Efficacy and Safety of 2 Injection Techniques for Hand Biostimulatory Treatment With Diluted Calcium Hydroxylapatite

BACKGROUND Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is effective for dorsal hand rejuvenation. Higher dilutions are used for biostimulation with fewer side effects. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 2 techniques of diluted CaHA injection for dorsal hand treatment. METHODS A prospective, evaluator-blinded study was performed to compare (side-to-side) techniques for treating the dorsum of the hands with diluted CaHA: deep fat lamina or subdermal injection. Fifteen women with aging grades between 1 and 3 on the MHGS (Merz hand grading scale) were enrolled and followed up for 24 weeks. The outcomes were a histological analysis of collagen, skin viscoelasticity, high-frequency ultrasound parameters, MHGS score, and the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) score. RESULTS Improvement in the MHGS and GAIS scores (p < .01) was observed, with no difference between techniques (p > .05). Skin viscoelasticity measures and ultrasonography for dermal parameters improved for both treatments (p < .01). The mean total collagen density increased from the baseline for both techniques (p < .01). Pain during the procedure as well as adverse effects within the follow-up did not differ between treatments p > .4). The overall satisfaction was 12% greater for the subdermal technique (p < .05). CONCLUSION Diluted CaHA improves the skin quality of aging hands with a safe profile, without substantial differences between the techniques.