Clinical outcomes of intense pulsed light combined with non-crosslinked sodium hyaluronate, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C mesotherapy for facial photoaging: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Facial photoaging involves structural and functional deterioration across multiple skin layers. Single-modality treatments rarely address pigmentary, vascular, and dermal matrix changes concurrently. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is widely used for the treatment of dyschromia and vascular lesions. Mesotherapy incorporating non-crosslinked sodium hyaluronate (NCSH), tranexamic acid (TXA), and vitamin C (VC) has been introduced to improve skin hydration and related dermal parameters. The present study assessed the efficacy and safety of combining these modalities for facial rejuvenation.

METHODS

Eighty-four patients underwent three sessions of IPL with mesotherapy. Standardized VISIA imaging was conducted before each treatment (T0, T1, T2) and at 1-2 months (T3) and 3-6 months (T4) post-treatment. Efficacy was assessed using the Modified Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale (MFWS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS); adverse events and satisfaction were recorded.

RESULTS

All six VISIA parameters and MFWS scores improved significantly (p <0.001), peaking at T3 with mild non-significant rebound at T4. GAIS and satisfaction assessments confirmed consistent aesthetic improvement. No severe adverse events occurred; transient burning, papular reactions, and erythema were most common. The overall satisfaction rate was 82.15%.

CONCLUSIONS

IPL combined with NCSH/TXA/VC mesotherapy provided safe, effective, and well-tolerated improvement in facial photoaging, representing a promising multimodal rejuvenation approach.