ABSTRACT
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate physical skin changes and patients' subjective perception of treatment with photothermal bioactivated platelet-rich plasma (MCT Plasma) for hand rejuvenation. Background: Age-related changes in the dorsum of the hand include volume loss, dyschromia, and soft-tissue atrophy, which result in wrinkles and prominent deep structures. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center, randomized pilot study on 10 healthy female volunteers from 30 to 65 years with hand aging signs. Patients received two sessions of MCT Plasma on the treated hand and two sessions of standard platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the control hand. Results were assessed through high-frequency ultrasonography, photographs, a patient satisfaction survey, patient perception of skin aspect, and patient perception of amelioration survey. Results: Ten women with a mean age of 57.5 years (standard deviation 10.5, range 31 - 67) were included, and seven (70%) completed the study. The treated hands' skin subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB) decreased from 20% to 60%, and 57.1% (n = 4) had better results than control. Twenty percent of patients were very satisfied with the results, 40% were satisfied, 40% were neutral, and none were unsatisfied or very unsatisfied. Patients perceived the skin of the treated hand (MCT Plasma) as "much better" (20%), "better" (60%), and "no changes" (20%) compared with the skin of the control hand (standard PRP). No treatment-related adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusions: Hands treated with MCT Plasma tended to have better outcomes in reducing SLEB compared with those treated with standard PRP. Patients were satisfied and the treatment was safe with no technical complications. However, further randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are mandatory to validate the extent of improvement provided by this device based on photothermal biomodulation.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: With aging, there is a decrease in the volume of facial fat compartments, which can be restored using injectable biodegradable fillers. AIMS: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of an ultrasound-guided transoral injection versus the traditional percutaneous approach for cheek volumization with hyaluronic acid. PATIENTS/METHODS: This is a pilot, single-center, comparative, prospective study conducted in Spain in which the hemifaces were randomized to receive an injection with each technique, and the duration of follow-up was 1 year. Results were assessed using the GAIS and the procedure satisfaction survey. The degree of pain experienced was evaluated using a VAS for pain. RESULTS: This study included 20 women with a mean age of 45.3 years (SD 5.1, range of 38-53). No significant differences were observed in esthetic improvement scores or in the satisfaction surveys. There were significant differences in the transoral approach assessment at V3 (p = 0.0362) and in both procedures at V6 (p = 0.0026) between patients and evaluators. Of all patients, 55% (n = 11/20) reported less pain with the transoral approach, and 15% (n = 3/20) did not perceive pain with any techniques. No side effects different than those expected were observed, and they all resolved without the need for treatment. CONCLUSION: The transoral approach for cheek volumization with hyaluronic acid was shown as a safe, effective technique that provides more comfort and minor sensation of pain than the traditional percutaneous approach but with equivalent esthetic outcomes.
