A study found increases in collagen, elastin, and other extracellular matrix proteins following Radiesse treatment, along with improvements in markers of solar elastosis, a sign of sun-damaged skin.
Merz Aesthetics announced the publication of new research examining the effects of Radiesse on collagen production and other components of the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM). The findings also showed improvements in signs of solar elastosis, a component of sun-damaged skin.
Published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, the six-month, placebo-controlled human biomarker study evaluated ECM regeneration following treatment with Radiesse.
“While previous research has shown that biostimulation with Radiesse has a positive impact on both collagen and elastin production, the latest evidence published today demonstrates it also supports a broader remodeling process—including notable improvements to sun-damaged skin,” says Owen Sunga, MD, executive vice president and head of global medical affairs.
The ECM is a network of structural proteins responsible for the skin’s mechanical support and hydration. Healthy skin function depends on the integrity of multiple ECM components. The study evaluated how undiluted and diluted formulations of Radiesse—an injectable biostimulator—affected this ecosystem over six months, measuring changes across several proteins:
- Collagen, responsible for structure and firmness, increased up to 23 times versus saline placebo.
- Elastin, which gives skin its elasticity, increased by 96% versus saline placebo.
- Decorin and versican, ECM components associated with hydration and structural support, increased by 82% and 129%, respectively, versus saline placebo.
The study also evaluated ultrasonographic features of solar elastosis, a hallmark of sun-damaged skin associated with wrinkles, laxity, and skin texture changes over time. According to the study, treatment sites showed improvements in elastosis at both three and six months.
“Sun damage is one of the most common concerns we see in patients, and the damage itself extends far beyond what’s visible on the surface,” says Gabriela Casabona, MD, study author. “Finding that Radiesse plays a role in addressing ultrasonographic features of solar elastosis adds an important dimension to how we think about this treatment.”
According to Merz Aesthetics, the study is among the more extensive human-based evaluations of ECM regeneration conducted in aesthetic medicine.
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