Assessment of Clients' Perceptions and Satisfaction With Eyebrow Mesotherapy Treatment

BACKGROUND

Eyebrows significantly influence facial aesthetics and are often linked to attractiveness and personality. Eyebrow loss and alopecia impact physical and psychological well-being. Several treatments, including mesotherapy (MT), aim to enhance eyebrow density and quality. Despite the availability of MT for hair growth, its application in eyebrow revitalization is less explored.

AIMS

This study evaluates clients' perceptions and satisfaction with eyebrow MT (EB MT) using AQ skin solutions' growth factor-based MT cocktail serum.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Thirty-two healthy women (ages 21-55) with thin or weakened eyebrows underwent three EB MT sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Exclusion criteria included chronic diseases, allergies, and conditions like pregnancy. Each session lasted about 40 min, and "point by point" and "nappage" techniques were employed. Satisfaction and pain levels were assessed through a Numeric Rating Scale for Satisfaction (NRSS) and Pain scale, while photographic analysis and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) evaluated effectiveness.

RESULTS

The average GAIS score was 8.28, while the NRSS satisfaction score was 8.06. Pain levels were moderately low, averaging 4.0. A high majority (90.6%) were satisfied and willing to continue treatment, with 100% recommending EB MT to others. Notable improvements in overall appearance were reported by participants.

CONCLUSIONS

EB MT demonstrated high satisfaction and low pain levels, with significant improvements in eyebrow density and appearance. This treatment is a practical option for eyebrow enhancement with a strong safety profile, motivating further clinical application.

Prophylactic Antibiotics Are Unnecessary for Routine CO2 Laser Burn Scar Treatment

CO2 ablative fractional laser (CO2 AFL) therapy is a safe and effective procedure when used in the treatment of hypertrophic scars for burn patients. It has a high patient satisfaction rate and a minimal side effect profile, typically consisting of postoperative pain, irritation, surgical site inflammation, and, in rare cases, infection. Although prophylactic antibiotics have historically been recommended, there is a paucity of literature on the topic and recent studies indicate that they may be unnecessary in routine cases. In this retrospective, single-center descriptive study, 230 cases in patients with hypertrophic burn scars treated with CO2 AFL therapy were compared. 28 cases were with the use of prophylactic antibiotics and 201 cases were without the use of prophylactic antibiotics. We found that there was no significant association between the use of antibiotics and the prevention of topical skin infection in cases treated with CO2 AFL therapy (P = 1). Therefore, we conclude that the omission of prophylactic antibiotics is not associated with an increased risk of infection and recommend that prophylactic antibiotics should not be indicated in the setting of routine CO2 AFL therapy for patients with hypertrophic burn scars.

A Comparative Analysis of the Advances in Scar Reduction: Techniques, Technologies, and Efficacy in Plastic Surgery

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest methodologies and treatments aimed at improving scar management. Scar formation results from the replacement of normal skin with fibroblasts, leading to a structured unidirectional collagen bundle, as opposed to the collagen sheet matrix found in healthy skin. This review categorizes scars into hypertrophic scars and keloids, each with distinct pathophysiological characteristics. It highlights the importance of consistent scar assessment using scales such as the Vancouver Scar Scale and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, emphasizing the need for standardized evaluation methods. The study systematically reviews various scar management techniques, ranging from traditional surgical methods to innovative treatments. Conventional approaches such as pressure garments and silicone gel sheeting are explored, noting their roles in maintaining hydration and occlusion. The efficacy of intralesional corticosteroid injections and laser therapies is discussed, with particular attention given to their combined use for optimal outcomes. The review also covers advanced techniques such as microneedling, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and stem cell-based treatments, detailing their mechanisms and potential benefits in scar remodelling. Additionally, the study underscores the emerging role of botulinum toxin A in both preventive and corrective scar treatments, offering promising results in reducing movement-induced scar exaggeration. The systematic review includes a thorough examination of existing literature, clinical trials, and meta-analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. It concludes by calling for further research to refine these techniques and enhance their application in clinical practice, aiming to achieve better aesthetic and functional outcomes for patients with scars.

Influence of scar age, laser type and laser treatment intervals on adult burn scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

The study aims to identify whether factors such as time to initiation of laser therapy following scar formation, type of laser used, laser treatment interval and presence of complications influence burn scar outcomes in adults, by meta-analysis of previous studies.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in May 2022 in seven databases to select studies on the effects of laser therapy in adult hypertrophic burn scars. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022347836).

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 491 patients. Laser therapy significantly improved overall VSS/POSAS, vascularity, pliability, pigmentation and scar height of burn scars. Vascularity improvement was greater when laser therapy was performed >12 months (-1.50 [95%CI = -2.58;-0.42], p = 0.01) compared to <12 months after injury (-0.39 [95%CI = -0.68; -0.10], p = 0.01), the same was true for scar height ((-1.36 [95%CI = -2.07; -0.66], p<0.001) vs (-0.56 [95%CI = -0.70; -0.42], p<0.001)). Pulse dye laser (-4.35 [95%CI = -6.83; -1.86], p<0.001) gave a greater reduction in VSS/POSAS scores compared to non-ablative (-1.52 [95%CI = -2.24; -0.83], p<0.001) and ablative lasers (-0.95 [95%CI = -1.31; -0.59], p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Efficacy of laser therapy is influenced by the time lapse after injury, the type of laser used and the interval between laser treatments. Significant heterogeneity was observed among studies, suggesting the need to explore other factors that may affect scar outcomes.

