The Rejuvenating Effect and Tolerability of an Auto-Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid on Décolletage: A Pilot Prospective Study

Abstract

Background

A novel auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid formulation (HA-ACP) has been proposed as a treatment for skin rejuvenation. This prospective pilot study aims to assess its tolerability and performance in the treatment of skin aging of the décolletage.

Methods

Fifteen women (mean age 49.0 ± 8.0  (range 30–65)) who complained about the appearance of their décolletage were prospectively enrolled and treated with three sets of HA-ACP (IAL-SYSTEM ACP®) intradermal injections, administered three weeks apart. Control visits followed at 80 and 120 days from enrollment. The rejuvenating effect was assessed using the Beagley–Gibson and Fabi–Bolton scores. The investigators and the subjects also subjectively assessed skin appearance using a 1–10 scale. The rejuvenating effect and its persistence were assessed comparing the scores collected at the different experimental times by means of Wilcoxon rank tests. Adverse events and their duration were recorded and compared to those reported in the literature.

Results

The HA-ACP formulation provided a significant improvement according to the Beagley–Gibson score (p < 0.005) at all time points. At the 120-day follow-up, the Fabi–Bolton score was significantly improved with respect to baseline (p < 0.05). The rejuvenating effect persisted unaltered between the 80-day and the 120-day visits. At the 120-day visit, the subjects' and investigators' subjective scores were between 8 and 10 in most cases. No unexpected adverse effects were observed. All adverse effects were well tolerated and disappeared over a short period.

Conclusions

The HA-ACP treatment under investigation is safe, well tolerated, and provides effective and long-lasting décolletage rejuvenation.

Level of Evidence IV

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