Chitosan-based beads, and preparation, compositions and uses thereof

A method of aesthetic treatment or aesthetic care comprising administering to a human or animal in need thereof, by injection or implantation at a site in need of aesthetic treatment or aesthetic care, a composition comprising a plurality of beads dispersed within an aqueous phase, wherein the plurality of beads comprise a hydrogel matrix, wherein the hydrogel matrix comprises at least one carboxyalkyl chitosan having glucosamine units, N-acetyl-glucosamine units, and glucosamine units substituted with a carboxyalkyl group, said at least one carboxyalkyl chitosan having a degree of substitution with a group of carboxyalkyl greater than 50%, expressed in number of moles of the substituent with respect to the number of moles of total units, wherein the at least one carboxyalkyl chitosan is crosslinked by covalent bonds between chains of the at least one carboxyalkyl chitosan and/or co-crosslinked by covalent bonds with one or more other polymers, and wherein said plurality of beads remain integral in the aqueous phase.