Bio-Revitalizing SkinGlow: Assessing the Efficacy of Microcannula-Assisted Treatment With Cohesive Polydensified Matrix Hyaluronic Acid With Glycerol (Belotero Revive) Through Ultrasound Elastography and Corneometry.

introductionDespite the widespread use of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based fillers, most studies have focused on volumetric restoration rather than skin quality improvement. Objective imaging techniques, such as ultrasound strain elastography and corneometry, allow quantitative and qualitative assessment of treatment efficacy, filling an important gap in aesthetic dermatology research.

objectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of treatment using the cohesive polydensified matrix hyaluronic acid with glycerol (CPM-R, Belotero Revive; Anteis, Plan-les-Quates, Switzerland) delivered via microcannula for skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity.

methodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted, with eligible patients divided into 2 groups: patients who had received a single (group 1) or a two-session treatment (group 2) of CPM-R. Patients were evaluated at baseline and 30 days after the final treatment by corneometry and ultrasound strain elastography. At the final follow-up appointment (Day 30 (D30) for Group 1, Day 60 (D60) for Group 2), both the investigator and the patient assessed outcome efficacy using the 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and the Pain and Comfort Visual Analogue Scales (VAS).

resultsA total of 40 patients were included in the final analysis; mean age was 41.7 years (range: 25-60), 85.0% were female (n = 34/40), and most patients had mild rosacea, acne-prone, or dry skin. Of the 40 patients, 6 (16.0%) exhibited mild rosacea, and 12 (30.0%) had acne-prone skin. No patients withdrew from the study. Hydration levels, as assessed by corneometry, significantly improved following treatment with CPM-R by an average of 14.9% after a single treatment and 16.6% after two treatments spaced four weeks apart (p < 0.001). The investigator and patient evaluations of facial appearance were either "much improved" or "very much improved" in all patients who underwent a single-treatment or two-treatment protocol. No serious adverse events were reported. Minor and transient side effects (e.g., local mild erythema and ecchymosis) were reported in 15.0% (n = 6/40) and 7.5% (n = 3/40) of cases, respectively, and resolved spontaneously within 24-72 h. Patients reported minimal discomfort, with 75.0% (n = 30/40) of the patients reporting an average VAS pain score of 1 (out of 10).

conclusionsThis study demonstrated that the use of CPM-R delivered through retro-linear and fanning techniques with a microcannula is an innovative, effective, safe, and well-tolerated intervention for improving skin hydration and overall dermal quality in patients with mild to moderate signs of aging.