The use of algeness in the face and neck: a safe, alternative filler for cosmetics and reconstruction

Abstract

Background: The search for effectiveness and safety in the use of dermal fillers, is an ongoing challenge for aesthetic physicians, plastic surgeons and the science of bioengineering. Understanding the variety of characteristics, capabilities, advantages and disadvantages of available injectables is essential to reduce complication rates and achieve satisfying aesthetic and functional results.Methods: Algeness is a 100% natural, biodegradable tissue implant, consisting of a gel derived from agarose. This paper analyzes the use of this newly introduced agarose gel as an alternative filler in the face and neck for aesthetic and functional indications. All participants gave informed consent before taking part and there was no ethics approval required. As this work describes opinions based on clinical experienced physicians and not the results of a monocentric study.Results: Algeness is competitive with other available hydrophilic biomaterials, such as hyaluronic acid, and has the advantage of its unique hydrocolloid nature.Conclusions: Compared to other injectables, it exhibits good tolerability, excellent persistence, negligible immunological reaction, biocompatibility and maximal safety-all properties combined with immediate volume restoration and predictable outcomes. "What you see (on injection), is what you get (as a result)".Level of evidence: Level V, opinions based on clinical experience.

Comparison of 2.5% agarose gel vs hyaluronic acid filler, for the correction of moderate to severe nasolabial folds

“…14 In each area of use, agarose has a safe and predicable effect. 14 This positive clinical experience, in combination with the results presented here, support the use of 2.5% agarose in facial rejuvenation and raise the possibility of future innovations that require larger volumes of product. In combination with clinical performance, the natural origin of agarose and a manufacturing process that does not require the addition of chemicals may make it a preferred filler for both patients and physicians.…”

“…However, with growing esthetic use in the last 5‐7 years, the clinical experience of physicians has been positive. Available in concentrations ranging from 1.0% to 3.5%, gel fillers have been used successfully in the NLF, mid‐face volumization, temples, jawline, bridge of the nose, and neck 14 . In each area of use, agarose has a safe and predicable effect 14 .…”

“…Available in concentrations ranging from 1.0% to 3.5%, gel fillers have been used successfully in the NLF, mid‐face volumization, temples, jawline, bridge of the nose, and neck 14 . In each area of use, agarose has a safe and predicable effect 14 . This positive clinical experience, in combination with the results presented here, support the use of 2.5% agarose in facial rejuvenation and raise the possibility of future innovations that require larger volumes of product.…”

Characterization of Tissue Engineered Endothelial Cell Networks in Composite Collagen-Agarose Hydrogels

“…Further work should focus on assessing the effect of agarose on the biomechanical properties of the agarose-collagen composite hydrogels. Several agarose-based products have been FDA approved and are in use clinically as dermal fillers without adverse effects [ 41 , 42 , 43 ]. Additionally, owing to the agarose’s reversible thermos-gelling behavior and non-cytotoxic effects, agarose-based hydrogels can be exploited to develop a wide range of biomaterials for tissue engineering applications.…”

Hybrid Nasal Filler: Combining Agarose Gel and Hyaluronic Acid for Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty

“…It should also have minimal swelling and intratissue migration along with minimal or no allergic reaction. 4 , 7 , 8 …”