The latest medical research on Cosmetic Medicine

The research magnet gathers the latest research from around the web, based on your specialty area. Below you will find a sample of some of the most recent articles from reputable medical journals about cosmetic medicine gathered by our medical AI research bot.

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Effects of femtosecond laser on hard dental tissues: A scoping review.

Lasers in Medical Science

Traditional tooth preparation can cause patient discomfort, thermal damage to tissues, and occupational health risks for clinicians. Laser-based te...

Relationship Between Breast Density and Ptosis Degree in Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction is a popular procedure since breast volume can be acquired immediately. Various evaluations have been utilized to achieve symmetry. We measured the weight and volume of mastectomy specimens and calculated the relationship between breast density and ptosis degree.

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 .

A statistically significant relationship was found between higher breast density and a greater degree of ptosis. The outcome showed a significant trend across Group 1, 2 and 3 (p<0.05). In postoperative analysis, the nipple level discrepancy was less than 10 mm as follows: 100% in Group 1, 89.8% in Group 2, and 70.9% in Group 3, showing a progressive decreasing trend from Group 1 to Group 3 (p<0.05).

Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction is an attractive technique, offering predictable outcomes based on adequate measurements. The relationship between breast density and the degree of ptosis is a significant indicator in making intraoperative decisions. Breast density is an adjunctive index for achieving patients' expectations of symmetrical breasts.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib Against Traditional Therapies in Severe Alopecia Areata: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

J Cosmet Dermatol

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease which results in reversible hair loss. Janus kinase inhibitors are prescribed for severe alopecia areata with encouraging results. There are no studies comparing the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors to traditional treatment options, such as topical immunomodulators and traditional immunosuppressants.

To retrospectively compare the efficacy and safety of baricitinib, an approved Janus kinase inhibitor, to other treatments for severe AA during a 6-month treatment period.

We included patients with newly presenting, relapsing or treatment-resistant alopecia areata with Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score ≥ 50, for the period between July 2021 and July 2023. Medical histories were reviewed and possible side effects were recorded. Primary endpoints were SALT ≤ 20 and SALT ≤ 10 after 6 months of treatment.

Seventy-five patients (53 females) were divided into three groups: topical immunomodulators (51 patients); baricitinib (19 patients); and a group receiving pulsed intramuscular corticosteroids or traditional immunosuppressants (11 patients). Twenty-one patients received more than one treatment options within 2 years. After 6 months, the baricitinib group showed superior efficacy with 32% and 26% of patients achieving SALT ≤ 20 and SALT ≤ 10, compared to 12% and 9% in both other groups. Baricitinib demonstrated better secondary outcomes (50% and 90% reduction from initial SALT scores). All treatments exhibited mild-to-moderate and expected side effects. Weight gain, which had not been reported in clinical trials for alopecia areata, was observed in three baricitinib-treated patients.

Baricitinib was superior to traditional treatments for severe alopecia areata after 6 months. Weight gain concerned 16% of patients receiving baricitinib.

Hair Stylists Against Skin Cancer: An Interventional Study.

Dermatol Surg

Scalp skin cancers have delayed detection due to their discreet location. Hairstylists are uniquely positioned to alert their clients about possible scalp skin cancers.

This study aimed to educate hairstylists on the basic concepts of skin cancer, increase their confidence in identifying suspicious lesions, and, subsequently, their likelihood of referring to dermatology.

Hairstylist students across 7 cities in the Midwest were surveyed before and after an educational lecture.

A total of 242 students across 8 schools participated in the study. Most participants (79.3%) completed both surveys. The mean knowledge score postintervention was significantly higher than preintervention (9.13 vs 7.93; p < .001). Cosmetology students reported significantly increased confidence in identifying suspicious skin lesions, informing clients about suspicious lesions, educating clients about skin cancer prevention, and referring a client to a doctor on seeing a suspicious skin lesion postintervention compared with preintervention (p < .001 for all).

The authors' lecture significantly improved hairstylists' knowledge of skin cancer basics and increased their confidence in informing clients about suspicious lesions and the likelihood of referring to a dermatologist.

Formulation and Evaluation of Valproic Acid Microemulsions for Enhanced Transfollicular Delivery in Guinea Pig Skin.

J Cosmet Dermatol

Valproic acid (VPA) is used to treat various neurological and psychiatric conditions. While oral VPA can cause hair loss, topical application has shown potential for hair regeneration. This study aimed to develop and evaluate microemulsion (ME) formulations of VPA for enhanced transfollicular delivery.

VPA-loaded MEs were prepared using oleic acid, Transcutol P, Tween 80, Labrasol, and Capryol 90. The MEs were characterized for physicochemical properties, stability, in vitro release, and ex vivo permeation through the hairy abdominal and nonhairy ear skin of guinea pigs.

