RESUMO
BACKGROUND: A myriad of technologies are available for the treatment of aging skin. These, however, still lack the ability to combine immediate, short-term and long-term aesthetic results with no downtime. Furthermore, the treatment of fine wrinkles on large surfaces remains challenging, as does the treatment of delicate regions, such as the dorsal hand, neck, and chest. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate the short-term as well as the long-term efficacy and safety of a new skin remodeling device that pneumatically accelerates a jet of hyaluronic acid (HA) solution under high pressure into the dermis. METHODS: Thirty-four participants at three clinical sites underwent treatments with the Airgent device on the face, neck, chest, and dorsal hands for a total of 69 sites. Safety and efficacy were evaluated in short-term (1-3 months) and long-term follow-up (up to 18 months) by photography, by an independent reviewer and by participant self-evaluation. Histology was assessed before and 4 months after the third treatment. RESULTS: A total of 69 treatment areas were evaluable at 1-3 months follow-up. Photographic analysis demonstrated improvement in skin variables at all body sites treated. Treatment of the face and neck reduced the mean Fitzpatrick-Goldman Wrinkle Classification score by 39.4 and 30.4%, respectively, representing a full wrinkle class improvement. Treatments of the chest demonstrated significant visual improvement. Treatment of the dorsal hands produced good overall improvement (OI), with good improvement of protruding veins. Overall improvement increased with increasing number of treatments. A total of 56 treatment areas were evaluable for long-term follow-up. Treatment of the face and neck reduced the mean Fitzpatrick-Goldman Wrinkle Classification score by 27.6 and 21.2%, respectively. Improvement after treatment of the face represented a full wrinkle class reduction. Treatment of the chest and dorsal hands yielded significant visual improvement. Overall, 80% of subjects were satisfied with the treatment outcome and would recommend the treatment to friends and family. Histological analysis demonstrated increased dermal collagen ΙΙΙ. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumatic injection of HA under high pressure provides a safe, well-tolerated and effective method for improving the appearance of wrinkles on the face, neck, chest, and dorsal hands. Improvement can be seen as early as 1 month and as long as 18 months after treatment.
