BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid-based filler injections with parenteral anesthetics have become the standard in treating midface volume deficits. There are currently limited data on the effects of these types of fillers on skin density, thickness, and firmness. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of XTR_CL filler in improving skin quality and tissue volume in women with midface volume loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, noncomparative, single-center study, 50 women aged between 40 and 60 years with midface volume loss were recruited. The primary endpoint was the improvement in investigator-assessed Global Aesthetic Improvement Scores (GAIS) 1 month after treatment. Secondary endpoints include objective measurements of skin density, thickness, and quality measurements, facial and/or cheek volume augmentation, subjective GAIS, and device evaluation from after the first injection until 6 months, and the documentation of injection site reactions and adverse events. RESULTS: XTR_CL use led to significant improvement in midface volume deficits, and skin quality and skin thickness. Injector and subject satisfaction with the treatment were documented and only mild-to-moderate adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSION: XTR_CL was shown to be effective in improving volume loss and skin quality at 6 months.

BACKGROUND: Certain manufacturing processes confer distinctive rheologic features to hyaluronic acid (HA), ensuring long-lasting effects. Skin quality improvement and the volumizing effects of the DEF_CL volumizer filler, a sterile, biodegradable, viscoelastic, transparent, isotonic, and homogenized injectable cross-linked high G′ filler for the treatment of moderate-to-severe age-related midface changes, were initially documented at 6 months after the first injection. OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to objectively evaluate the effects of the DEF_CL volumizer filler in improving skin density, thickness, and biomechanical properties and on tissue volume augmentation in women with midface volume loss after 12 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty women with midface volume loss were recruited in this prospective, noncomparative, single-center, postmarket study. The authors report changes in skin density, thickness, and quality and subjective and objective evaluation of facial and/or cheek volume augmentation using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, as well as injection site reactions and adverse events. RESULTS: Improvements in skin quality and thickness and volumization were maintained 12 months after the first injection. Injector and patient satisfaction were highly rated with only mild adverse reactions observed. CONCLUSION: Skin improvement and volumizing effects persisted in patients treated with the DEF_CL volumizer after 12 months.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine a pull-out strength test methodology and compare the pull-out strength of different insertion methods for poly(L-lactide-co-ϵ-caprolactone) (PLCL) barbed suspension threads. Methods: A custom-designed “pull-out strength test device” was used to measure the maximum force required to pull out threads inserted into an ex vivo turkey breast model. Results: Insertion techniques influence pull-out strength. Additionally, trend analysis indicated that thinner needles (0.85 mm) generally yielded higher pull-out resistance than larger diameter needles (1.28 mm), suggesting they may create a tighter initial grip within the tissue. Conclusion: Different insertion techniques influence the pull-out strength of PLCL in an ex vivo model. Plain Language Summary: Why was this study done? Barbed threads are used to lift sagging facial tissue without surgery. However, doctors lack standardized data on which insertion methods provide the strongest, most secure hold. This study aimed to find out which techniques grip the tissue best. What did the researchers do and find? Using a custom testing device and an animal tissue model (turkey breast), researchers measured the force needed to pull out specific absorbable threads (PLCL). They tested various clinical insertion methods. They found that the insertion technique greatly impacts the thread’s holding strength. Angled patterns, like the “J-stitch”, and self-locking thread systems provided a much stronger grip than straight-line insertions. The length of the thread’s barbed section did not significantly change its holding power. Additionally, a trend indicated that threads inserted with thinner needles tended to hold more tightly in the tissue. What do these results mean? Because this study was performed on animal tissue, the results cannot directly predict human clinical outcomes. However, the findings strongly suggest that the specific technique a doctor uses is a critical factor in how well a thread anchors. Utilizing angled insertion patterns and thinner needles may improve the thread’s overall stability. This study also provides a reliable, standardized testing method for researchers to evaluate future thread designs.

Peptides, particularly SA1-III decapeptide, play a key role in maintaining skin structure by inhibiting collagen degradation. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the combined effects of Definisse™ Revitalise Threads and Definisse [KP1]^® Redensifying Cream containing SA1-III for facial rejuvenation. Patients receiving Definisse™ Revitalise Threads were offered Definisse™ Redensifying Cream for one month. Outcomes—including efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction—were assessed over six months using 3D imaging, clinical evaluation, and the FACE-Q™ questionnaire. Due to the sample size, data were summarised descriptively, with group comparisons using exact Mann–Whitney U tests and paired analyses using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05). Nineteen individuals underwent treatment with Definisse™ Revitalise Threads (17 females and 2 males, aged 38–72 years); 10 patients used additional Definisse [KP1]^® Redensifying Cream while 9 did not. All patients reported significant improvements in skin satisfaction, cheek fullness, and perceived aging, based in FACE-Q^TM scores before and after treatment. Thread treatment visibly improved facial appearance, but the addition of the peptide-containing cream further enhanced skin quality. Indeed, greater improvements in skin satisfaction were reported by individuals using vs. not using Definisse [KP1]^® Redensifying Cream. No adverse events were reported, and the FACE-Q^TM Adverse Effects scale indicated only mild, transient effects. In this preliminary series with a six-month follow-up, the combination of Definisse Revitalise Threads and Definisse^® Redensifying Cream was well-tolerated and showed potential for enhancing facial rejuvenation. These preliminary findings suggest that peptide-based cosmeceuticals may complement aesthetic procedures and support skin health. These preliminary results will be used to generate hypotheses for larger studies with longer follow-up, which are needed to confirm these effects.