Objectives: The characteristics and main clinical indications of Algeness (agarose) polysaccharide filler for deep and subcutaneous injection are outlined.
Introduction: Agarose is a completely natural polysaccharide, purified from red algae. It is not modified by a chemical cross-linking procedure. The G’ and G” measurements are two log orders higher than current hyaluronic acid gels. After subcutaneous or deep injection, it is quickly surrounded by histiocytes and macrophages and metabolised in situ over the course of months up to more than a year. Agarose has been in use for decades as a carrier for slow-release medication. It has been used as a filler for over a decade.
Materials / method: The main product characteristics are described. The main clinical, aesthetic indications are presented with clinical photography. Film fragments were selected to demonstrate the advocated injection techniques, which are similar to the techniques used with other fillers. Cadaver dissections after the injection of dyed agarose were performed to study the distribution of filler deposits.
Results: Pleasing results can be achieved by injecting agarose 2.5% or 3.5% close to bone in the temples, the lateral aspect of the eyebrows, the midface, the chin and the jawline. With agarose 1.5%, subcutaneous reshaping can be performed. Mid or long term water oedema has not been observed. The infiltrate around the filler stabilises the reshaping. Used at the initiative of the author, the absence of reactive oedema has been an advantage in delicate areas such as after submuscular injection in the forehead and the orbital margin. The stability of the result is very useful for nasal reshaping.
Conclusion: The stability of shape and volume of the deposits, enhanced by the histiocytary infiltrate surrounding them, and the absence of mid or long term oedema, makes Algeness a very useful asset for facial reshaping. In patients who need a lot of volume compensation, the filler is bridging the gap between reshaping with hyaluronic acid fillers, limited to small quantities, and surgical corrections.
Disclosures
Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No
Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No
Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No
Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No
This work is presented thanks to the support of: Algeness