Tissue-Toxic Effects of Phosphatidylcholine/Deoxycholate after Subcutaneous Injection for Fat Dissolution in Rats and a Human Volunteer

BACKGROUND The safety of the lipodissolution procedure for the cosmetic treatment of fat is unknown.
OBJECTIVES The objective was to determine the subcutaneous tissue effects of phosphatidylcholine solubilized with deoxycholate (PC/DC) in rats and a human volunteer.
METHODS Rats were treated subcutaneously three times with 50, 300, or 600 μL of PC/DC formula on the abdomen in a chronic study (30 days). A human volunteer undergoing elective liposuction was similarly treated. Cell membrane lysis, cell viability, and histologic status were determined on fresh biopsies of subcutaneous fat from the injection sites.
RESULTS PC/DC dose-dependently reduced membrane integrity and cell viability. Histologic alterations induced by PC/DC included fibroplasia, bandlike fibrosis in the region of the cutaneous muscle, and partial muscle loss. The highest dose caused widespread fat necrosis, fat cyst formation, and necrotic changes of the walls of small blood vessels. Histologic sections of subcutaneous tissue from the human volunteer showed dose-dependent panniculitis, fat cysts, and vessel necrosis. DC (2.5%), tested for comparison in the rat, exerted membrane and histologic effects similar to those of PC/DC. Solvent controls caused negligible alterations.
CONCLUSIONS Injection lipolysis with PC/DC causes tissue fibrosis and necrosis of adipose and vascular tissues in rat and man, making the long-term safety of PC/DC for nonsurgical treatment of subcutaneous fat deposits uncertain.     

Complications from Injectable Polyacrylamide Gel, a New Nonbiodegradable Soft Tissue Filler

Background. Polyacrylamide gels, containing a hydrogel composed of polyacrylamide and water, are used for soft tissue augmentation and contour correction. There are no reports of significant complications after injection of this material into the face.
Objective. We report an inflammatory reaction after injection of polyacrylamide gels for zygomatic facial augmentation.
Methods. A retrospective chart review of single case is presented.
Results. An inflammatory reaction at the sites of polyacrylamide gels injection was noted at 1 month after initial injection. Despite two ensuing courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the patient presented to us with persistent draining nodules. Intralesional steroid injections resulted in prompt resolution and no recurrence.
Conclusion. Inflammatory reactions have been noted in patients receiving polyacrylamide gels for breast augmentation. Facial polyacrylamide gels injections may also be associated with an inflammatory reaction that responds to intralesional steroids. With increasing availability of a variety of soft tissue fillers, dermatologists should be aware of this delayed complication from polyacrylamide gels.     

Dermal and subdermal tissue filling with fetal connective tissue and cartilage, collagen, and silicone: experimental study in the pig compared with clinical results. A new technique of dermis mini-autograft injections

The early reaction to the injection of silicone, collagen, and lyophilized heterologous fetal connective and cartilage tissues into the limiting zone deep dermis-superficial subcutaneous tissue was histologically examined in the pig and compared with clinical results. The inflammatory reaction to lyophilized heterologous fetal tissue is considerably more intense than that to collagen and silicone and lasts for several weeks. Therefore, it is not recommended for soft tissue filling in the face. Admitting an inferior antigenicity of fetal tissues, the authors suggest that enzymatically denaturalized collagen should be manufactured from heterologous fetal connective tissue, to be then further tested. The reaction of tissue to silicone and collagen is minimal. Silicone is preferred for dermal injections since in clinical experience it remains in the site of injection much longer. For subdermal injections, however, collagen is preferred. Based on experience with over 600 patients since 1958, the first author continues using liquid silicone. The lack of complications is probably a result of the fact that only small amounts (milliliters) of silicone were used in wrinkles or small depressions in the dermal layer and that from the beginning injection into the subcutaneous tissue was avoided. Since 1988 a new technique for the treatment of wrinkles and skin depressions with injections of dermal miniautografts has been used with satisfactory results.     

