The Correction of Facial Morphea Lesions by Hyaluronic Acid: A Case Series and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) administration in correction of facial morphea lesions and to review the literature on the subject. Morphea is a chronic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue which may lead to serious deformations. The lesions located on the face particularly affect patients’ quality of life and self-esteem; thus, there is a demand for safe and effective methods of treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: The paper presents three female patients aged 16, 17 and 70 with facial morphea lesions who had HA preparation Juvéderm(®) Voluma or Volux, Vycross(®) technology, Allergan, injected. One of the patients had additionally fractional ablative CO(2) laser (FAL) therapy. DISCUSSION: The literature provides reports on successful use of HA, polymethylmethacrylate and poly-l-lactic acid for the correction of facial defects in localized scleroderma. HA is a natural component of the extracellular matrix and it therefore minimizes the probability of immunogenicity. The application technique also plays an important role. On the other hand, FAL therapy leads to the degradation of the abnormal collagen and the induction of normal collagen synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: HA injection and combination of HA application with FAL are minimally invasive, effective and safe therapeutic options for patients suffering from morphea.