Calcium Hydroxylapatite Shows Safe, Effective Results for Non-Surgical Nasal Augmentation Over 12 Months: Study
China: A prospective study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology has demonstrated that calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) injections offer a safe and effective non-surgical option for nasal augmentation, with sustained aesthetic benefits observed over 12 months.
The research, led by Ji Wang from Xuzhou Central Hospital, evaluated both the volumetric outcomes and safety profile of CaHA in a cohort of Chinese patients. CaHA is a biostimulatory filler known for its ability to promote collagen formation, thereby contributing to longer-lasting structural enhancement compared to traditional fillers.
The study included 24 female participants who underwent CaHA injections for nasal reshaping. Researchers used three-dimensional facial imaging to objectively measure changes in nasal volume at multiple time points, including immediately after the procedure and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), while safety was evaluated through pain scores and monitoring of adverse events.
The study led to the following findings:
- All participants completed the 12-month follow-up period.
- A slight but statistically significant reduction in nasal volume was observed during the first month after injection.
- A gradual increase in volume occurred between months 1 and 6, though this change was not statistically significant.
- By 12 months, nasal volume declined compared to measurements at 6 and 9 months, suggesting partial resorption over time.
- Patient-reported outcomes remained positive despite volumetric changes.
- Around 79% of participants reported noticeable improvement at 3 months.
- About 58% continued to perceive aesthetic improvement at 9 months.
- The findings indicate both immediate and moderately sustained cosmetic benefits with Calcium Hydroxylapatite.
- The procedure was well tolerated with low pain scores immediately after injection, which resolved within an hour.
- The most common side effects were mild swelling and tenderness at the injection site.
- These adverse effects resolved spontaneously within one week.
- No serious complications were reported during the study period.
The authors highlighted that CaHA works through a dual mechanism—providing instant volumization while also stimulating collagen production, which helps maintain structural improvements over time. This makes it a promising option for individuals seeking natural-looking, longer-lasting results without undergoing surgery.
However, the study has certain limitations. It was conducted at a single center with a relatively small sample size and included only female participants, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the absence of a comparison group prevents direct evaluation against other commonly used fillers such as hyaluronic acid.
Overall, the findings support the use of CaHA as a reliable and minimally invasive approach for nasal augmentation, offering a favorable balance between efficacy, safety, and durability. Further large-scale studies with diverse populations and longer follow-up periods are needed to validate these results and better define their long-term benefits.
Reference:
Wang, J., Wei, W., Chen, J., Zhang, A., Jin, P., & Guo, Y. (2026). Efficacy and Safety of Calcium Hydroxylapatite for Nasal Augmentation: A 12-Month Prospective Study in a Chinese Population. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 25(4), e70862. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70862
Next Story