title: [Use of biophysical techniques to evaluate the physiologic effects of injected hyaluronic acid].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To evaluate the effects of intradermal injection of native hyaluronic acid on physiology of aged skin using bioengineering methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  10 female patients aged 44-69 were included. Study duration was 24 weeks. Each patient received 3 treatments (at week 0, 2 and 4) with native hyaluronic acid (Hyalsystem Merz Pharmaceuticals, Frankfurt/Main, Germany) and 4 examinations (week 0, 4, 12 and 24). Biophysical properties assessed were skin elasticity and surface roughness, as well as skin thickness and density.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Skin elasticity increased while skin surface roughness was reduced. High frequency ultrasound revealed an increase of skin thickness, whereas skin density decreased during treatment and slightly increased above baseline at week 24.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The evaluation of the effects of an intradermal injection of hyaluronic acid on aged skin showed an improvement of skin elasticity and skin surface roughness.
authors.affiliation: Kosmetik und Körperpflege (FB 13), Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Reuther
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bayrhammer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kerscher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013499:Surface Properties; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D006820:Hyaluronic Acid