The latest medical research on Cosmetic Medicine

Superomedial and inferior pedicles are two commonly used techniques in breast reduction and mastopexy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the clinical outcomes associated with these two techniques.

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The search yielded 1075 studies, of which 15 were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing 2633 patients (5123 breasts), with 3491 breasts receiving superomedial pedicles and 1632 breasts receiving inferior pedicles. Superomedial pedicles were associated with significantly shorter operative length (MD = - 24.71, 95% CI = - 37.63 to - 11.79, p = 0.0002), higher BREAST-Q breast satisfaction scores (MD = 10.34, 95% CI = 7.72 to 12.96, p < 0.00001), lower infection rates (RR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.86, p = 0.02), higher incidence of seroma (RR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.15 to 7.79, p = 0.02), and higher incidence of decreased nipple-areola complex (NAC) sensation (RR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.12 to 2.01, p = 0.006). No significant differences were observed in asymmetry, fat necrosis, NAC loss, and hematoma.

Superomedial pedicles demonstrated higher incidences of decreased NAC sensation and seroma formation, lower incidence of infection, shorter operative length, and higher BREAST-Q breast satisfaction scores compared to inferior pedicles. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the long-term aesthetic outcomes associated with both techniques.

While percutaneous external fixation has gained popularity in transconjunctival blepharoplasty due to its simplicity and minimal incision, internal fixation remains the standard approach in transcutaneous blepharoplasty.

This study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous external fixation specifically in transcutaneous fat repositioning blepharoplasty.

From May 2022 to December 2023, a consecutive cohort of 97 patients underwent this surgical technique. Building upon the principles of transconjunctival fat repositioning, the procedure involved a minimal incision targeting the muscle layer, a conservative release of the tear trough ligament, and the repositioning of fat secured with percutaneous external fixation. Surgical outcomes were evaluated using the Barton grading system and FACE-Q scales for patient-reported outcomes.

Following a mean follow-up of 7.2 months (ranging from 6 to 17 months), a resolution of tear trough deformities and eyelid bags was achieved in over 92% of cases. Notably, significant improvements (P < 0.05) were observed in lower eyelid aesthetics as measured by the FACE-Q scale, with a concomitant enhancement in patients' social confidence (P < 0.05). Overall, patients expressed satisfaction with their decision to undergo the procedure (71.0±19.1). Complications necessitating revision surgery included isolated cases of hematoma evacuation, fat injection, excision of excess fat, and skin excision.

External fixation in transcutaneous blepharoplasty is technically less complex and minimally invasive, effectively securing transposed fat pedicles safely, presenting a viable alternative to conventional fixation techniques.

Vitiligo is characterized by the emergence of depigmented patches on the skin, posing significant therapeutic challenges. Microneedling, a novel treatment strategy, capitalizes on its potential to invigorate skin regeneration and facilitate melanocyte migration.

This review critically evaluates the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction associated with microneedling for vitiligo treatment, juxtaposing it with traditional therapies to elucidate its viability as either a standalone or complementary treatment modality.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted across major databases, including PubMed and Cochrane Library, using keywords like "microneedling" and "vitiligo," encompassing studies up to January 2024. This review focused on microneedling's effectiveness, safety, and patient satisfaction, including both solo and combined treatments. Data synthesis emphasized repigmentation rates, side effects, and patient feedback.

An exhaustive review of studies pertaining to microneedling for vitiligo, especially focusing on outcomes when administered alone or in conjunction with agents such as tacrolimus and 5-fluorouracil, was undertaken. Key evaluation metrics included repigmentation success rates, adverse effects, and patient-reported outcomes.

Microneedling demonstrates a favourable safety profile, with mild and manageable side effects such as pain, erythema, and temporary hyperpigmentation. Severe adverse events are rare, further supporting its safety as a treatment option for vitiligo.

The evidence amassed suggests that microneedling significantly augments repigmentation rates, particularly in synergy with topical treatments. It is generally well-tolerated, manifests minimal adverse effects, and has garnered high patient satisfaction levels. Nonetheless, the absence of standardized treatment protocols and paucity of long-term efficacy data underscore the imperative for further empirical inquiry.

Microneedling emerges as a propitious treatment alternative for vitiligo, demonstrating both safety and efficacy, notably when used in tandem with topical agents. Future investigations should aim at protocol standardization and long-term efficacy evaluation to firmly establish its therapeutic stature within vitiligo management paradigms.