Dermal and subdermal tissue filling with fetal connective tissue and cartilage,collagen, and silicone: Experimental study in the pig compared with clinical results. A new technique of dermis mini-autograft injections

The early reaction to the injection of silicone, collagen, and lyophilized heterologous fetal connective and cartilage tissues into the limiting zone deep dermis-superficial subcutaneous tissue was histologically examined in the pig and compared with clinical results. The inflammatory reaction to lyophilized heterologous fetal tissue is considerably more intense than that to collagen and silicone and lasts for several weeks. Therefore, it is not recommended for soft tissue filling in the face. Admitting an inferior antigenicity of fetal tissues, the authors suggest that enzymatically denaturalized collagen should be manufactured from heterologous fetal connective tissue, to be then further tested. The reaction of tissue to silicone and collagen is minimal. Silicone is preferred for dermal injections since in clinical experience it remains in the site of injection much longer. For subdermal injections, however, collagen is preferred. Based on experience with over 600 patients since 1958, the first author continues using liquid silicone. The lack of complications is probably a result of the fact that only small amounts (milliliters) of silicone were used in wrinkles or small depressions in the dermal layer and that from the beginning injection into the subcutaneous tissue was avoided. Since 1988 a new technique for the treatment of wrinkles and skin depressions with injections of dermal miniautografts has been used with satisfactory results.     

Detergent Effects of Sodium Deoxycholate Are a Major Feature of an Injectable Phosphatidylcholine Formulation Used for Localized Fat Dissolution

BACKGROUND: Phosphatidylcholine injections are becoming an increasingly popular technique to treat localized fat accumulation. This formula is composed primarily of phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate, a bile salt used to solubilize the natural phospholipid in water. The mechanism through which this injectable phosphatidylcholine formulation causes localized fat reduction is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the active component and mechanism of action of an injectable phosphatidylcholine formulation in clinical use. METHODS: Cell viability and cell membrane lysis assays were performed on cell cultures and porcine skin after treatment with the phosphatidylcholine formula, isolated sodium deoxycholate, or common laboratory detergents Triton-X 100 and Empigen BB. In addition, we described the histologic changes after injection of these substances into porcine tissue. RESULTS: A significant and comparable loss of cell viability, cell membrane lysis, and disruption of fat and muscle architecture was seen in cell cultures and tissue specimens treated with the phosphatidylcholine formula and isolated sodium deoxycholate. These findings were similar to the effects produced after treatment with laboratory detergents. CONCLUSIONS: The phosphatidylcholine formula popularly used in subcutaneous injections for fat dissolution works primarily as a detergent causing nonspecific lysis of cell membranes. Our findings suggest that sodium deoxycholate is the major active component responsible for cell lysis. Detergent substances may have a role in eliminating unwanted adipose tissue. It is advised that physicians use caution until adequate safety data are available.     

Mesotherapy and Phosphatidylcholine Injections: Historical Clarification and Review

BACKGROUND: Mesotherapy was originally conceived in Europe as a method of utilizing cutaneous injections containing a mixture of compounds for the treatment of local medical and cosmetic conditions. Although mesotherapy was traditionally employed for pain relief, its cosmetic applications, particularly fat and cellulite removal, have recently received attention in the United States. Another treatment for localized fat reduction, which was popularized in Brazil and uses injections of phosphatidylcholine, has been erroneously considered synonymous with mesotherapy. Despite their attraction as purported "fat-dissolving" injections, the safety and efficacy of these novel cosmetic treatments remain ambiguous to most patients and physicians. OBJECTIVE: To distinguish mesotherapy from phosphatidylcholine injections by reviewing their history and the relevant experimental or clinical findings. METHODS: A comprehensive search of Medline indexed literature and conference proceedings. RESULTS: All the published studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of traditional mesotherapy currently originate from Europe. These reports focus primarily on musculoskeletal pain and vascular disease, rather than cosmetic applications. Although experimental data suggest that a number of traditional mesotherapy ingredients may theoretically reduce fat, these effects have not been supported in peer-reviewed studies. An increasing number of reports demonstrate that subcutaneous injections of a formula containing phosphatidylcholine combined with its emulsifier, deoxycholate, are effective in removing small collections of adipose tissue. Cell lysis, resulting from the detergent action of deoxycholate, may account for this clinical effect. CONCLUSIONS: Mesotherapy is distinct from a method of treating adipose tissue with subcutaneous injections of deoxycholate alone or in combination with phosphatidylcholine. Additional clinical and experimental studies are necessary to more definitively establish the safety and efficacy of these treatments.     

