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

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.