Clinical, histologic and electron microscopic findings after injection of a calcium hydroxylapatite filler.
BACKGROUND
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa) is one of many newly available soft tissue fillers.


OBJECTIVE
We have, in this pilot study, evaluated the clinical, histologic and electron microscopic ultrastructural changes seen with CaHa at 1 and 6 months after skin injection.


METHODS
Each of the three subjects was injected in the postauricular area with 0.1 cc of CaHa gel. A 3-mm punch tissue biopsy was taken at 1 and 6 months post-injection. Biopsies were analyzed by histopathology and electron microscopy. Clinical results after injection of the nasolabial folds were also evaluated.


RESULTS
CaHa particles were found to persist at 6 months with evidence of new collagen formation being seen. Patients still showed clinical improvement at this time.


CONCLUSIONS
This study is the first in vivo ultrastructural analysis of the biologic response to CaHa in human skin. CaHa shows clinical, histologic and electron microscopic evidence of persistence at 6 months.
Marmur
Ellen S
ES
Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of NY/NJ, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA.
Phelps
Robert
R
Goldberg
David J
DJ
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017886:Durapatite / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005782:Gels; D017886:Durapatite