An Exploratory Study of PN HPT for Treating Postsurgical Atrophic and Depressed Scars

Abstract

Background: Postsurgical atrophic scars tend to respond poorly to treatments, especially non-energy-based ones. Hydrophilic PN HPT (Polynucleotides High Purification Technology) injected intradermally is a non-energy-based option with an immediate volume-enhancing effect that indirectly improves the fibroblast synthesis of collagen and extracellular matrix. The PN HPT ingredient has the further benefit of a dermal "priming" effect that enhances the efficacy of other scar treatments.

Objectives: Verify retrospectively, with advanced techniques, the efficacy of PN HPT monotherapy as postsurgical scar treatment.

Methods: Retrospective data collection in 18- to 65-year-old women with moderate-to-severe atrophic scars after mammary surgery undergoing a five-session intradermal treatment course with 0.75% PN HPT gel formulation in single-use syringes starting 6 months after surgery. Primary retrospective efficacy parameter: changes in scar morphology and symptom severity after three and 6 months (modified Vancouver Scar Scale, mVSS). Secondary efficacy parameters: roughness score 6 months after baseline (Antera 3D CS tridimensional skin analysis system) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS, Investigator and Patient subscales) after three and 6 months.

Results: Total mean mVSS highly significantly improved from 11.2 ± 1.92 at baseline to 7.0 ± 1.68 and 6.9 ± 1.55 after three and 6 months, respectively; the mean Antera 3D CS roughness score improved from 13.5 ± 4.14 to 10.0 ± 3.49 after 6 months. After three and 6 months, the GAIS subscores for investigators and cohort subjects were identical (3.0 ± 0.81 and 3.0 ± 0.72, respectively). The photographic documentation supported the previous results.

Conclusions: In monotherapy, the intradermal PN HPT ingredient seems to quickly and safely relieve the burden of postsurgical atrophic scars. However, the lack of a formal parallel control group is a severe limitation. The objective quantitative measurements confirmed the long-lasting benefits.

Keywords: Antera 3D CS; Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale; PN HPT; Polynucleotides High Purification Technology; modified Vancouver Scar Score; postsurgical mammary scars.