Journal of Applied Cosmetology

From Filling to Function – the Evolution of Dermal Fillers

U. Wollina — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dermal fillers first gained interest in the late 19^th century, but their safety and efficacy were inadequate. But the development of fillers continued and is going on. Temporary fillers like cross-linked hyaluronic acid are widely used nowadays. Biostimulatory semi-permanent fillers like poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite offer an increase in longevity with excellent safety. Newer developments are the hybrid fillers that often combines a temporary and a semi-permanent filler type to obtain better rheological qualities for a natural look. With the development of products on the market, our understanding of fillers has moved from substitution of lost volume to stimulation of autologous cells, such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipocytes. An improved understanding of tissue regeneration will support the design of a new filler type for specific interaction with the host tissue.

Open-label uncontrolled, monocentric study for the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of mesotherapy using a solution of 0.1% hyaluronic acid, amino acid, and glutathione in the face

A. Scarano, E. Qorri, E. L. Iorio, A. Sbarbati, V. Desiderio, D. Amuso — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aging research has focused on the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) over time, which are a main contributor to the aging process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intradermal solution containing 0.1% HA, amino acids, and glutathione for the treatment of skin damage caused by free radicals. A total of 75 subjects were screened and analyzed, and 60 subjects were included in the study. Eligible subjects underwent baseline assessments and received 10 injections of solution of 0.1% HA, amino acid, and glutathione, one injection every 7 days for 8 weeks plus one injection every 15 days for four weeks. The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated by measuring the level of oxidative stress and GAIS at day 90. Photographic documentation of the treated regions was taken at all visits. The oxidative stress level had significantly improved at day 90 compared with the baseline as the mean at baseline was 477.4 while at day 90, it was 356.2. The GAIS improved significantly after 90 days, and the oxidative stress level significantly improved at day 90 compared to baseline as the mean at baseline was 477.4, while at day 90, it was 356.2. Based on the safety and efficacy data presented, SKIN OX is likely to be a valuable tool for treating skin damage due to free radicals and an asset to counter the effects of aging.

A combination treatment protocol using PEGylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel, non-ablative laser and hyaluronic acid skin boosters for rejuvenation of the perioral area

A. Kroeskop, D. Voropai — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Personalized treatment with a combination of aesthetic protocols targets the different root causes, contributing to the patient’s aesthetic concerns and optimizes outcomes. This report presents the outcomes of a new protocol combining PEGylated hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel, non-ablative laser, and non-crosslinked HA skin booster to rejuvenate the perioral area within a single treatment session. This was a retrospective analysis of medical data from subjects who had undergone treatment with the perioral rejuvenation protocol at Kalea Clinic in the Netherlands. All subjects had been treated with the 3-step protocol involving: (i) injection with PEGylated HA hydrogel 24 mg/ml to contour and shape the lips; (ii) full-face treatment with a non-ablative, fractional diode laser with a wavelength of 1470 nm to smooth and tighten the skin; and (iii) full-face mesotherapy treatment with injection of non-crosslinked HA (18 mg/mL) with 0.01% calcium hydroxyapatite, glycine, and L-proline to improve skin quality. Follow-up visits took place at 6 (Visit 1) and 12 weeks (Visit 2), at which point physicians and patients assessed lip fullness and skin wrinkling on separate validated rating scales. Additional subjective assessment of treatment results was performed by both physicians and patients using the 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Physician and patient satisfaction with treatment results was also assessed. Data were analyzed retrospectively for 14 female subjects with a mean age of 39.1 years. At baseline, lip fullness was rated as moderate by 71% of physicians and 64% of patients. At visit 2, 71% of lips were rated as thick and 14% as full by both physicians and patients. The mean skin wrinkle score improved from 1.30 (visible wrinkles with clear indentation) at baseline to 0.79 (fine wrinkle, slight indentation) at Visit 2. Mean GAIS scores for both physicians and patients indicated appearance was ‘improved’ at Visit 1 (mean scores of 3.0 and 2.7, respectively) and ‘much improved’ at Visit 2 (mean scores of 2.4 and 2.3, respectively). All treatments in the protocol were well tolerated. Both physicians and patients were satisfied with the combination protocol, and all patients reported they would be ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to recommend it. The combination of three different treatment modalities (PEGylated HA hydrogel, non-ablative laser, and HA mesotherapy) in a single treatment session demonstrated effectiveness in rejuvenating lips and perioral area. The complementary treatments were tailored to the individual for a natural-looking effect.