猪皮下脂肪吸脂后组织学观察

目的 观察小型猪皮下组织抽吸后的组织学变化。方法 采用注射器和直径为2mm的抽吸管行白色五指山成年小型猪背部皮下吸脂术，于术前及术后不同时间点分别取吸脂区和对照区皮下脂肪组织标本进行肉眼和（或）组织切片观察。结果 抽吸侧皮下脂肪厚度明显变薄。约为对照侧的53.5%。术区脂肪组织中只在真皮下，浅筋膜隔旁和肌膜表面等处瘢痕形成较多且消褪缓慢，术后6-8个月脂肪小叶结构清楚，抽吸后皮下脂肪细胞的大小。形态与对照部位比较无显著意义。结论 吸脂术可明显减少皮下脂肪的厚度。抽吸时避免损伤皮肤和脂肪下肌层可减少术后瘢痕形成。采用细小的抽吸管可进行浅层脂肪抽吸。     

自体脂肪颗粒注射移植治疗面部软组织凹陷

目的 评价自体脂肪颗粒注射移植治疗面部软组织凹陷的效果。方法 利用吸脂术从身体其它部位皮下吸取脂肪颗粒，注射植入面部软组织凹陷部位。结果 1996年～2002年，共治疗36例(56个部位)面部软组织凹陷，其中45个部位接受1次脂肪颗粒注射，11个部位接受2次注射，每次注射量为1．5m1～24m1，平均8．9m1。在随访超过6个月的28例(43个部位)中，8个部位(18．6％)注射2次，术后6个月38个部位外形得到明显隆起的改善效果，优良率88．4％(38／43)。未见严重并发症。结论 对于较为单纯的面部软组织凹陷的患，自体脂肪颗粒注射移植是一种微创、简便、安全、有效的治疗方法，必要时需重复注射。     

Comparative analysis of tissue reactions to anesthetic solutions: histological analysis in subcutaneous tissue of rats

Postanesthetic pain is a relatively common complication after local anesthesia. This complication may be caused by the anesthetic technique or by the anesthetic solution used. Tissue reactions induced by the anesthetic solutions may be one of the factors resulting in pain after anesthesia. The objective of this study was to comparatively analyze tissue reactions induced by different anesthetic solutions in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. The following solutions were utilized: 2% lidocaine without vasoconstrictor; a 0.5% bupivacaine solution with 1:200,000 adrenaline; a 4% articaine solution and 2% mepivacaine, both with 1:100,000 adrenaline; and a 0.9% sodium chloride solution as a control. Sterilized absorbent paper cones packed inside polyethylene tubes were soaked in the solutions and implanted in the subcutaneous region. The sacrifice periods were 1, 2, 5, and 10 days after surgery. The specimens were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis. The results showed that there is a difference in tissue irritability produced by the local anesthetic solutions. The results also showed that there is no relation between the concentration of the drug and the inflammatory intensity, that the mepivacaine and articaine solutions promoted less inflammatory reaction than the bupivacaine, and that the lidocaine solution produced the least intense inflammation.     

鞘内注射布托啡诺混合氯胺酮对炎性痛大鼠脊髓背角cAMP-PKA-CREB信号转导通路的影响

目的 探讨鞘内注射布托啡诺混合氯胺酮对炎性痛大鼠脊髓背角环磷腺苷-蛋白激酶A-环磷腺苷反应元件结合蛋白(cAMP-PKA-CREB)信号转导通路的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠,体重240～280 g,取鞘内置管成功的大鼠24只,随机分为4组(n=6):炎性痛组(IP组)、布托啡诺组(B组)、氯胺酮组(K组)和布托啡诺+氯胺酮组(BK组).置管后5 d,于大鼠左后足掌面皮下注射5%甲醛50μl,以制备炎性痛模型.IP组、B组、K组和BK组于皮下注射甲醛前30 min分别鞘内注射生理盐水10 μl、布托啡诺12.5 μg、氯胺酮50μg、布托啡诺12.5μg混合氯胺酮50μg.注射甲醛后1 h内,每5 min观察大鼠痛行为学,并计算痛加权评分(PIS评分);于注射甲醛后2 h时处死大鼠,取L5脊髓组织,采用免疫组化法测定脊髓背角PKA和磷酸化CREB(p-CREB)的表达水平,并行免疫组化染色分级.结果 大鼠注射甲醛后均表现出典型的痛双相期,即急性痛时相(第1时相)和继发性痛时相(第2时相).与IP组比较,BK组第1、2时相PIS评分降低,大鼠脊髓背角PKA、p-CREB表达下调,免疫组化染色分级降低(P<0.05或0.01),B组、K组上述指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 鞘内注射布托啡诺混合氯胺酮可减轻大鼠炎性痛,其机制可能与抑制脊髓背角cAMP-PKA-CREB信号转导通路有关.     

