Successfully fighting against abnormal scarring: experts present new research at Adverse Event Congress

St. Petersburg has wrapped up the Adverse Event Congress where specialists were invited to present findings coming from studies exploring the medicinal product Longidaza^® and the cosmetic product Imoferaza^® when used to correct abnormal scarring. These results offer new perspectives for patients with skin scarring following surgery, burns and trauma.

Longidaza and Imoferaza have demonstrated significant improvement in scar condition. These products target the scar tissue matrix, preventing its overgrowth, soften and flatten scars^[1],[2]. Imoferaza^® cream can also be successfully applied after physiotherapy procedures in patients with skin scarring, enhancing the complex effect on scar tissue^[2].

Abnormal scars are a common problem that can significantly reduce quality of life. Statistically, up to 91% of patients after burns and up to 68% patients after surgery face scarring^[3]. There are several reasons as to why scarring occurs, ranging from an injury area and nature to genetic traits and healing status^[4].

Anna Germanovna Stenko, Dr. habil. med., Professor of the Department of Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology of FSBI FVE Central State Medical Academy of Department of Presidential Affairs of the Russian Federation, Head of the Cosmetology Department of Institute of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology JSC emphasized the importance of fighting the scarring process. In addition to physical discomfort, patients often face psycho-emotional problems related to how scars look like, she said.

Experts have revealed that one of the effective approaches they use is the application of enzyme-based products, in particular those that include hyaluronidase. It helps to break down hyaluronic acid and slow down excess collagen formation, contributing to less scarring. In addition, hyaluronidase improves nourishment and microcirculation processes in tissues, reduces swelling, which also has a favorable effect on scar tissue.

Hyaluronidase is included in two products manufactured by Petrovax. One of them is a cream sold as Imoferaza, which contains immobilized prolonged-action hyaluronidase, offering efficiency 1.5 times higher than native hyaluronidase^[2]. The cream can be used not only as an individual agent, but also in combination with instrument treatment methods.

The use of Imoferaza in combination with instrument treatment methods was investigated at the Cosmetology Department of the Institute of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology with 20 patients aged from 9 to 68 years enrolled. Duration of scarring ranged from 1 to 36 months, and 13 years in one participant. Both physicians and patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results the treatment had provided. 95% of them have said that the cream helps to level scars, fights dryness, softens the skin and makes it more elastic.

Longidaza^® combines hyaluronidase in its composition with a high molecular weight carrier. Conjugation improves the resistance this enzyme has to inhibitors, increases its activity and ensures a long-term effect. The combined effect of Longidaza and Imoferaza was analyzed in a study involving 60 patients with hypertrophic and keloid scars^[1]. Patients were divided into three groups, depending on the Longidaza application method: injection, with use of phonophoresis or photophoresis. Patients then used Imoferaza cream 2 times a day.

The combined use of Longidaza^® and Imoferaza^® has provided a highly effective and prolonged effect on scar tissue, improving its esthetics.

These studies confirm that Longidaza^® and Imoferaza^® are promising tools able to combat abnormal scarring, and the final choice of the product needs to be personalized in each particular case.