Tranexamic Acid Minimizes Volume, Area of Wrinkles

Tranexamic acid injections as mesotherapy can improve the appearance of some skin aging indications, such as periorbital wrinkling, according to new research.

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Previously, tranexamic acid therapies have been used to treat pigmented disorders, such as melasma and hyperpigmentation due to its ability to temporarily limit the production of melanin.

In a recent study,¹ researchers cited a lack of prior research and evidence supporting the use of tranexamic therapy as mesotherapy for wrinkle improvement, rejuvenation, and appearance, as their motivation behind their research. Previous and relevant studies of a similar nature, they said, excluded human participants.

Due to inhibitory effects on plasmin and tryptase, researchers said there was potential for tranexamic acid injections to prevent factors that play a role in the skin aging processes.

From 2019 to 2020, researchers conducted a clinical trial at a dermatology clinic. They selected 20 patients with melasma affecting their cheeks or forehead; however, only 19 fully completed treatment, which included a follow-up analysis and imaging session. In addition, all participants were required to have skin wrinkling.

Patients with complications or tolerability concerns related to treatment, a desire to stop treatment continuance, a history of certain conditions such as cancers, pregnancy, or severe blood clots (stroke, DVT, and pulmonary embolism), excessive smoking history, or intense long-term sun exposure were excluded from participation.

Prior to receiving treatment, all participants were photographed using a Visioface device.

Every week for a duration of 4 weeks, participants received 0.1 cc tranexamic acid ampoules intradermally in areas impacted by wrinkling, with intervals of 1 cm.

At the conclusion of the 4-week treatment period, researchers evaluated the effects of the treatment by again photographing participants with a Visioface device.

Additionally, all participants were analyzed using the Delta scale in quantitative registration method before and after the treatment period. These quantitative scales assessed factors such as the volume, area, area percent, and depth of wrinkles for each participant.

The average wrinkle volume before treatment was 89 271 Px³. After treatment, the average volume was 74 639 Px³.

Additionally, before treatment, the average wrinkle area was 8481 Px², or 1.121%. After treatment, the average area was 7184 Px², or 0.646%.

In terms of wrinkle depth, researchers did not notice a statistically significant change from before treatment to after treatment, as they had with volume and area factors. Before treatment, the average depth measured at 9.8. After treatment, depth, on average, measured at 9.6 with a p value of 0.257.

While researchers acknowledged that there is no definitive anti-aging effect produced by tranexamic acid, they said their study may prove such an effect is possible.

“The use of tranexamic acid with anti-plasmin and anti-inflammatory effect has been effective in preventing the damaging effects of UV rays on the skin and has significantly reduced the volume and area of wrinkles,” study authors wrote. “In the future, with more research, tranexamic acid mesotherapy can be considered in the first line of treatment and improvement of wrinkles.”

Reference

1. Bazargan AS, Shemshadi M, Ziaeifar E, et al. Evaluation of effectiveness of tranexamic acid as mesotherapy in improvement of periorbital wrinkling in a trial study. Journ of Cosmetic Dermatol. 2023. doi:10.1111/jocd.15744