group A will be required to visit our office at Months 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. Group B serves as a control through Month 6 and crossover group at Month 6, receiving on-label injections of calcium hydroxylapatite. Treatment will target the jawline, body of the mandible, and facial folds and wrinkles. Group B will receive two treatment sessions at Months 6 and 7. Participants in Group B will be required to visit our office at Months 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 12. Assessments will include 3D facial imaging (via the Quantificare Lifeviz Infinity Pro), AI-based imaging (via Perfect Corp's imaging software), and standardized clinical photography of the face (via a Nikon digital single lens reflex camera). All pictures will be stored via a HIPAA-compliant server. Weight and body mass index (BMI) will also be recorded at each visit to quantify each participant's weight loss trajectory. Participant journals prompt participants to self-report weight weekly. The treating physician will use standardized scales for nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jawline, oral commissures, lower cheek fullness, upper cheek fullness, and cheek fullness at each visit to provide clinical ratings. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) will be used by the treating physician and subjects to rate aesthetic improvement at each time point after the initial treatment with calcium hydroxylapatite. Subjects will also rate their overall aesthetic improvement and treatment satisfaction according to a 5-point scale: (1) Extremely dissatisfied, (2) Dissatisfied, (3) Slightly satisfied, (4) Satisfied, (5) Extremely satisfied. Psychosocial questionnaires will be administered to participants to capture the psychological effect of natural facial wasting and volume restoration. Assessor blinding will be applied for subjective photo evaluations (e.g., a blinded panel comparing before/after photos).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
48
Each syringe of CaHA contains 1.5 cc of product, and it will be diluted 1:2 with 0.5 cc of 1% Lidocaine and 2.5 cc of normal saline.
Each syringe of CaHA contains 1.5 cc of product, and 0.26 mL of 1% Lidocaine will be added to each syringe. This will be used to target facial folds and wrinkles.
Each syringe contains 1.5 cc of product and will be used as is to target the jawline and body of the mandible.
K. Kay Durairaj, MD, A Medical Corp.
Pasadena, California, United States
RECRUITINGChange in Cheek Volume, as quantified by Quantificare's LifeViz Software
The investigators will look at changes in cheek volume (in mL). The investigators will utilize the Quantificare LifeViz Infinity 3D imaging system at each visit to capture high-resolution, three-dimensional photographs of the participant's face from multiple angles, reconstructing a precise 3D model of the participant's facial surface. Using the system's software, volumetric and depth differences can be computed between time points by superimposing the 3D scans. The device's markerless tracking technology provides quantitative assessment of soft tissue changes, measuring the degree of tissue lifting or volume loss between visits.
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Change in Jowl Volume, as quantified by Quantificare's LifeViz Software
The investigators will look at changes in jowl volume (in mL). The investigators will utilize the Quantificare LifeViz Infinity 3D imaging system at each visit to capture high-resolution, three-dimensional photographs of the participant's face from multiple angles, reconstructing a precise 3D model of the participant's facial surface. Using the system's software, volumetric and depth differences can be computed between time points by superimposing the 3D scans. The device's markerless tracking technology provides quantitative assessment of soft tissue changes, measuring the degree of tissue lifting or volume loss between visits.
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Change in Nasolabial Fold Depth, as quantified by Quantificare's LifeViz Software
The investigators will look at changes in nasolabial fold depth (in mm). The investigators will utilize the Quantificare LifeViz Infinity 3D imaging system at each visit to capture high-resolution, three-dimensional photographs of the participant's face from multiple angles, reconstructing a precise 3D model of the participant's facial surface. Using the system's software, volumetric and depth differences can be computed between time points by superimposing the 3D scans. The device's markerless tracking technology provides quantitative assessment of soft tissue changes, measuring the degree of tissue lifting between visits.
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Change in Marionette Line Depth, as quantified by Quantificare's LifeViz Software
The investigators will look at changes in marionette line depth (in mm). The investigators will utilize the Quantificare LifeViz Infinity 3D imaging system at each visit to capture high-resolution, three-dimensional photographs of the participant's face from multiple angles, reconstructing a precise 3D model of the participant's facial surface. Using the system's software, volumetric and depth differences can be computed between time points by superimposing the 3D scans. The device's markerless tracking technology provides quantitative assessment of soft tissue changes, measuring the degree of tissue lifting between visits.
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Body Mass Index (BMI)
The participant's weight (kilograms) and height (meters) will be collected to calculate individual BMI at each live assessment. Investigators will explore correlations between changes in BMI and facial volume loss over the period of the study.
