Restylane SubQ, a non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid gel for soft tissue augmentation of the mid- and lower face

For people requiring large volumes to shape facial contours, add volume to a sunken midface, or correct asymmetry, the options today are limited. Fat injections for adding volume, solid implants for cheeks and chin enhancement, face lift and injectable permanent or semi-permanent products are some of the alternatives used. With the trend towards less invasive and nonpermanent alternatives to plastic surgery, the use of injectable filler materials for facial rejuvenation and correction of soft-tissue defects is becoming increasingly popular. These materials provide volume expansion within the dermis, thereby smoothing out overlying facial wrinkles and enhancing facial contours. Ease of application, minimal procedural discomfort, and rapid patient recovery make injectable fillers well suited for outpatient use. Ideally, a filler material should be biocompatible, nontoxic, nonimmunogenic, and nonmigratory. Several biomaterials have been developed, such as bovine collagen, autologous and allogeneic human collagen, autologous fat, fibroblasts, and hyaluronic acid. However, although they are largely biocompatible, reabsorption and lack of sustained cosmetic effect are major drawbacks. Non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) offers a longer-lasting aesthetic effect than bovine collagen or avian hyaluronic acid in facial soft-tissue augmentation, and a potentially lower risk of inflammatory reactions. Restylane SubQ is a new NASHA product indicated for deep subcutaneous or supraperiostal injection to replace volume loss in facial adipose tissues and create more defined facial contours.