Abstracts

A summary of the latest clinical studies

Title: A Laser Platform Incorporating a 524nm Laser Pumped by a Hair Removal Laser Treats Facial Redness and Lower-Extremity Spider Veins Authors: Bernstein E, et al. Published: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, July 2021 Keywords: Laser, Rosacea, Vascular Abstract: Treatment of vascular lesions is one of the main applications of cutaneous laser technology, while the other is laser hair removal. A novel 524nm vascular laser was designed using a 755 nm hair removal laser as a pumping source. This 524nm vascular laser was used to treat facial redness and leg telangiectasias in 24 subjects. Four treatments were administered to the face at four-sixweek intervals and photographs were taken eight weeks following the final treatment, while two treatments were administered to lower-extremity spider veins at two-month intervals with follow-up photographs three months following the final treatment. Blinded analysis of digital images was performed by two physicians not involved in the study. Blinded evaluation of digital photographs revealed an average improvement score of 3.3 on a 0-10 scale for removing facial redness, a 33% improvement. Leg veins improved an average of 51% corresponding to a score of 5.1. Side effects were mild and limited to erythema, purpura, edema, and one instance of mild hyperpigmentation. This 524nm laser is safe and effective for treating vascularity on the face and legs and proves the ability to create a laser platform incorporating a hair removal laser which can be used as a pumping source.

Title: Comparison of the Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling Alone and in Combination with Platelet-Rich Plasma in Neck Rejuvenation Authors: Gawdat H, et al. Published: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2021 Keywords: Radiofrequency Microneedling, Neck Rejuvenation, Abstract: Aesthetic improvements of the neck and cervicomental angle remains one of the most challenging aspects of rejuvenation. Fractional radiofrequency microneedling showed significant skin tightening and lifting of the lower third of the face. 20 patients with mild to moderate neck laxity were randomised to receive three sessions of either fractional radiofrequency microneedling + PRP (Group A) or fractional radiofrequency microneedling monotherapy (Group B). Evaluation was done using optical coherence tomography to detect dermis thickness, measurement of cervicomental angle, a score by two investigators blinded to used modality (GAIS) and patient satisfaction score. Both groups showed a statistically improvement in all parameters. Comparing the two groups, the mean dermal thickness after treatment was higher in group A compared with B but was found statistically insignificant. Favourable results were reported in group A according to GAIS. Other parameters showed comparable results. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency with insulated microneedles offers a safe and effective modality for mild to moderate neck laxity when used alone or in combination with PRP. It remains questionable whether combining fr-RF microneedling with PRP provides favourable results in efficacy and side effects. Title: Tissue Fillers for the Nasolabial Fold Area: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials Authors: Stefura T, et al. Published: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, July 2021 Keywords: Dermal Fillers, Nasolabial Fold, Tissue Fillers Abstract: Tissue filler injections remain to be one of the most performed cosmetic procedures. The aim of this metaanalysis was to systematise and present data on the aesthetic outcomes and safety of treating the nasolabial fold area with tissue fillers. We searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, BIOSIS, SciELO, Scopus, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, CNKI and Web of Science databases. Primary outcomes included aesthetic improvement measured using the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale score and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Secondary outcomes were incidence rates of complications occurring after the procedure. At baseline, the pooled mean WSRS score was 3.23. One month after the procedure, the pooled WSRS score had reached 1.79. After six months it was 2.02 and after 12 months it was 2.46. One month after the procedure, the pooled GAIS score had reached 2.21. After six months, it was 2.32, and after 12 months, it was 1.27. Overall, the pooled incidence of all complications was 0.58. Most common included lumpiness (43%), tenderness (41%), swelling (34%) and bruising (29%).

Title: Efficacy and Safety of Topical Spironolactone 5% Cream in the Treatment of Acne Authors: Ayatollahi A, et al. Published: Health Science Reports, July 2021 Keywords: Acne, Spironolactone, Topical Abstract: Spironolactone is an effective treatment for female patients with acne vulgaris. However, topical spironolactone could be a treatment option in both male and female acne patients due to the less possibility of side effects with its topical formulation. In this clinical trial, topical spironolactone 5% was evaluated to treat patients with mild to moderate acne twice a day for eight weeks. The rate of improvement by any alterations in the number of open and closed comedones, facial inflammatory papules, and acne global grading scores were assessed. Moreover, skin biometric characteristics including skin hydration, erythema, transepidermal water loss, pH, sebum, and propionibacterium acne bacteria activity were also assessed. 15 patients participated in our study with a mean age of 25. 66.6% were female and 33.4% were male. The number of acne papules, open and closed comedones, and acne global grading score decreased four and eight weeks after the beginning of treatment. No considerable side effects were reported. There was no difference between the skin hydration, melanin, erythema, TEWL, pH index, sebum, and P acne bacteria activity before, four, and eight weeks after the treatment. The topical 5% spironolactone cream seems to be an effective and safe treatment of acne vulgaris in both genders.