Autologous human collagen and dermal fibroblasts for soft tissue augmentation.

[BACKGROUND] Augmentation of soft tissue defects can be achieved through intradermal injection of silicone, animal collagen, plasma-gelatin mixture, and fat. Due to their rapid degradation in vivo, however, clinical effects are typically transient. The use of autologous human collagen could conceivably result in sustained clinical improvement due to decreased collagen degradation.

[OBJECTIVE] The purpose of this study was to determine whether prolonged dermal correction could be achieved through injection of autologous human fibroblasts.

[RESULTS] Significant sustained clinical improvement was observed in two of the original 12 patients entered into the study. The nasolabial fold region was shown to be the most responsive facial area to treatment.

[CONCLUSIONS] The use of injectable autologous human collagen for soft tissue correction remains an intriguing prospect. While the findings of this study indicate possible sustained clinical improvement using this autologous system in some patients, it remains difficult to predict the degree and duration of individual response in various areas.