Improved brachial skin hydration and appearance with hyperdiluted calcium hydroxylapatite

• Published in: Skin research and technology 2024-07, Vol.30 (7), p.e13835-n/a
• Main Authors: Palo, Juliana Schinzari, Lima Faria, Gladstone Eustáquio, McCarthy, Alec D., Boggio, Ricardo Frota
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Arm; Biocompatible Materials - administration & dosage; CaHA; Calcium; calcium hydroxylapatite; Cosmetic Techniques; Dilution; Durapatite - administration & dosage; Effectiveness; Evaluation; Female; Health services; Humans; Hyaluronic acid; Hydration; Hydroxyapatite; Medical research; Middle Aged; Original; Patient Satisfaction; Proteoglycans; radiesse; regenerative aesthetics; Skin; Skin - drug effects; Skin - pathology; Skin Aging - drug effects; Weight loss
• ISSN: 0909-752X; 1600-0846; 1600-0846
• DOI: 10.1111/srt.13835

Introduction The search for minimally invasive treatments for areas not covered by clothing, such as the arms, has increased, particularly to combat flaccidity resulting from factors such as aging and weight loss. This study evaluated the efficacy of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), an injectable biostimulator, in improving flaccidity and hydration of the skin of the arms. Materials and Methods Six women between 40 and 50 years old with visible signs of brachial flaccidity were selected. Calcium hydroxyapatite was injected into the arms in a 1:4 dilution (1.5 mL per side), with subjective evaluation based on the GAIS score and objective hydration analysis using corneometry. Results After a single application of CaHA, there was a significant increase in skin hydration (12.2%), objectively assessed by corneometry. Patient and physician satisfaction was high, evidenced by visible improvements in photographs and by the GAIS score. No significant adverse events were reported, demonstrating the safety of the procedure. Discussion Our clinical observations confirm the ability of CaHA to visibly improve arm flaccidity. In addition, hydration measures support previous histological studies demonstrating increases in dermal proteoglycans. Compared to other studies, the increase in skin hydration with CaHA was similar to those obtained with hyaluronic acid, suggesting comparable results with a more comfortable and less invasive technique. Conclusion This study demonstrates the efficacy of CaHA in improving hydration of brachial skin after a single treatment. Despite the limitations of the sample size, the research contributes to the medical literature, highlighting the utility of the 3 mL CaHA presentation for brachial treatment with objective results in skin hydration.