A Randomized, Crossover-Controlled Evaluator-Blinded Trial Evaluating Cannula- Vs Needle-Assisted Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Infraorbital Deformities
Abstract Background Periorbital deformities can be corrected using hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. However, previous studies have not evaluated the effect of using different injection techniques (eg, a needle versus cannula) on efficacy and safety. Objectives To investigate the efficacy and safety of HA for the correction of periorbital deformities, when using either needle or cannula-assisted injections. Methods This was a prospective, randomized-controlled (with crossover), evaluator blinded study. Forty-two subjects were recruited, with a mean age of 44.82 ± 11.62 years. Subjects underwent two treatment sessions, spaced two weeks apart and attended one follow up visit at Week 4, following the last treatment. Subjects were randomized in a 3:3:1 ratio, whereby 18 subjects received injections by needle, 18 received injections by cannula and 6 were randomized to act as their own control at Baseline. Those in the control group were randomized (n = 3) to needle or cannula injections at Week 4 and proceeded with the same visit schedule as those treated at Baseline. At Weeks 2 and 4 post-treatment, subject satisfaction was evaluated and information on adverse effects (AEs) was collected. A blinded reviewer assessed subject imagery using standardized efficacy scales. Results Chi-square tests did not reveal any associations between treatment group and efficacy, safety, nor subject satisfaction scores (p > = 0.05). AEs reported in subject diaries were mild-to-moderate in nature and expected. Conclusions For the treatment of infraorbital deformities, hyaluronic acid injections performed using either a cannula or needle result in similarly high efficacy and safety ratios.