Characterization of physical properties and histologic evaluation of injectable Dermicol-p35 porcine-collagen dermal filler.

[BACKGROUND] Injectable dermal fillers have become important alternatives to traditional surgical procedures for the correction of facial wrinkles and restoration of facial volume. The physical properties of a dermal filler/volumizing agent, and the host tissue response to the agent, influence its clinical performance and patient outcomes.

[METHODS] In this study, several key physical properties of the new porcine collagen dermal filler Dermicol-P35 27G were measured and compared with those of commercially available hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers. Furthermore, the in vivo properties of implanted Dermicol-P35 27G were evaluated by histologic and histopathologic methods.

[RESULTS] This study found that Dermicol-P35 27G provides a lower extrusion force profile and yield point compared with the hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers tested. At 2 years, staining of punch biopsy specimens with hematoxylin and eosin and Herovici stains revealed no inflammatory cells and no evidence of other adverse events in any of the samples containing Dermicol-P35 27G. Within-implant colonization by fibroblasts depositing new collagen and the formation of elastin within the implanted collagen material (as shown by Luna staining) suggest that Dermicol-P35 27G is a bioactive implant.

[CONCLUSIONS] Compared with several hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, Dermicol-P35 exhibited lower extrusion force, higher viscosity under low shear rate, and a higher modulus of elasticity. Results of histologic evaluation indicated that Dermicol-P35 27G did not elicit an inflammatory response and was well integrated within the host tissue. Together, these results suggest that Dermicol-P35 27G offers several advantages that may result in improved clinical experiences for both patients and clinicians.