Abstract

Objectives: We hypothesized that a thinner and weaker ECM plays a significant role in the formation of cellulite. The combination of CaHA with polymicronutrients addresses directly the pathophysiology of fragile ECM and perhaps can ameliorate cellulite. Secondarily, this is a proof-of-concept case series study to evaluate efficacy and safety of the combination of CaHA with polymicronutrients for the aesthetic improvement of the cellulitic skin. Introduction: Cellulite is a common aesthetic concern, primarily affecting the buttocks, hips and thighs mostly of young women. It is a multifactorial process, characterized by dimpled contour alteration of the skin, while it imposes a significant psychosocial distress in affected patients. There are various treatments of cellulite targeting either the fat, dermis or fibrous septae, yet with a wide variability in response and longevity of results Materials / method: We compared clinical and photographic characteristics of 11, otherwise healthy, patients, 10 female (mean age 44,9 ± 13,37) and 1 male of 58 yrs, with medium to severe cellulite. Patients were injected in the buttocks and thighs, using a dilute mixture of CaHa:NCTF HA, in a dilution of 1:4; 7,5 ml of total mixture was injected in a retrograde manner, in each leg. A 25G, 50mm, TSK cannula was used, to place the mixture subcutaneously. Subcision of the fibrous septae was performed with the cannula prior to the injection of the mixture. Photographic documentation of before and after was recorded Results: GAIS scores improved by at least one scale point. CSS scores improved by at least 6 points, while cellulite dimples improved by at least 2 points, at rest and dynamic scales. Celluqol scores were reduced by a mean of 25 points, by the end of the study. The most frequently reported AE (85%) was bruising at the injection site which resolved with a couple of days from treatment. Conclusion: Improvement of cellulite is possible with a single treatment of the combination of polymicronutrients and CaHA. Results show significant improvement of skin appearance as well as a long-lasting effect of this treatment. Limitations include a small number of study subjects.