Clinical performance and safety of a marketed cross-linked hyaluronic acid filler with lidocaine based on full linked matrix technology: a retrospective observational study

Abstract

This article is based on a retrospective observational study evaluating the clinical performance and safety profile of a marketed portfolio of cross-linked hyaluronic acid dermal fillers containing 0.3% lidocaine and manufactured using Full Linked Matrix technology. The study retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 65 adult subjects treated for facial aesthetic and corrective indications, including fine, moderate, and deep wrinkles, lip contouring and augmentation, facial volume restoration, and atrophic scars. Clinical performance was assessed through instrumental evaluation with Antera 3D where applicable, together with patient-reported aesthetic improvement using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Safety outcomes included expected injection-site reactions, unexpected adverse events, and procedure-related pain measured using a visual analog scale. The findings suggest favorable short-term clinical performance and an acceptable safety profile across the evaluated indications, with predominantly mild, transient, local reactions and no persistent adverse events documented during the observation period. The study also provides supportive clinical evidence on the Full Linked Matrix technological platform, while acknowledging the limitations inherent to its retrospective, single-arm design, heterogeneous treatment indications, limited sample size, and incomplete long-term follow-up. This article may be of interest to clinicians, researchers, medical device manufacturers, regulatory professionals, and specialists in aesthetic medicine, dermatology, biomaterials, injectable implants, and clinical evaluation of medical devices.