Effect of skin tone on the accuracy of hybrid and passive stereophotogrammetry

Three-Dimensional Printing in Breast Reconstruction: Current and Promising Applications

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is dramatically improving breast reconstruction by offering customized and precise interventions at various stages of the surgical process. In preoperative planning, 3D imaging techniques, such as computer-aided design, allow the creation of detailed breast models for surgical simulation, optimizing surgical outcomes and reducing complications. During surgery, 3D printing makes it possible to customize implants and precisely shape autologous tissue flaps with customized molds and scaffolds. This not only improves the aesthetic appearance, but also conforms to the patient's natural anatomy. In addition, 3D printed scaffolds facilitate tissue engineering, potentially favoring the development and integration of autologous adipose tissue, thus avoiding implant-related complications. Postoperatively, 3D imaging allows an accurate assessment of breast volume and symmetry, which is crucial in assessing the success of reconstruction. The technology is also a key educational tool, enhancing surgeon training through realistic anatomical models and surgical simulations. As the field evolves, the integration of 3D printing with emerging technologies such as biodegradable materials and advanced imaging promises to further refine breast reconstruction techniques and outcomes. This study aims to explore the various applications of 3D printing in breast reconstruction, addressing current challenges and future opportunities.

In vitro and in vivo validation of a new three-dimensional fringe projection-based device (AEVA-HE) dedicated to skin surface mapping

BACKGROUND

Aging signs are much visible on the surface of the skin that presents different changes: cheeks start to sag, more and deeper wrinkles appear, and pigmentation spots increase. Face diagnostic to recommend products includes assessing cutaneous micro-relief or the micro-depressive network on the face. Furthermore, there is an increasing demand for clinical and instrumental methods to prove the efficacy of anti-aging treatments. As a result, very accurate and sensitive three-dimensional (3D) devices are developed and validated to measure and quantify aging skin and to catch fine anti-aging products acting on wrinkles and fine lines.

METHODS

AEVA-HE, a non-invasive 3D method based on fringe projection technology, is used to robustly characterize the skin micro-relief from a full-face acquisition and from multiple extracted zones of interest. In vitro and in vivo studies are conducted to assess the reproducibility of this system and its precision toward a standard fringe projection system, DermaTOP.

RESULTS

The AEVA-HE successfully measured micro-relief and wrinkles and demonstrated the reproducibility of measurements.  AEVA-HE parameters were found highly correlated to DermaTOP.

CONCLUSION

The present work illustrates the performance of the AEVA-HE device and its dedicated software kit as a precious tool for quantifying the major characteristics of wrinkles appearing with age and thus offers a high potential for assessing the effect of anti-wrinkling products.

Use of Micro Botulinum Toxin for a Face-lifting Effect: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Micro-Botox (Micro-btx) was described in 2000 for the paralysis of superficial muscle fibers to address facial rhytides. Increasingly, there are reports of its off-label use for a face-lifting effect.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the literature for such results.

METHODS AND METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA; only Level ≥ III evidence from 2000 to 2020 were included. Data extracted include patient demographics, type of botulinum toxin, dilution, dosage, injection sites and spacing, needle size and syringe, follow-up, patient and physician assessment, and complications.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy-two patients (average 35.2 years) underwent different botulinum toxin injections (average 39 units/hemiface) of varying dilutions with 30- to 32-G needles, typically with 1-mL syringes, by forming 0.2- to 0.5-cm wheals 1 cm apart. Follow-up averaged 10.5 weeks with both subjective and objective assessments. Facial asymmetry and minor bruising were common. Subjective assessment of face-lifting effects between patients and physicians was highly discordant and injection sites reported were highly variable.

CONCLUSION

Much heterogeneity in dosage, injection sites, definition of "face-lifting," and assessment methods remain, all of which preclude accurate and objective evaluation of the current evidence for micro-btx. Future studies should address these variables, given the growing interest in such nonsurgical options for a face-lifting effect.