Split-face comparison study of transcutaneous pneumatic injection therapy with isotonic and hypertonic glucose solutions

Background: Transcutaneous pneumatic injection (TPI) is a minimally invasive, needle-free modality that can be used to forcefully deliver solution into soft tissues of the face and scalp.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of TPI of 5% isotonic and 20% hypertonic glucose solutions in in vivo human skin for face lifting.

Methods and materials: A prospective, split-face, evaluator-blinded comparison study was performed on 10 Korean participants who were treated with three sessions of TPI using 5% isotonic and 20% hypertonic glucose solutions.

Results: The following assessment parameters were improved after TPI therapy using 5% isotonic glucose solution in descending order of mean global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) score: perioral expression wrinkles, zygomatic wrinkles or mid-cheek furrows, eyebrow ptosis, jowl sagging, marionette line, horizontal forehead lines, nasolabial folds, and blepharochalasis. Meanwhile, TPI therapy using 20% hypertonic glucose solution improved the following assessment parameters: zygomatic wrinkles or mid-cheek furrows, perioral expression wrinkles, eyebrow ptosis, blepharochalasis, marionette line, jowl sagging, nasolabial folds, and horizontal forehead lines. Linear mixed models revealed a significant interaction between treatment groups and time.

Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that TPI treatment with 20% hypertonic glucose solution elicited earlier and more pronounced therapeutic responses, compared to 5% isotonic glucose solution.