Agarose Gel: An Overview of the Dermal Filler and a Clinical Experience With 700 Patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Dermal fillers currently in the market have several advantages and disadvantages over each other. Agarose gel (AG) is a unique material due to its special rheological characteristics and gel-forming capability. Objectives The authors aimed to share their clinical experience on AG for a variety of facial augmentation procedures and its long-term results. Methods The study population consisted of 700 patients (532 females; 168 males) aged 18 to 52 years. Follow-up visits were at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the injections. Patient satisfaction was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10 using a survey and clinical improvement was evaluated using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) by 2 independent plastic surgeons before the injection and at 1-year follow-up. Results Eighty-two percent of the patients scored 1 or 2 (exceptional or great improvement) on GAIS. Eighty-five percent of the patients scored 8 or above (very satisfied). Most patients experienced at least 80% persistence of effect at 1-year follow-up. Conclusions AG appears to be suitable for a variety of facial augmentation and contouring applications, as it is safe and has long-lasting favorable cosmetic efficacy. Level of Evidence: 3