A Randomized, Crossover-Controlled Evaluator-Blinded Trial Evaluating Cannula- Vs Needle-Assisted Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Infraorbital Deformities

Abstract

Abstract Background Periorbital deformities can be corrected utilizing hyaluronic acid injections. However, previous studies have not evaluated the effect of utilizing different injection techniques (eg, a needle vs cannula) on efficacy and safety. Objectives The authors sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of HA for the correction of periorbital deformities when utilizing either needle or cannula-assisted injections. Methods This was a prospective, randomized-controlled (with crossover), evaluator-blinded study. Forty-two patients with a mean age of 44.82 ± 11.62 years were recruited. Patients underwent 2 treatment sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart, and attended 1 follow-up visit at Week 4, following the last treatment. Patients were randomized in a 3:3:1 ratio, whereby 18 patients 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 posttreatment, patient satisfaction was evaluated and information on adverse effects was collected. A blinded reviewer assessed patient imagery utilizing standardized efficacy scales. Results Chi-square tests did not reveal any associations between treatment group and efficacy, safety, or patient satisfaction scores (P ≥ 0.05). Adverse effects reported in patient diaries were mild to moderate in nature and expected. Conclusions For the treatment of infraorbital deformities, hyaluronic acid injections performed utilizing either a cannula or needle result in similarly high efficacy and safety ratios. Level of Evidence: 2