Objective: To investigate the treatment and possible pathogenesis of pachydermoperiostosis.
Methods: Facelift was performed on five patients with pachydermoperiostosis. Histological studies were performed to check the affected skin for possible pathogenesis.
Results: After the surgery of facelift, appearances of the patients were markedly improved. Histological studies revealed significant changes in the skin, characterized by hyperplasia and thickening of the subcutaneous collagen, as well as an increase of PAS-positive substance.
Conclusion: Alterations of fibroblast bioactivity might be responsible for the pathogenesis of pachydermoperiostosis. There have been no satisfying treatments to the disease. Facelift is a feasible method to improve the aging appearance of the patients.