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) for Global Facial Aesthetic Appearance
Based on aesthetic appearance, qualitative success of treatment will be evaluated by the treating physician and blinded evaluators using the GAIS. Aesthetic appearance will be rated one of the five following options: * Worse: The appearance is worse than the original condition * No Change: The appearance is essentially the same as the original condition * Improved: Obvious improvement in appearance from initial condition, but a re-treatment is indicated * Much Improved: Marked improvement in appearance from the initial condition, but not completely optimal for this subject * Very Much Improved: Optimal cosmetic result in this subject
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) for Skin Quality
Qualitative success of treatment will be evaluated by the treating physician and blinded evaluators using the GAIS. Changes in skin quality will be rated one of the five following options: * Worse: The appearance is worse than the original condition * No Change: The appearance is essentially the same as the original condition * Improved: Obvious improvement in appearance from initial condition, but a re-treatment is indicated * Much Improved: Marked improvement in appearance from the initial condition, but not completely optimal for this subject * Very Much Improved: Optimal cosmetic result in this subject
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) for Skin Radiance
Qualitative success of treatment will be evaluated by the treating physician and blinded evaluators using the GAIS. Changes in skin radiance will be rated one of the five following options: * Worse: The appearance is worse than the original condition * No Change: The appearance is essentially the same as the original condition * Improved: Obvious improvement in appearance from initial condition, but a re-treatment is indicated * Much Improved: Marked improvement in appearance from the initial condition, but not completely optimal for this subject * Very Much Improved: Optimal cosmetic result in this subject
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Change in Cheek Volume, as quantified by Quantificare's LifeViz Software
The investigators will look at changes in cheek volume (in mL). The investigators will utilize the Quantificare LifeViz Infinity 3D imaging system at each visit to capture high-resolution, three-dimensional photographs of the participant's face from multiple angles, reconstructing a precise 3D model of the participant's facial surface. Using the system's software, volumetric and depth differences can be computed between time points by superimposing the 3D scans. The device's markerless tracking technology provides quantitative assessment of soft tissue changes, measuring the degree of tissue lifting or volume loss between visits.
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Changes in Jowl Volume, as quantified by Quantificare's LifeViz Software
The investigators will look at changes in jowl volume (in mL). The investigators will utilize the Quantificare LifeViz Infinity 3D imaging system at each visit to capture high-resolution, three-dimensional photographs of the participant's face from multiple angles, reconstructing a precise 3D model of the participant's facial surface. Using the system's software, volumetric and depth differences can be computed between time points by superimposing the 3D scans. The device's markerless tracking technology provides quantitative assessment of soft tissue changes, measuring the degree of tissue lifting or volume loss between visits.
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Change in Nasolabial Fold Depth, as quantified by Quantificare's LifeViz Software
The investigators will look at changes in nasolabial fold depth (in mm). The investigators will utilize the Quantificare LifeViz Infinity 3D imaging system at each visit to capture high-resolution, three-dimensional photographs of the participant's face from multiple angles, reconstructing a precise 3D model of the participant's facial surface. Using the system's software, volumetric and depth differences can be computed between time points by superimposing the 3D scans. The device's markerless tracking technology provides quantitative assessment of soft tissue changes, measuring the degree of tissue lifting between visits.
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Change in Marionette Line Depth, as quantified by Quantificare's LifeViz Software
The investigators will look at changes in marionette line depth (in mm). The investigators will utilize the Quantificare LifeViz Infinity 3D imaging system at each visit to capture high-resolution, three-dimensional photographs of the participant's face from multiple angles, reconstructing a precise 3D model of the participant's facial surface. Using the system's software, volumetric and depth differences can be computed between time points by superimposing the 3D scans. The device's markerless tracking technology provides quantitative assessment of soft tissue changes, measuring the degree of tissue lifting between visits.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Merz Cheek Fullness Assessment Scale
The treating physician and blinded evaluators will rate the participant at each live assessment. The scale classifies cheek fullness into 5 categories: (0) Full Cheek: Full cheek region, tear trough may be present 1. Mildly Sunken Cheek: Mildly flattened cheek region, tear trough may be present 2. Moderately Sunken Cheek: Moderately sunken cheek, tear trough may be present 3. Severely Sunken Cheek: Severely sunken cheek with marked cheek volume loss, tear trough present 4. Very Severely Sunken Cheek: Very severely sunken cheek with extensive cheek volume loss, distinct tear trough
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Merz Jawline Assessment Scale
