Evaluation of safety and efficacy of booster injections of hyaluronic acid in improving the facial skin quality.

Abstract

Skin boosting with small particles of hyaluronic acid (HA) is a new method of skin rejuvenation. Here, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of booster injections of noncross-linked HA in improving the facial skin quality. A total of 20 men and women age 40.15±6.63years were treated with 3 injections of noncross-linked HA (1-2mL) with intervals of 3weeks. Skin hydration and elasticity parameters were evaluated before intervention and 1week and 4months later. Facial skin improvement also evaluated using physician's global assessment score (PGA). Skin hydration increased 1week and 4months after last treatment, (P>.05). Skin firmness (R0) reduced significantly at week 1 and month 4 (P-value=.01 and .00). Skin-tiring effect/fatigue (R3) showed significant decrease at week 1 and month 4 (P-value=.01 and .00, respectively). Four months after last treatment skin gross elasticity (R2) and net elasticity (R5) also increased significantly (P-value=.00). Physician's global assessment 1week and 4months after last treatment were 2.33±0.76 and 1.35±0.49 out of 4, respectively. Adverse effects were mostly transient and mild in severity. Booster therapy with HA is a safe and well-tolerated procedure, and results in improvement in skin elasticity and relative increase in skin hydration.