VYC-17.5L Can Be Used for Safe and Effective Contouring on the Forehead

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VYC-17.5L (Juvéderm VOLIFT; Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company) was found to be effective and safe for forehead contouring, according to a new study.¹ About 98% of patients saw an improved appearance in their forehead 12 months after initial treatment.

The 12-month, prospective, open-label, single-group, post-marketing study included 75 participants at a single site in France between September 2021 through November 2022. Most were female (91.3%) and the mean age was 55.4 years.

Qualifying adults had irregularities in the forehead such as protruding orbital rims/frontal bone bossing, depression above the eyebrow, central depression, and pan-forehead depressions. Those who had recently undergone plastic surgery/cosmetic resurfacing, or used other anti-aging products were not eligible. The trial included a screening period and treatment with an optional touch-up available 2 weeks after the first session.

The solution was injected at least 2 centimeters above the eyebrow, avoiding the supratrochlear, supraorbital, and superficial temporal vessels. The maximum volume allowed per session was 1 mL, with an average of 0.92 mL in the first injection and 0.56 mL in the follow-up treatment. Approximately 33% of participants received a touch-up. Follow-up was assessed at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12.

The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) was used to assess the change from baseline at ratings of “improved” or “much improved.” FACE-Q Satisfaction with Facial Appearance scores were also measured along with changes in volume and contour via 3D imaging (Vectra M3). Patient satisfaction was also recorded using live evaluation and 2D photographs.

Nearly all participants showed ratings of “improved” or “much improved,” according to the investigator GAIS (97.5%). This high rating continued through to month 3 but declined from month 6 to month 12. The participant-assessed GAIS ratings were similar, with 87.3% noting positive improvement. However, over half of the patients still noticed the improvement after 12 months.

Mean FACE-Q scores also improved and remained sustained for 12 months, with just a slight decline from 10.49 at month 3 to 10.33 at month 12 (p < 0.0001). The max change in FACE-Q satisfaction from baseline was observed at month 1 (16.96). Additionally, 3D photography confirmed a significant increase in the total change of volume which progressively decreased through month 12 (p < 0.0001).

Some mild or moderate injection site reactions and adverse effects were observed, with the most common one being localized pain and tenderness (76%). Other common reactions included lumps/bumps, induration, swelling, edema, and urticaria. Most resolved between 1 to 2 weeks, with some clearing in as little as 1 to 3 days.

A potential limitation in the trial is the lack of diversity, as over 76% of patients had a skin phototype of II or III. Additionally, only French participants were included. A more inclusive population with varied ethnicities and skin types can further confirm the safety and efficacy of VYC-17.5L.

“Data collected in this study may be used to develop a validated forehead contouring measure for use in future studies,” the authors noted.

VYC-17.5L contains 17.5 mg/mL of hyaluronic acid (HA) with 3 mg/mL of lidocaine. It is commonly used on the lips, nasolabial folds, and radial cheek lines for premature aging. Until this study, there had not been much research regarding the use of VYC-17.5L on the forehead. Current cosmetic therapies for the forehead include non-invasive dermal fillers or surgical techniques like supraorbital contouring, fat grafting, and hairline adjustment.²

References

1. Del Cueto SR, Galvez FU, Gritti A, Kefalas N, de la Guardia C, Kerson G. An Evaluation of VYC-17.5L for Forehead Contouring: A Prospective, Open-Label, Post-Marketing Study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(3):e70093. doi:10.1111/jocd.70093

2. Gupta N, Clark C. Forehead Contouring. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2023;31(3):363-370. doi:10.1016/j.fsc.2023.03.003