Characterization of Physical Properties and Histologic Evaluation of Injectable Dermicol-P35 Porcine-Collagen Dermal Filler

Abstract

Injectable dermal fillers have become important alternatives to traditional surgical procedures for the correction of facial wrinkles and restoration of facial volume. The physical properties of a dermal filler/volumizing agent, and the host tissue response to the agent, influence its clinical performance and patient outcomes. In this study, several key physical properties of the new porcine collagen dermal filler Dermicol-P35 27G were measured and compared with those of commercially available hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers. Furthermore, the in vivo properties of implanted Dermicol-P35 27G were evaluated by histologic and histopathologic methods. This study found that Dermicol-P35 27G provides a lower extrusion force profile and yield point compared with the hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers tested. At 2 years, staining of punch biopsy specimens with hematoxylin and eosin and Herovici stains revealed no inflammatory cells and no evidence of other adverse events in any of the samples containing Dermicol-P35 27G. Within-implant colonization by fibroblasts depositing new collagen and the formation of elastin within the implanted collagen material (as shown by Luna staining) suggest that Dermicol-P35 27G is a bioactive implant. Compared with several hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, Dermicol-P35 exhibited lower extrusion force, higher viscosity under low shear rate, and a higher modulus of elasticity. Results of histologic evaluation indicated that Dermicol-P35 27G did not elicit an inflammatory response and was well integrated within the host tissue. Together, these results suggest that Dermicol-P35 27G offers several advantages that may result in improved clinical experiences for both patients and clinicians.