Correction of age-related soft tissue defects currently employs hyaluronic acid (HA)-based injectable fillers as a noninvasive cosmetic procedural option.

A recent article provided an overview of currently available HA-based products to critically appraise their differences in physical properties and clinical application.

This article discussed that amino acids, lipoic acid, vitamins, nucleosides or minerals could supplement linear HA (LHA) gels––for synergistic antiaging and antioxidant benefits (polycomponent LHA). Polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEG)-cross-linked LHA harbors improved elasticity and resistance to degradation, as well as lower swelling rates as compared to 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE)-cross-linked LHA. While physical cross-linking stabilizes HA hydrogels without altering the hyaluronans’ natural molecular structure. 

Meanwhile, thermally stabilized hybrid cooperative HA complexes (HCC) comprise high- and low-molecular-weight (H-HA and L-HA) hyaluronans that achieve high HA concentration, and low viscosity with optimal tissue diffusion, and longevity comparable to weakly cross-linked gel. 

This review marked the importance of understanding different fillers’ properties to assist physicians in selecting the most appropriate filler for customizing treatments, predicting the prognosis and ensuring long-lasting treatment outcomes.

Source: Cassuto D, Bellia G, Schiraldi C. An overview of soft tissue fillers for cosmetic dermatology: from filling to regenerative medicine. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14:1857-66.