Summary
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring biopolymer whose molecular structure is highly
conserved between mammalian species. First described in 1934, it has since been used
across a wide variety of medical fields as diverse as neurosurgery and cutaneous wound
healing. Presently it has reached prominence in cosmetic practice where it is now
the injectable dermal filler of choice for most surgeons.
We used our experience of this technology with searches in the English language literature
for the purpose of a systematic review. We present an overview, including the scientific
evidence for its use in wound healing and, briefly, in other fields. We summarise
the evidence for and against hyaluronic acid and provide a resumé of the current technologies
available in fields such as skin regeneration and wound healing, in addition to cosmetic
surgery. This overview is not intended to teach the reader about the various formulations
currently on the market or how to use these materials clinically – rather to provide
a solid scientific background enabling the reader to understand the attributes (and
otherwise) of the material. We hope to allow clinicians to assess the evidence for
a material now in common use in order that they may be fully aware of its properties.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 28, 2007
Accepted:
March 5,
2007
Received:
June 6,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Published by Elsevier Inc.
