Hyaluronan Hybrid Cooperative Complexes Injection as a Biostimulation for Post-Obese Skin Laxity in the Arm: A Histopathologic Study
Andrea Margara, Diala Haykal, Danilo Musella, Gilberto Bellia, Filippo Boriani- General Medicine
Abstract
Background
The Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acids (HHCC) improve skin structure and bioactivity. Massive weight loss damages cellular composition and morphological structure of skin. An injective treatment of post-obese skin consisting of HHCC may have a role in counteracting these histopathological alterations.
Objectives
To analyze the histological effects of HHCC injection in the cutaneous tissues of massive weight loss patients suffering from arm laxity.
Methods
Nine ex-obese patients with a post-weight loss-related arm laxity and ptosis requiring brachioplasty were prospectively recruited at the firs author’s department. HHCC injection was performed on only one arm, which included two injective sessions separated by 30 days. One month post treatment, patients underwent a bilateral brachioplasty and the surgical specimens were histologically examined searching for any variation in the cutaneous connective tissue following injections. Histology on treated specimens showed a statistically significant increased density of elastic fibers along with a lower fragmentation of the same fibers compared to the untreated tissue. Fibroblasts demonstrated a swollen appearance as if involved in a bioactivation process.
Results
Treatment with HHCC increases the number of elastin fibers and determines a more regular elastin deposition and architecture, as well as a bio-activation of fibroblasts. The contralateral untreated area showed an irregular structure with elastosis and elastolysis.
Conclusions
More studies are necessary, but histologically proven benefits are demonstrated in the HHCC treated skins as compared to basal controlateral skin. These data support the use of HHCC formulation for the treatment of post-obese skin laxity.