Eight stable ME formulations were developed with droplet sizes ranging from 10 to 24 nm, pH 4.6 to 5.2, and viscosity 77 to 85 cps. In vitro release studies showed controlled release profiles over 24 h. Permeation studies revealed enhanced drug delivery through both follicular and nonfollicular pathways compared with aqueous VPA solution. Formulations with higher surfactant/cosurfactant ratios showed increased permeation through the follicular pathway.

The ME formulations significantly enhanced VPA penetration into both epidermal and follicular pathways compared with aqueous solution. The composition of the MEs, particularly the oil content, water content, and surfactant/cosurfactant ratio, played a crucial role in determining the physicochemical properties and skin permeation parameters of VPA.

Dermal Filler-Induced Alopecia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

J Cosmet Dermatol

Dermal filler-induced alopecia is a rare yet significant complication of aesthetic procedures primarily associated with vascular occlusion and subsequent tissue ischemia. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, though widely used for facial rejuvenation, can lead to adverse outcomes such as skin necrosis and hair loss, particularly in high-risk areas like the temples and glabella.

This case report aims to highlight the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and multidisciplinary management of filler-induced alopecia, contributing to the existing literature with a comprehensive review of previously reported cases.

A 21-year-old female presented with localized skin necrosis and alopecia four days after receiving 7 mL of HA filler injections in the temples, tear trough, and eyebrow glabella regions. Trichoscopy revealed follicular dropout and white dots, consistent with ischemic hair loss. Treatment included hyaluronidase injections (1500 units), intralesional corticosteroids, topical minoxidil, and CO2 laser therapy. Over 1 year of follow-up, the patient achieved complete hair regrowth and resolution of facial scarring.

Only 16 cases of filler-induced alopecia have been documented, predominantly involving HA fillers. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and intervention with hyaluronidase to mitigate ischemic damage. The multidisciplinary management approach employed here demonstrates the potential for full cosmetic recovery.

Filler-induced alopecia, though rare, necessitates heightened awareness among dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners. Adhering to recommended injection techniques and dosages, alongside the judicious use of ultrasound guidance, can minimize risks and improve patient safety.

Tranexamic Acid in Liposuction: A Systematic Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is increasingly employed in plastic surgery to reduce perioperative hemorrhage. This systematic review assesses TXA's impact on blood loss, bruising, and fat graft survival following liposuction.

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 .

Seven studies encompassing 457 patients were analyzed. Findings suggest that intravenous and topical TXA may contribute to blood loss reduction and a potential decrease in bruises severity following liposuction. No thromboembolic or serious complications were reported, suggesting a favorable safety profile for its routine use. TXA's impact on fat graft survival remains unknown.

This meta-analysis suggests that TXA might be beneficial in reducing blood loss and bruising after liposuction, but the results are not definitive due to study limitations. Larger randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols of TXA administration, and better-designed measurement instruments are needed to confirm these findings.

Innovative Glove Drains for Seroma Prevention in Body-Contouring Surgery: Retrospective Findings.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The purpose of this study is to present an innovative and efficient alternative to conventional silicone drains for seroma prevention, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction post-liposuction.

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 .

Seroma formation represented the second most frequent complication (n = 14, 4,6 %). In the "no-drain" group the incidence was 8% (12 patients), and in the "drain" group seroma was recorded in 1.3% (2 patients), supporting a statistically significant reduction in seroma formation (p < 0.05). All cases responded to percutaneous aspiration with more punctures needed in the "no-drain" group. No systemic complications were recorded.

The addition of liposuction during surgical body-contouring procedures does not significantly increase the rate of complications, while achieving excellent aesthetic results. The innovative drain used in our study provided results comparable to traditional tube drains but with less patient discomfort, better compliance, and enhanced postoperative healing quality.

Trends in Cutaneous Melanoma in Nova Scotia With a Focus on 2007 to 2019.

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology

Melanoma represents a significant public health challenge in Canada, contributing to the deaths of over 1000 individuals each year. Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia were previously noted to have the highest incidence rates of melanoma in Canada.

Data from patients diagnosed with or dying from melanoma was extracted from the Nova Scotia Cancer Registry. TNM stage was available for cases diagnosed 2007 to 2017. Incidence (1992-2019) and mortality (1992-2021) rates were examined using Join Point Trend Analysis Software.

