Safety and effectiveness of injection of calcium hydroxylapatite via blunt cannula compared to injection by needle for correction of nasolabial folds

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2014 Dec;13(4):288-96. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12115.

Abstract

Background: Pain and potential adverse events (AE) remain challenges for patients being treated with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA; Radiesse), especially CaHA not mixed with an anesthetic. The blunt cannula may provide more comfortable and lower risk delivery of CaHA for nasolabial folds (NLF) correction.

Objective: This 30-day pilot study was designed to compare the effectiveness and safety of standard needles with that of blunt cannulas for CaHA application.

Methods: Twenty patients with moderate to severe NLF received split-face injections of CaHA mixed with 2% lidocaine using a cannula for one NLF and needle for the other NLF. At day 0, patients evaluated pain; the treating investigator evaluated changes in NLF depth. At 0, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days, the investigator evaluated AEs and NLF correction. Patients recorded AEs in daily dairies.

Results: After initial treatment, patients experienced greater pain and displayed increased erythema and swelling in the needle-treated side. At days 3 and 7, patients displayed greater instances of bruising, redness, and swelling in the needle-treated sides. At day 30, 19 patients showed slightly better correction in the cannula-treated sides.

Conclusions: The blunt cannula provided advantages in mitigation of pain and AEs, with a degree of correction similar to needle. The addition of blunt cannulas to the clinical setting may be appropriate.

Keywords: CaHA; blunt cannula; calcium hydroxylaptite; nasolabial folds; pain reduction; soft tissue fillers.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anesthetics, Local / administration & dosage
  • Catheters / adverse effects
  • Contusions / etiology
  • Cosmetic Techniques / adverse effects*
  • Durapatite / administration & dosage*
  • Edema / etiology
  • Erythema / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections / adverse effects*
  • Injections / methods*
  • Lidocaine / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasolabial Fold*
  • Needles / adverse effects
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Skin Aging / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Durapatite
  • Lidocaine