The influence of injection speed on pain during injection of local anaesthetic

Study objective: To determine the influence of injection speed on pain during injection of local anaesthetics. Methods: In a blinded randomised study with 36 healthy volunteers, each volunteer received three injections of 4.5 ml lidocaine subcutaneously on the abdomen. The injections were given during 15 seconds (0.3 ml/s), 30 seconds (0.15 ml/s), and 45 seconds (0.1 ml/s). The needle tip remained beneath the skin for 45 seconds during all three injections. Participants rated the pain experienced on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately after each injection. After the last injection, they were asked which injections were the least and most painful. Results: The mean VAS pain score for the 15 seconds injections was 26 (SD = 19), for the 30 seconds injections 24 (SD = 19), and for the 45 seconds injections also 24 (SD = 18) (ns). Eight subjects preferred the 15 seconds injection, 15 preferred the 30 seconds injection, and 10 preferred the 45 seconds injection (ns). Conclusion: It is concluded that varying the injection speed between 0.3 ml/s and 0.1 ml/s has no influence on the pain experienced during subcutaneous injection of 4.5 ml lidocaine.     

氯胺酮预先给药对慢性炎性痛大鼠急性吗啡耐受的影响

目的 探讨氯胺酮预先给药对慢性炎性痛大鼠急性吗啡耐受的影响.方法 健康成年雄性SD大鼠24只,体重180～200 g,随机分为3组(n=8):吗啡组(M组)、氯胺酮组(K组)和氯胺酮+吗啡组(KM组).于左后足底皮下注射完全弗氏佐剂0.125 ml制备慢性炎性痛模型.注射完全弗氏佐剂后3 d,M组腹腔注射吗啡5 mg/kg,K组腹腔注射氯胺酮10 mg/kg,KM组腹腔注射氯胺酮10mg/kg,10 min后腹腔注射吗啡5 mg/kg,1次/d,连续3 d.于制模前(基础状态)、注射氯胺酮前(T1)、注射氯胺酮后15 min(T2)、30 min(T3)、60 min(T4)及120 min(T5)时测定机械痛阈和热痛阈.结果 与基础值比较,各组T1时机械痛阈及热痛阈均降低(P<0.01).第1次注射情况:与11时比较,M组和KM组T2-5时机械痛阈及热痛阈升高(P<0.05或0.01).第2次注射情况:与T1时比较,M组T2时机械痛阈升高(P<0.05),KM组T3-5时机械痛阈和热痛阈升高(P<0.05或0.01).第3次注射情况:与T1时比较,KM组T4时热痛周升高(P<0.05);与M组第3次注射时比较,KM组T3,5时机械痛阈及T3-5时热痛阈升高(P<0.05).结论 氯胺酮10 mg/kg预先给药可减轻慢性炎性痛大鼠急性吗啡耐受.     

Insulin signaling in human visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in vivo

In this study, we evaluated the activation of various insulin signaling molecules in human fat in vivo and compared signaling reactions in visceral and subcutaneous fat depots. Paired abdominal omental and subcutaneous fat biopsies were obtained from nonobese subjects with normal insulin sensitivity under basal conditions and 6 and 30 min following administration of intravenous insulin. Insulin receptor phosphorylation was more intense and rapid and insulin receptor protein content was greater in omental than in subcutaneous adipose tissue (P < 0.05). Insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt also occurred to a greater extent and earlier in omental than in subcutaneous fat (P < 0.05) in the absence of significant changes in Akt protein content. Accordingly, phosphorylation of the Akt substrate glycogen synthase kinase-3 was more responsive to insulin stimulation in omental fat. Protein content of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 was threefold higher in omental than in subcutaneous fat (P < 0.05), and ERK phosphorylation showed an early 6-min peak in omental fat, in contrast with a more gradual increase observed in subcutaneous fat. In conclusion, the adipocyte insulin signaling system of omental fat shows greater and earlier responses to insulin than that of subcutaneous fat. These findings may contribute to explain the biological diversity of the two fat depots.     

Autologous Fat Injection for Soft Tissue Augmentation in the Face: A Safe Procedure?