Between 2007 and 2019, 2450 cases of in situ and 4063 cases of invasive melanoma were documented, of which 52.8% were male. The largest number of cases was from the 60- to 79-year age group. The most common site in females was upper limbs (in situ) and lower limbs (invasive), and for males, face, and neck (in situ), and trunk (invasive). The majority of invasive cases (71.5%) were diagnosed at stage I. Invasive melanoma incidence has been increasing by 2.7% per year since 1992, while in situ disease has increased at a greater rate (4.9% per year). The current estimate of 92% for 5 years of net survival has not changed appreciably over the same period. Survival for late-stage melanoma has shown a modest improvement for patients diagnosed over the period.

With increasing rates of melanoma in Nova Scotia, there is a need for informed education, directed at the public and physicians, around pigmented skin lesions. This would allow the patient to detect atypical melanocytic lesions at an early stage. Sun safety practices in Nova Scotia should continue to be encouraged.

CO2 Laser Versus Surgical Deroofing for the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Tunnels: A Comparative Multicentric, Retrospective Study.

Dermatol Surg

Tunnels of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are one of the most challenging aspects to manage, and different surgical techniques have been proposed for their treatment. CO2 laser and surgical deroofing are 2 of the most widely used techniques, but no studies have compared them directly.

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and outcomes of CO2 laser treatment versus surgical deroofing for HS tunnels, with a focus on healing time, complication rates, pain perception, and cosmetic outcomes.

The authors performed a multicentric retrospective analysis of 20 patients with HS tunnels who were treated with either CO2 laser (n = 10) or surgical deroofing (n = 10). The primary end point was to compare the 2 procedures in terms of healing time, complication rates, pain, and cosmetic outcome. Outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale for pain, the Vancouver Scar Scale for scar evaluation, and the relapse rate at 6 months. Secondary end point included the identification of variables associated with the healing time.

The mean time to healing was 4.7 ± 1.9 weeks in the CO2 laser group and 10.9 ± 4.1 weeks in the surgical deroofing group (p < .01). Pain score at the first dressing change was lower in the CO2 laser group, with a mean Visual Analog Scale score of 1.7 ± 0.8 in the CO2 laser group and 4.9 ± 1.7 in the surgical deroofing group (p < .01). The mean scar evaluation score using the Vancouver Scar Scale at 6-month follow-up was 2.5 ± 1.3 in the CO2 laser group and 3.4 ± 1.1 in the surgical deroofing group. The number of postprocedural complications was low in both groups (1 in the CO2 laser group and 3 in the surgical deroofing group). The proportion of patients achieving complete healing of the tunnels at 6 months was similar among the CO2 laser and the surgical deroofing group (90% in the CO2 laser group vs 80% in the surgical group).

CO2 laser is a safe and effective treatment for HS tunnels, with fast healing rates and low pain perception.

The Process of Single Surgeon Through Structural and Dorsal Preservation in Primary Rhinoplasty: A 594 Case Series with One-Year Follow-Up.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Dorsal management is a challenging step in rhinosurgery. In the last decade, an old philosophy of preserving the dorsum has gained popularity alongside the traditional hump resection proposed by Joseph. This study aims to investigate the journey of a rhinosurgeon transitioning from structural to dorsal preservation techniques in primary rhinoplasty.

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 study included 67 males and 527 females, with an average age of 31.43 years. The average anesthesia operative times were 231.30 minutes for SDR, 241.74 minutes for PDP, and 230.32 minutes for TDP, with no statistically significant differences observed. The complication and revision rates were as follows: SDR had 12.74% complications and 7.32% revisions, PDPR had 13.37% complications and 3.82% revisions, and TDPR had 10.57% complications and 3.25% revisions. Hump recurrence rates were 2.54% in SDR, 7.64% in PDPR, and 6.50% in TDPR. Contour irregularities occurred in 9.55% of SDR, 5.09% of PDPR, and 2.44% of TDPR cases. Both hump recurrence and contour irregularities showed statistically significant differences among the three groups.

This study analyzed how the aforementioned variables change during the transition from structural to dorsal preservation techniques, considering the latter as the natural evolution in rhinoplasty.

Age and Gender Related Variability in the Strength of Auricular Cartilage in Living Humans.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Despite previous studies on auricle morphology, research on its biomechanical properties remains limited. This study aims to assess age- and gender-related variations in auricle strength in living humans.

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 study included 226 ears from 52 women and 61 men, aged 2-85 years. Age significantly influenced most anthropometric measurements, with males generally exhibiting larger ears. Resistance values increased with age, particularly in age groups over 35 and 50. Gender did not significantly affect resistance values. Positive correlations were found between auricle dimensions and resistance values, indicating increased resistance with increased auricle projection.

This study provides a comprehensive mechanical resistance map of the auricle, demonstrating age-related changes in stiffness and regional variations in mechanical properties. These findings are valuable for refining surgical techniques, tissue engineering, and potentially for forensic applications. Further research on diverse populations and standardization of measurement protocols are recommended.