The treating physician and blinded evaluators will rate the participant at each live assessment. The scale classifies jawline contour deficiencies into 5 categories: (0) None: Continuous jawline contour, no loss of jawline volume 1. Mild: Mild loss of jawline contour and continuity, mild loss of volume in the post-jowl region, loss of volume in the pre-jowl region may be present 2. Moderate: Moderate loss of jawline contour and continuity, moderate loss of volume in the post-jowl region, loss of volume in the pre-jowl region may be present 3. Severe: Severe loss of jawline contour and continuity, severe loss of volume in the post-jowl region, loss of volume in the pre-jowl region may be present 4. Extreme: Extreme disruption of jawline contour; extreme post-jowl and pre-jowl volume loss
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Merz Aesthetics Nasolabial Fold (At Rest) Scale for Clinical Evaluation
The treating physician and blinded evaluators will rate the participant at each live assessment. The scale classifies nasolabial folds at rest into 5 categories: (0) No folds 1. Mild folds 2. Moderate folds 3. Severe folds 4. Very Severe folds
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Merz Aesthetics Marionette Lines (At Rest) Scale for Clinical Evaluation
The treating physician and blinded evaluators will rate the participant at each live assessment. The scale classifies marionette lines at rest into 5 categories: (0) No lines 1. Mild lines 2. Moderate lines 3. Severe lines 4. Very Severe lines
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Merz Aesthetics Oral Commissures (At Rest) Scale for Clinical Evaluation
The treating physician and blinded evaluators will rate the participant at each live assessment. The scale classifies oral commissures at rest into 5 categories: (0) No downturn 1. Mild downturn 2. Moderate downturn 3. Severe downturn 4. Very Severe downturn
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Merz Aesthetics Lower Cheek Fullness (At Rest) Scale for Clinical Evaluation
The treating physician and blinded evaluators will rate the participant at each live assessment. The scale classifies lower cheek fullness at rest into 5 categories: (0) Full lower cheek 1. Mildly sunken lower cheek 2. Moderately sunken lower cheek 3. Severely sunken lower cheek 4. Very severely sunken lower cheek
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Merz Aesthetics Upper Cheek Fullness (At Rest) Scale for Clinical Evaluation
The treating physician and blinded evaluators will rate the participant at each live assessment. The scale classifies upper cheek fullness at rest into 5 categories: (0) Full upper cheek 1. Mildly sunken upper cheek 2. Moderately sunken upper cheek 3. Severely sunken upper cheek 4. Very severely sunken upper cheek
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) for Global Facial Aesthetic Appearance
Based on aesthetic appearance, qualitative success of treatment will be evaluated by the treating physician and blinded evaluators using the GAIS. Aesthetic appearance will be rated one of the five following options: * Worse: The appearance is worse than the original condition * No Change: The appearance is essentially the same as the original condition * Improved: Obvious improvement in appearance from initial condition, but a re-treatment is indicated * Much Improved: Marked improvement in appearance from the initial condition, but not completely optimal for this subject * Very Much Improved: Optimal cosmetic result in this subject
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) for Skin Quality
Qualitative success of treatment will be evaluated by the treating physician and blinded evaluators using the GAIS. Changes in skin quality will be rated one of the five following options: * Worse: The appearance is worse than the original condition * No Change: The appearance is essentially the same as the original condition * Improved: Obvious improvement in appearance from initial condition, but a re-treatment is indicated * Much Improved: Marked improvement in appearance from the initial condition, but not completely optimal for this subject * Very Much Improved: Optimal cosmetic result in this subject
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) for Skin Radiance
Qualitative success of treatment will be evaluated by the treating physician and blinded evaluators using the GAIS. Changes in skin radiance will be rated one of the five following options: * Worse: The appearance is worse than the original condition * No Change: The appearance is essentially the same as the original condition * Improved: Obvious improvement in appearance from initial condition, but a re-treatment is indicated * Much Improved: Marked improvement in appearance from the initial condition, but not completely optimal for this subject * Very Much Improved: Optimal cosmetic result in this subject
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Psychosocial Questionnaires
For Group A, patient-reported questionnaires assess anticipated concern prior to treatment and perceived maintenance of facial appearance, psychosocial confidence, and satisfaction with the decision to treat early during the course of medication-associated weight loss. Questionnaires focus on preservation of facial appearance, confidence during weight loss, and perceived value of early intervention. For Group B, patient-reported questionnaires assess the psychosocial impact of facial volume loss and appearance-related changes occurring during weight loss prior to treatment, followed by satisfaction, perceived improvement, and psychosocial benefit after facial volume restoration. Participants will be given a list of statements about face and appearance. Participants will be asked to indicate level of agreement or disagreement with each statement using the following scale: (1) strongly disagree, (2) disagree, (3) neutral, (4) agree, or (5) strongly agree.
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Patient Treatment Satisfaction
Participants will rate their satisfaction with the treatment at each treatment visit and at each subsequent live assessment. Patient satisfaction will be assessed using a 5-point scale: (1) extremely dissatisfied, (2) dissatisfied, (3) slightly satisfied, (4) satisfied, and (5) extremely satisfied.
Time frame: Up to 12 months