Work

The Effect of Treatment With Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers on Skin Changes and Quality of Life in Oncology Patients

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients treated with cancer therapies often experience changes in physical appearance, body image perception, and self-esteem, which influence their quality of life (QoL). AIMS: To assess the effect of treatment with hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers on QoL, safety, and perceived skin changes of oncology patients. METHODS: A single-center prospective study conducted between 2021 and 2023 among female oncology patients aged 30-70 years receiving active cancer treatment. All participants completed a questionnaire describing their demographics, disease history, and experience with aesthetic procedures, their intention to undergo aesthetic treatments, and a QoL questionnaire. A subset of participants received treatment with HA fillers. The effect of filler treatment on facial skin features, efficacy, and safety was evaluated by independent dermatologists and by the participants 8-12 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: In total, 127 women (median age 57.1 years) with breast (58.3%), gynecological (33.9%), and other cancer types (7.9%) entered the study. Most participants (84.0%) reported no previous treatment with dermal fillers. Thirty-one participants received a single treatment with HA dermal fillers concurrently with cancer treatment and an optional touch-up 4 weeks later. At follow-up, statistically significant improvements in overall aesthetic facial appearance and specific skin quality parameters were observed. Mean QoL significantly improved, with notable improvements in self-esteem, self-perception, and overall participant feeling. Adverse events were minimal. Thirteen participants (41.9%) experienced mild dermal events. One participant developed a grade 1 delayed inflammatory reaction 6 months postinjection. CONCLUSIONS: HA fillers have the potential to improve QoL and self-perception among oncology patients undergoing active cancer therapy.

Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology

DOI: 10.1111/jocd.70422