Evaluation of hylan b gel as a soft-tissue augmentation implant material.

BACKGROUND: The ideal soft tissue augmentation material should be an inert, safe, volume-filling material that is easy to use and remains in place over time. Hylan b gel, a cross-linked hyaluronic acid, may have many of these characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the potential value of hylan b gel as a soft tissue augmentation material.

METHODS: A 12-month guinea pig model was used to investigate the tissue effects of hylan b gel versus "collagen" controls.

RESULTS: Hylan b gel was found to be biologically compatible and stable in dermal tissues. At 1 year, only hylan b gel implants were evident (12 of 16 test sites).

CONCLUSION: In this model hylan b gel performed favorably when compared with the most commonly used soft-tissue augmentation products. The material possesses many desirable implant material characteristics.