Effects of a three-session skin rejuvenation treatment using stabilized hyaluronic acid-based gel of non-animal origin on skin elasticity: a pilot study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo the effects of micropuncture injections of stabilized hyaluronic acid-based gel of non-animal origin (NASHA™, Restylane Vital™) on skin elasticity, a major aspect of skin ageing. Patients (n = 19) underwent a series of three treatment sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart, with NASHA injected into the lower facial cheeks. Using the suction principle, 12 parameters describing the viscoelastic properties of the skin were assessed, before each treatment session and at follow-up visits 4 and 16 weeks after the last treatment. Treatment with NASHA significantly increased skin firmness and improved its viscoelastic recovery capacities. The most significant differences from baseline were noted at the end of the study. The changes observed in this study may underlie some of the cosmetic improvements noted after treatment with NASHA.