Laser, Intense Pulsed Light, and Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Burn Scarring: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Burns and scarring are considered some of the greatest problems in public health because of their frequent occurrence. Today, photo-electric technology shows promising results in the treatment of burn scars. Over the years, more clinical trials and more technologies for scarring have emerged. The aim of this study was to determine better timing and methods of photo-electric therapy for burn scars. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023397244), following the PRISMA statement, and was carried out in concordance with the PRISMA checklist. In October 2022, we searched PubMed.gov, Embase, and the Cochrane library (1980-present) for published studies related to the photo-electric treatment of burn scars. Two review authors independently selected the studies, extracted the data, assessed the risk of bias among the studies included, and carried out NIH assessments to assess the certainty of the evidence. A third review author arbitrated any disagreements. Our research included 39 studies. We found evidence suggesting that photo-electric therapy between six months and one year offers significantly better outcomes than treatment of scarring after one year. The evidence also suggests the use of IPL for the treatment of early burn scarring. However, it is important to emphasize that the scientific evidence remains insufficient. We need more clinical trials of higher quality and with less heterogeneity to confirm our results.

Effectiveness of growth factor-induced therapy for skin rejuvenation: A case series

BACKGROUND

Microneedling in combination with the use of growth factors can help with a range of indications, including skin rejuvenation. There is an increase in request for safe minimally invasive procedures with no-to-minimal downtime. This procedure offers regeneration and is becoming popular as part of the regenerative, minimally invasive era.

AIMS

To examine the efficacy of a course of two sessions of growth factor-induced therapy using propriety preparation of AQ recovery serum.

METHODS

Thirty women with various ethnic backgrounds (Chinese, Caucasian and Latino) with an average age of 38 years old participated and mild-moderate visual facial aging signs Two sessions with 2-week intervals were completed using a derma stamp (transdermal drug delivery method) and 2 mL of growth factor serum (AQ Skin Solution recovery serum-contain a mixture of contains a mix of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), granulocyte monocyte-colony-stimulating factor, and platelets-derived growth factor with patented technology for extraction and composition at each session. The procedures were carried out for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. Clinical assessment, VISIA photography, independent assessment of before and after photographs baseline and six weeks by two clinicians and two laypersons were carried out. The participants used FACE-Q questionnaire (outcome satisfaction) and scored changes in terms of their skin texture, radiance, pore size, wrinkles, pigmentation, tightness and overall skin appearance.

RESULTS

Physician's global assessment revealed growth factor-induced therapy resulted in skin rejuvenation in all races with 95% confidence, and this increased to 98% confidence for Latinos and Caucasians within the six weeks. Participants' subjective rating revealed improvement of overall skin appearance with 95% confidence. Most noted improvements were in brightness, skin texture, and tightness.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed improvement in overall skin appearance, brightness, skin texture, and tightness. The treatment is non-invasive, safe, with no or minimal downtime and resulted in high participant satisfaction.

Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser is Effective in Amelioration of Pruritus in Primary Cutaneous Amyloidosis: A Clinical and Biochemical Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Primary cutaneous amyloidosis (PCA) is a pruritic disease characterized by amyloid deposition in the skin. Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a pruritus-mediating cytokine. Fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) laser has shown efficacy in the treatment of PCA regarding the clinical appearance, histological pattern, and pruritus. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of fractional CO₂ laser on pruritus associated with PCA, and analyze whether this effect is related to IL-31 and IL-31 receptor (R) expression.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 24 patients with PCA and 24 healthy controls. Each patient received four fractional CO₂ laser sessions, 4 weeks apart, using the superficial ablative mode. Skin biopsies were taken from patients before and after treatment, as well as controls, for assessment of IL-31 and IL-31R by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Treatment resulted in significant improvement of all clinical parameters, including pruritus (P < 0.001). Patients before treatment had significantly higher IL-31 and IL-31R than controls (P = 0.000 for both). In addition, there was a statistically significant decrease in IL-31 and IL-31R after treatment than their values before treatment (P = 0.000 for both).

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the therapeutic efficacy of fractional CO₂ laser in treatment of PCA. Reduction of IL-31 and its receptor seems to be one of the involved mechanisms; however, its relation to improvement of pruritus is still not clear. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Ablative Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Comparative Clinico-Immuno-Histopathological Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), ablative fractional carbon dioxide (FCO₂ ) laser, and their combination in the treatment of atrophic acne scars, both clinically and immuno-histopathologically.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients were randomly divided into three equal groups. Group 1 received intradermal PRP injection sessions. Group 2 received FCO₂ laser sessions. Group 3 received FCO₂ laser followed by intradermal PRP injection sessions. Each group received three sessions at monthly intervals. The final assessment took place 3 months after the last session. Skin biopsies were obtained before and 1 month after treatment sessions with pathological evaluation.

RESULTS

Combined PRP and FCO₂ laser-treated patients had a better clinical response, fewer side effects, and shorter downtime than FCO₂ laser alone. PRP-treated patients had some improvement but significantly lower than the other two groups.

CONCLUSION

The current study concluded that a combination of PRP and FCO₂ laser is an effective and safe modality in the treatment of atrophic acne scars with better results than PRP or FCO₂ laser alone. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.