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Review
. 2022 Jun;35(6):e15453.
doi: 10.1111/dth.15453. Epub 2022 Apr 5.

Evaluating hyaluronic acid dermal fillers: A critique of current characterization methods

Ploymanee Wongprasert  1 , Cécile A Dreiss  1 , Gillian Murray  1
Affiliations
Review

Evaluating hyaluronic acid dermal fillers: A critique of current characterization methods

Ploymanee Wongprasert et al. Dermatol Ther. 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Soft-tissue augmentation has gained much popularity in recent years. Hyaluronic acid (HA) based dermal fillers; a non-permanent injectable device, can restore volume loss, fill fine lines and wrinkles and add curves and contours. HA based dermal fillers entered the non-surgical treatment market in the late 1990s, however there is a lack of data and literature comparing the range of products and detailing the complexities of these products and how it relates to tissue performance. Measuring the physico-chemical properties of these dermal fillers provide key parameters to predict their performance after injection into the body. This article reviews the currently reported methods and parameters used to characterize dermal fillers. The review of these methods and data from the literature provides a useful guide to clinicians and injectors in selecting the optimal product suitable for the needs of each patient.

Keywords: cohesion; dermal fillers; hyaluronic acid; hyaluronidase; rheology; soft tissue augmentation.

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Conflict of interest statement

We declare no conflict of interest and no funding sources.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Hyaluronic acid monomeric unit
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Illustration of HA chains bound by (A) a crosslinker molecule linking two chains (creating an elastic junction) and (B) a crosslinker linked to only one chain (pendant end). HA, hyaluronic acid
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Schematic representation of how the elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli reflect the capacity of the gel to deform and flow and impact its shape when exposed to shearing forces (adapted from 25 )
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Schematic representation of the relationship between cohesivity and viscosity of a HA gel to show its capacity to remain or spread at the injection site (adapted from 25 ). HA, hyaluronic acid
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Extrusion curve of HA dermal filler with yield point, where extrusion force, F is plotted as a function of displacement, D. HA, hyaluronic acid
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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