In vivo effects of a novel degradable filler.

Novel types of permanent and transient fillers are proposed both in plastic and reconstructive surgery and in dermatology. Different molecules with high biocompatibility, no side effects, and slow degradation rate in human tissues are emerging. The importance of degradable fillers significantly increased in recent years for a variety of reasons: surgical injection of these materials is easier and with less side effects; treatment could be performed in a short time; patient's reported pain is scant; treatment-related expenses and cost for the patient are relatively low. In this study we investigated the biological effects of a new degradable filler, i.e. of a polymer made of 8% high grade (99%) polyvinylic alcohol, and of 92% sterile water in rat skin, after its injection in the dermis. The polymer examined exhibited optimal biocompatibility and full degradability in normal rat skin within 120 days. No pathological changes could be observed in the areas where injection of polymer had taken place.