Efficacy of Polynucleotide for the Recovery of Depressed Lesions Following Steroid-Based Lipolysis Injections

Steroid-containing lipolysis injections may rarely induce facial lipoatrophy, resulting in persistent contour deformities and psychological distress. In compromised tissues, conventional fillers may pose safety concerns, prompting interest in treatment approaches that support local tissue recovery.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of polynucleotide (PN) injection for facial lipoatrophy caused by steroid-containing lipolysis injections.

This retrospective clinical study included six patients who developed facial lipoatrophy following steroid-containing lipolysis injectionsand were treated with PN (Rejuran^®, 20 mg/mL). PN was administered using a combination of intradermal microinjections and superficial subcutaneous bolus injections at 2-4-week intervals. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Physician's Global Assessment (PGA; 1-5 scale) based on standardized photographic comparisons, along with patient-reported satisfaction.

All patients demonstrated meaningful improvement in facial contour following PN treatment. Three patients achieved near-complete resolution (PGA 5), while the remaining three showed substantial improvement (PGA 4). Improvement progressed gradually with repeated sessions. No treatment-related adverse events were observed.

PN injection appears to be a safe and effective tissue-supportive option for managing facial lipoatrophy following steroid-containing lipolysis injections. Larger prospective studies are warranted to establish standardized treatment protocols.