Background: Although a composite solution of non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid is generally considered safe, few studies have investigated its safety after intravascular injection.
Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 0.05 mL of a non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid composite solution via intravascular injection into bilateral inferior epigastric arteries (IEA). Artery samples were obtained at multiple time points for histopathologic analysis. Bilateral abdominal flaps supplied by the IEA were lifted and the same dose of solution was injected into the artery, and flap survival was analyzed.
Results: Histopathologic analysis showed that the non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid composite solution remained temporarily in the artery lumen following intravascular injection. With continuous blood flow, the filler gradually disintegrated and the artery became recanalized. At 24 h, no filler remained in the lumen. At 7 days after the filler was injected into the IEA feeding the flap, there was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups with respect to flap survival rate.
Conclusions: Non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid composite solution is relatively safe when a minimal volume is administered by intravascular injection. The filler will remain in the vessel for a short time, after which the vessel recanalizes.
Keywords: hyaluronic acid; injection; intra-arterial; rats; safety.
© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.