Evaluating the effectiveness of stromal-vascular fraction (SVF) cells along with subcision method in the treatment of acne scars: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial study

BACKGROUND

Subcision method is one of the main techniques for treatment of acne scars or stromal-vascular fraction (SVF) and combined therapy can improve treatment strategy.

OBJECTIVE

To use subcision method along with SVF for treatment of acne scar and comprised with alone subcision method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this double-blind clinical trial study, 10 patients with acne scars were entered into the study. Subcision technique was randomly performed on one side of the face and subcision technique plus SVF on opposite side of the face. All patients were examined before treatment and after 3 months by Visioface for volume, area, and depth of scars, as well as thickness and density of the epidermis and dermis of the scars in question. In addition, doctor's and patients' satisfaction, tolerability, and safety were determined after 3 months of treatment. Finally, statistical analysis was done by SPPS, version 25.

RESULTS

In terms of volume and area of scars, the mean percent change was 46.55 ± 13.92 and 44.60 ± 5.76, for the case group, and 13.31 ± 9.27 and 11.28 ± 9.64 for the control group, respectively. So, combined therapy led to significant recovery compared with alone subcision method (p value < 0.001). In both interventions, the increase of density and thickness was proven after treatment, also a significant difference in complete, epidermal, and dermal thickness and epidermal density variables was observed between combined therapy and alone subcision (p value < 0.05). Mean score of doctor's and patients' satisfaction in combined therapy (7.10 ± 0.74 and 7.10 ± 0.99, respectively), was also significantly higher than subcision alone (5.50 ± 0.53 and 5.30 ± 1.25, respectively). Finally, no complications were observed in the patients.

CONCLUSION

According to the acquired results, combined therapy can be considered as effective and safe treatment for acne scars with significant higher efficacy compared with subcision alone.

Autologous whole fat injection stimulates hair growth in resistant Androgenetic Alopecia: Report of nine cases

BACKGROUND

The changes in morphology of hair follicle and aberrant cycling of hair follicle are the main reasons of the most common forms of hair loss (alopecia). However, existing alopecia treatments do not specifically target these processes.

AIMS

Autologous whole fat injection suggests a paradigm shift that may offer alternative therapies that can be used to prevent hair loss. This study aimed to present clinical cases for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia by autologous whole fat injection in the scalp.

METHODS

Nine patients with androgenetic alopecia (7 women and 2 men) were enrolled to our study. After lipoaspiration, autologous whole fat was injected into the patient's scalp. Hair regeneration was evaluated by three clinical tests: the pull test, hair quality, and hair density.

RESULTS

For all patients, before and after treatment, the number (density) and diameter of hair were calculated using trichograms. The pull test was also performed. The pictures were obtained before after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that whole fat injection enormously can increase the level of hair growth.

Efficacy evaluation of Endolift-based Subcision on acne scar treatment

BACKGROUND

People with acne scar suffer from destruction to the surface of the skin. Treating acne scars is a challenge that might need several methods.

AIMS

Subsection is a method that has been informed to be a useful method in treating rolling acne scars. While Subcision is a valued procedure, its effect is mild to moderate due to its high reappearance rate, and patients' dissatisfaction with some of the side effects such as inflammation after procedure.

PATIENTS/METHODS

In this pilot study, 9 rolling acne scar patients underwent Subcision with the Endolift (200-nm fiber) and followed up for 3 months. Outcomes were evaluated by 3 dermatologists (Blind). Also, the patients' satisfaction was assessed to compare with dermatologist's opinions.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that Subcision with the Endolift displayed good and very good improvement in about 90% of patient with a good and very good satisfaction in the patients. Photographic data evaluation indicated 100% improvement in scar depth, topography, and total acne scar appearance. The average numbers of lesions before the treatment were 25.5 ± 12.1, and after treatment, it was reduced to 11.4 ± 2.1 (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Subcision with the Endolift seems to be a safe and effective method for acne scar treatment. It is done with a single perforation on each side (instead of several perforations), which reduces the pain and scar risk in the patients. Also, Endolift-based Subcision needs fewer surgical sessions and less recovery time with less inflammation and erythema.

Biometric changes of skin parameters in using of microneedling fractional radiofrequency for skin tightening and rejuvenation facial

BACKGROUND

Fractional radiofrequency (RF) has been used for skin rejuvenation and tightening by dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons in recent years.

METHODS

Twenty female patients (mean age of 51.9 years) with Fitzpatrick III to VI skin phototypes who desired to undergo skin lift/tightening received six sessions of fractional microneedle RF treatment and were assessed at baseline and then 3 months after the last session for biometric characteristics using a Colorimeter, Visioface 1000D, Tewameter, Cutometer, Mexameter, and Sebumeter and a skin ultrasound imaging system to evaluate the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin pores, color, melanin content, erythema, sebaceous content, and thickness and density of the epidermis and dermis. Patient satisfaction with visual analog scale (VAS) was also measured.

RESULTS

The results showed that skin pores and spots decreased significantly. TEWL also decreased significantly (by 18.44%). Meanwhile, skin density increased significantly (R7, by 44.41%). The ultrasonographic assessments showed that both the density and thickness of the dermis and epidermis were increased. The changes in the other parameters were not significant.

CONCLUSION

FR increases the density and thickness of the dermis and thus also increases the collagen content and decreases skin pores and TEWL.

Basal cell carcinoma associated with erythema ab igne

Erythema ab igne is a skin condition mainly caused by heat exposure. Erythema ab igne usually follows a favorable prognosis. However, it may increase the risk of developing cutaneous malignancy in the involved skin. Being familiar with the type of cutaneous malignancies that may arise in the site of erythema ab igne is considerably important. To our knowledge, this letter presents the first case that shows the association between erythema ab igne and basal cell carcinoma.

Evaluation of the effects of isotretinoin for treatment of acne on corneal sensitivity

Purpose

To determine the effect of isotretinoin on corneal sensitivity in acne patients.

Methods

Fifty patients (13 men and 37 women) with a mean age of 23.24 ± 3.4 years were selected among patients receiving isotretinoin (1.0 mg/kg) for acne according to inclusion criteria. The Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer was used to measure corneal sensitivity (in mm filament length) two times (the measurements were done immediately before starting the medication, then 3 months after that), including 3 measurements each time, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. by an experienced operator. The average of the 3 measurements in each time was recorded as the final value. One-way analysis of variance and Chi square were used for quantitative and qualitative comparison of corneal sensitivity before and after isotretinoin use, respectively.

Results

The mean corneal sensitivity was 5.54 ± 0.05 before medication consumption which decreased to 5.41 ± 0.05 after isotretinoin treatment for 3 months (P < 0.005). After controlling the effect of age and sex, the decrease of corneal sensitivity was markedly significant (P = 0.003) as decreased corneal sensitivity was more pronounced at higher ages and in female gender. In non-parametric evaluation, corneal sensitivity was categorized as substantial (5.5–6 mm), intermediate (4.5–5.5 mm), and low (3.5–4.5). About 72% of the participants had substantial corneal sensitivity before drug consumption, which decreased to 60% after 3 months of treatment.

Conclusions

According to the results of this study, corneal sensitivity decreases after three months of treatment with isotretinoin. This decrease is more pronounced at higher ages and in women.