Autologous fat injection for soft tissue augmentation in the face is claimed to be a safe procedure. However, there are several case reports in the literature where patients have suffered from acute visual loss and cerebral infarction following fat injections into the face. Acute visual loss after injection of various substances into the face is a well-known complication of such interventions. We report two further patients who suffered from ocular and cerebral embolism after fat injections into the face. For the intravasation of fat particles there are three preconditions: well-vascularized tissue, fragmentation of parenchyma, and, especially, a local increase in pressure in the affected tissue. Fat injections into the face lead to an acute local increase in pressure in highly vascularized tissue. We assume that fragments of fatty tissue reach ocular and cerebral arteries by reversed flow through branches of the carotid arteries after they are introduced into facial vessels. The manifestation of fat embolism appears either immediately after the fat injection or after a latency period. Fat embolism can remain subclinical and may not be recognized, or the clinical features may be misinterpreted. To minimize the risk of such a major complication, fat injections should be performed slowly, with the lowest possible force. One should avoid fat injections into pretraumatized soft tissue, for example, after rhytidectomy, because the risk of intravasation of fat particles may be higher. Metabolic disturbances such as hyperlipidemia may also contribute to the clinical manifestation of fat embolism. Routine funduscopic examinations after fat injections into the face could help to provide data for future estimation of the patient's general risk.     

Axial Tension Model of Spinal Cord Injury

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the safety and efficacy of subtrigonal, periureteral injections of autogenous fat grafts for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux.

Seven patients (12 renal units) with vesicoureteral reflux were treated with subtrigonal autogenous fat injection. Fat harvesting was obtained from abdominal and thigh subcutaneous tissue. Approximately 2 ml of fat was injected beneath each ureteral orifice with a modified 10 Fr needle through a 23.5 Fr rigid cystoscope. Two of the seven patients experienced durable (six months) resolution of reflux. In three patients, reflux resolved but recurred within three months and another developed recurrent reflux within six months. In one patient with a periureteral diverticulum, proper positioning of the needle tip for effective fat injection was not possible, resulting in persistent reflux. Two of the five patients with persistent reflux demonstrated a diminished grade of reflux on follow-up cystography. Neither complications nor ureteral obstruction have been encountered.

The subtrigonal injection technique can be used with autogenous adipose tissue to treat vesicoureteral reflux. Anatomic variation may determine those patients less likely to enjoy durable results. Clinical success and reabsorption of the fat cannot be predicted or controlled at the present time. The ideal periureteral bulking agent for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux remains to be determined.     

Intrathecal edaravone, a free radical scavenger, is effective on inflammatory-induced pain in rats

BACKGROUND: Free radicals have some roles in inflammation and systemic and local tissue injuries. (Free radical scavengers are neuroprotective against excitotoxic insults.) Therefore, we hypothesized that free radical scavenger would be analgesic on pain induced by excitotoxicity or inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate analgesic effects of intrathecally administered edaravone, a free radical scavenger, on thermal and inflammatory pain. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with lumbar intrathecal catheters. Edaravone 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg per 20 microl or saline 20 microl (control) were administered intrathecally, and the withdrawal response to thermal stimulation to the tail (tail-flick test) or flinch responses to subcutaneous formalin injection into the hind paw (formalin test) were tested. General behaviour and motor function were also examined. In each dose group, eight rats were used. RESULTS: No dose-dependent analgesic effects were observed in the tail-flick test. However, dose-dependent analgesia was obtained in both phase 1 and 2 of the formalin test. The 50% effective dose values were 0.25 mg (95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.56 mg) in phase 1 and 0.25 mg (95% confidence interval, 0.061-1.05 mg) in phase 2. No behavioural side-effects nor motor dysfunction was observed, even with the maximum soluble dose (1 mg/20 microl). CONCLUSION: Intrathecally administered edaravone, a free radical scavenger, had analgesic effects on inflammatory-induced acute and facilitated pain but not on acute thermal pain, without any behavioural side-effects.     

