Objectives: 1. Understand the role of injectable collagenase combined with PC/DC and energy based devices in treating aging skin of thighs and knees.
2. Increase accuracy of injections with the use of a portable high resolution ultrasound unit
3. Understand who is a candidate for which combination
4. Know the limitations of these combinations
Introduction: Skin contour deformities of the thighs and knees accelerate in visibility as patients age. Volumetric loss of muscle, sun damage, and genetically programmed aging result in dimples, bulges, wrinkles, and crepey skin. . Current there are few good solutions for this type of deformity. Because most patients seek noninvasive or minimally invasive solutions, the recent release of injectable collagenase for cellulite has generated much interest for patients with these age related concerns. Injectable enzymatic degradation of fibrotic bands plus fat reduction clinically improves the region.
Materials / method: Female patients were first treated with subcutaneous injection of collagenase, followed by microinjections of dilute PC/DC. In patients with severe cellulite dimpling, energy based devices were also used. External RF/TPS was used to generate skin tightening as well as IPL. Three treatments were utilized. In patients with significant skin laxity plus lipodystrophy, RFAL was also used as a one time treatment. In order to boost the accuracy of targeting collagen bands for severe dimples, a high resolution ultrasound device was used to visualize the fibrotic bands.
Results: Postinjection ultrasound exam showed dissolution of fibrotic bands within 30 minutes. Patients achieved strong improvement of skin contour irregularities including dimpling, bulges, and crepey skin in 85% of patients treated. Limitations were noted in patients over age 70, in massive weight loss patients, and in patients with unrealistic expectations.
Conclusion: Treating poor skin quality in aging thighs and knees is a challenge without a good solution. Combination therapy using injectables combined with EBDs can generate moderate improvement in patients who are willing to undergo three sequential treatments. Collagenase offers a good solution for depressed dimples or fibrotic bands. When combined with dilute PC/DC and EBDs, skin smoothing is visible at 1 month post-treatment.
Declaraciones
¿Ha recibido algún tipo de financiamiento para realizar su investigación sobre esta temática?
No
¿Ha recibido algún pago, honorario u otra compensación por su trabajo acerca de esta investigación?
No
¿Tiene vínculos financieros con alguna entidad que podría llegar a competir estrechamente con los medicamentos, materiales o instrumentos tratados en su investigación?
No
¿Posee o ha solicitado una patente relacionada a los materiales, productos o instrumentos utilizados en su investigación?
No
Este trabajo no cuenta con el apoyo de ningún financiamiento directo o indirecto. El autor asume plena responsabilidad sobre el mismo.