Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are popular for the treatment of signs of facial skin aging.
Objective: The objective of this study was to confirm the performance and safety of a new cohesive polydensified matrix HA filler ([CPM®-HA20G, Belotero Revive®, lidocaine-free], Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany) for the treatment of early signs of facial skin aging by use of biophysical measurements as well as subject and investigator satisfaction.
Methods: Twenty-five healthy female subjects with signs of facial skin aging were enrolled in this open-label, rater-blinded, observational post-market clinical follow-up study, and received 20 micropuncture treatments of 50 µL CPM®-HA20G each into the lower cheek area at three injection visits 4 weeks apart. Objective biophysical assessments were conducted to demonstrate effects on viscoelastic properties of the skin, surface roughness, tone and radiance, and hydration, at baseline and at all follow-up visits up to 36 weeks.
Results: CPM®-HA20G significantly increased gross elasticity of the skin (at weeks 9 and 12), skin firmness (up to week 24), skin tone and radiance and skin hydration (all up to 36 weeks). Significant reduction of skin fatigue (up to 9 weeks), skin roughness (up to 28 weeks), and redness (up to 36 weeks) was also observed. Subjects and blinded investigator were highly satisfied with the treatment outcomes. The treating investigator reported a high level of satisfaction with the ease of injection and the clinical performance of the device. Moreover, data demonstrated a good safety profile of the device.
Conclusion: CPM®-HA20G is considered to be an effective and safe HA injectable for skin revitalization in patients suffering from signs of skin aging and loss of skin elasticity. It seems to be a perfect early intervention approach in patients that do not need volumizing treatment and a combination approach in older patients with more pronounced aging.
Keywords: cohesive polydensified matrix; filler; hyaluronic acid; skin revitalization.