Analgesic effects of intrathecally administered celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, in the tail flick test and the formalin test in rats

BACKGROUND: The analgesic effects of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, on formalin-induced pain are still controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine the analgesic effects of intrathecally administered celecoxib on inflammatory induced pain, thermal-induced pain and hemodynamics. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats with lumbar intrathecal catheters were tested via their tail withdrawal response to thermal stimulation (tail flick test) and via their paw flinching and shaking response to subcutaneous formalin injection into the hind paw (formalin test) after intrathecal administration of celecoxib. The blood pressure, pulse rate and behavioral side-effects were also examined. RESULTS: Even the maximum available dose of celecoxib (200 microg/20 microl) had little effect in the tail flick test. In the formalin test, celecoxib induced a dose-dependent decrease in the flinch response in both phases 1 and 2. The 50% effective doses were 0.025 microg (95% confidence interval, 0.007-0.082 microg) in phase 1, 0.026 microg (0.010-0.045 microg) in phase 2a and 0.001 microg (0.00009-0.010 microg) in phase 2b. With the doses used in this study, the blood pressure and pulse rate did not change and no motor disturbance or behavioral side-effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Intrathecal administration of celecoxib decreased inflammatory acute and facilitated pain without any hemodynamic or behavioral side-effects, but had no effect on acute thermal pain.     

Nicolau syndrome following intramuscular diclofenac administration: a case report

Nicolau syndrome (livedoid dermatitis) is a rare adverse reaction of a still largely unidentified pathogenesis at the site of intramuscular drug injection. The typical presentation is pain around the injection site soon after injection, followed by erythema, livedoid patch, haemorrhagic patch, and finally necrosis of skin, subcutaneous fat, and muscle tissue. The phenomenon has been related to the administration of a variety of drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and penicillin. We report a case of Nicolau syndrome following an intramuscular injection of diclofenac. The large ulceration over the right buttock was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and histology revealed subcutaneous fat necrosis and non-specific inflammation with no evidence of malignancy or vasculitis. The lesion required multiple debridements and a partial-thickness skin graft. Subcutaneous injection, rather than intramuscular injection, was found to be a determining factor in this case. Clinicians must be cautious in the use of proper injection procedures, including appropriate needle length, in order to minimise complications.     

Injectable corticosteroids in modern practice

Long-lasting, crystalline suspensions of injectable corticosteroids have been used to treat joint and soft-tissue disorders for many years; they decrease inflammation by reducing local infiltration of inflammatory cells and mediators. Depot formulations differ in their characteristics. Compounds with low solubility are thought to have the longest duration of action but may cause tissue atrophy when used in soft tissues. Intra-articular corticosteroids are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis: meta-analyses confirm their benefit in reducing pain and symptoms. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections have been shown to be safe and effective for repeated use (every 3 months) for up to 2 years, with no joint space narrowing detected. Fewer clinical trials are available for extra-articular uses for injectable corticosteroids, although there is evidence of efficacy in a variety of soft-tissue conditions. The accuracy of injections affects outcomes. Postinjection flare, facial flushing, and skin and fat atrophy are the most common side effects. Systemic complications of injectable corticosteroids are rare.     

A Double-Blind, Comparative Study of Nonanimal-Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid versus Human Collagen for Tissue Augmentation of the Dorsal Hands

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Cosmetic surgery to counteract the aging process is an evolving field. Most procedures have concentrated on the face; however, the hands are an often-neglected area. Current methods of hand rejuvenation include autologous fat injection, sclerotherapy, intense pulsed light, chemical peel, and microdermabrasion. Only autologous fat injection restores dermal thinning. We compare the use of hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Medicis Aesthetics Inc.) versus collagen (Cosmoplast, INAMED Aesthetics) for soft tissue augmentation of the dorsal hands.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten female patients who demonstrated dermal thinning of the dorsal hands were randomized to receive 1.4 mL of hyaluronic acid or 2.0 cm³ collagen to alternate interphalangeal spaces of dorsal hands. Patients returned at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months for digital photography and completion of a patient/physician questionnaire.
RESULTS Hands were scored by two separate blinded physicians on scales of 1 to 5 for clearance of veins. Patients scored both tolerability and satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5. Analysis showed a mean difference of 0.95 (0.004), median difference of 0.9 (0.008) for clearance, and a mean difference of 0.90 (0.010) with a median difference of 1.0 (0.031). The satisfaction difference was not significant with a mean difference of 0.80 (0.070) and median difference of 1.0 (0.117).
CONCLUSION Aging of the hands is a common problem that is often overlooked. The use of soft tissue fillers is a viable tool in hand rejuvenation. In this study hyaluronic acid proved to be superior in efficacy to collagen.