How hyaluronic acid is changing the cosmetics industry

We have never seen such a period of growth in aesthetic medicine. We live in an era where hair transplants; Fat removal and breast augmentation have progressed to the point where they can be performed without the need for hospitalization or even general anesthesia. It’s a brave new world that will continue to progress into the emerging era of stem cell technology, with the growth of new hair and breast tissue being prime examples of where this period will take us. But at the moment we have Direct Hair Implants(TM) and Macrolane(TM).

Macrolane is a type of natural filler similar to some that we have been injecting into the face since 1996. It is made from hyaluronic acid, a compound that occurs naturally in the skin and connective tissue and is known to be present in all tissues of the body. Body. . Hyaluronic acid is an important cellular component that binds water and also provides nutrients and removes waste from cells that do not have a direct blood supply, such as cartilage cells. Hyaluronic acid is found in synovial joint fluid, vitreous humor of the eye, cartilage, blood vessels, extracellular matrix, skin, and umbilical cord.

It is extremely popular as an injectable skin filler to correct lines and wrinkles associated with aging, as well as acne scars and other skin conditions, as its molecules bind to water in the skin, hydrating and firming its structure, and the loss of hyaluronic acid. with aging is associated with dehydration of the skin and wrinkles. Because hyaluronic acid breaks down quickly in the skin, the commercially available version is cross-linked or chemically bonded to itself to increase stabilization.

The safety of hyaluronic acid has been clinically documented and supported by robust clinical studies spanning over 10 years. The company that makes Macrolane has been making high purity stabilized hyaluronic acid gels in the form of an injectable dermal filler called Restylane since 1996. In this twelve-year period, more than 8 million Restylane treatments have been successfully performed worldwide. the world with a problem rate of approximately 1:20,000. This makes Restylane one of the most tried and tested dermal fillers and is recognized in cosmetic dermatology as the benchmark for safety.

Pain, redness, itching, discoloration, and tenderness at the injection site are also common side effects that occur after a Restylane treatment. These effects usually wear off in one to two days. Most of the side effects that Restylane patients experience are classified as mild. However, about 1 in 2,000 patients experience more serious reactions, such as tenderness, prolonged redness, and acne-like skin formations. These side effects can last only a few days after the injection up to four weeks after the treatment. Hypersensitive skin is often the culprit for more serious reactions to Restylane.

There have been two pilot studies of body contouring with Macrolane(TM) to date to my knowledge. The first was done in 2002. It looked at the use of Macrolane to enhance the breasts of women who were not pregnant or breastfeeding. These patients were observed for a further 2 years to monitor safety and benefit. No serious adverse events were reported in the study. Treatment-related adverse events, such as pain and injection site reaction, were mild and transient in nature. The second study involved patients with concave body deformities after liposuction, surgical scars, or post-traumatic fat atrophy.

Again, no side effects were observed outside of the minor events observed on the day of injection. A study published in the February 2007 issue of Food and Chemical Toxicology confirmed the safety of oral hyaluronic acid. It is used as a dietary supplement that supports joint and skin health. Hyaluronic acid provides the matrix for synovial fluid to retain moisture in the skin and cushioning in the joints. Research showed that test subjects did not exhibit toxicity, even at 33 times the recommended dose.

In the first breast study, patient evaluation data showed 95% satisfaction at three months, 79% at six months, and 63% at 12 months. In the other, more than 80% of patients reported improvements at three months and 69% at six months, with some improvement seen at 12 months.

I feel this is related to the fact that a 100ml volume of compound is injected into a doctor-created shielded space in the connective tissue in front of the pectoralis major muscle but behind the mammary gland. In this position, Macrolane is meant to last for at least 18 months. Each individual treatment program will include an annual refill as needed to maintain optimal treatment results.

We have already discussed the safety aspects of hyaluronic acid compounds, but I believe there is more to it than this. We know that patient demand for affordable, non-surgical, and less invasive aesthetic treatments that offer minimal downtime has been growing for some time. I personally feel that this is the driving force behind this phenomenon. To be honest, cosmetic surgeons of late have not been showered with glory in the press and patients are largely afraid to take the risk. Take barigastric bands. Obesity surgery not only helps people lose weight, but also improves obesity-associated comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, joint pain, reflux, cardiovascular disease, stroke , various forms of cancer (including prostate, bowel and ovarian) and overall quality of life.

The Ailesbury Clinic opened in Dublin in 2002. It was awarded Best Medical Practice at the 2005 Irish Healthcare Pharmaceutical Awards. It was selected as runner-up in the 2008 and 2009 Best Aesthetic Medical Clinic in the UK and Ireland finals. .