Abstracts

A summary of the latest clinical studies

Title: TULUA Male High-Definition Abdominoplasty Authors: Babaitis R, et al. Published: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, January 2022 Keywords: Abdominoplasty, Lipoabdominoplasty, Surgery Abstract: Abdominoplasty is a surgical technique for body contouring that has been shown to improve the patient’s quality of life. It has become more common among male patients, so differences between procedures for men and women have to be stated. The authors present their experience with high-definition lipoabdominoplasty with transverse plication in men. Records of male patients undergoing transverse plication full abdominoplasty in addition to high-definition liposculpture were analysed. 24 consecutive cases were found between January 2017 and June 2019. Patient ages ranged from 24 to 60 years. Body mass index ranged from 25 to 33 kg/m2. Photographic records were taken before and during follow-up at two days and one, three, six, and 12 months after surgery. Male TULUA (transverse plication, no undermining, full liposuction, neoumbilicoplasty, and low transverse abdominal scar) with high-definition lipoabdominoplasty was achieved in 24 cases. Six minor complications were reported. Rectus abdominis diastases are less common in men compared to women, as pregnancy is the most determining factor in its development. Fat distribution is a difference when performing lipoabdominoplasty for the male or the female patient. The authors recommend a transverse plication of the abdominal wall, instead of a vertical one, as flap viability is preserved and enhanced muscular definition can be accomplished. Combining transverse plication with high-definition lipoabdominoplasty is a safe and reproducible technique for the male patient.

Title: Treatment with Oral Vitamin D Alone, Topical Minoxidil, or Combination of Both in Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss Authors: Hassan G, et al. Published: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2022 Keywords: Female Pattern Hair Loss, Treatment, Vitamin D Abstract: One of the most common dermatological complaints among female is female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Serum vitamin D is a factor taken into consideration in approaching patients complaining of hair loss. The study aimed to evaluate the serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in patients with FPHL and the efficacy of vitamin D therapy alone or combined with minoxidil in the treatment of this disease. 45 patients with FPHL and 15 controls to measure serum level of vitamin D were enrolled. Patients were subdivided into three groups: group I received topical minoxidil and oral vitamin D, group II received topical minoxidil, and group III received oral vitamin D for six months. Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation was done for the three groups before and after treatment. Vitamin D level was decreased in patients compared to controls. After treatment, as regard to the Ludwig scale, there was significant improvement in group I than II while no improvement was found in group III. Dermoscopy revealed that thin hair and single-hair unit were significantly improved in groups I and II, while it was not significantly improved in group III. Oral vitamin D combination to topical minoxidil is recommended to treat patients with FPHL; they had better results than vitamin D or topical minoxidil alone. Title: Improvement of Facial Skin Laxity by a Combined Technique With Hyaluronic Acid and Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers Authors: Bravo B, et al. Published: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, January 2022 Keywords: Ageing, Dermal Filler, Hyaluronic Acid Abstract: The current objective of cosmetic facial filling is to re-establish the overall aspect that was lost during the ageing process. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) fillers are indicated for facial rejuvenation, and promote dissimilar effects regarding volume restoration and dermal biostimulation. This study aimed to assess clinical and ultrasonographic improvements in facial skin laxity using a technique that combines the injection of HA and CaHA. A 120-day follow-up, quasi-experimental study was conducted based on the enrolment of 15 women with mild face flaccidity scores who underwent subcutaneous injection of up to 3mL of HA (zygomatic-malar region, pyriform aperture, temporal region, and jaw) followed by 3mL of 1:1 diluted CaHA using a fan technique (temporal, zygomatic-malar, and jaw regions). Adverse effects were registered, and monthly assessed outcomes included clinical improvement, satisfaction, and high-frequency ultrasonography parameters. At 120 days of follow-up assessment by blinded physicians yielded six (40%) very improved patients and nine (60%) exceptionally improved. All participants were satisfied with the results and reported improvement. Dermal thickness increased 11.1% and augmented dermal homogeneity was evidenced by ultrasonography. Local adverse effects were mild and transient. The combined technique with HA and CaHA fillers was well-tolerated and yielded high satisfaction and safe improve in facial skin laxity and dermal thickness.

Title: Therapeutic Effects of New Pulsed-Type Microneedling Radiofrequency for Refractory Facial Pigmentary Disorders Authors: Park B, et al. Published: Dermatologic Surgery, January 2022 Keywords: Microneedling, Pigmentation, Radiofrequency Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a pulsed-type RF microneedling device for treatment of facial pigmentary disorders. 45 patients diagnosed with facial melasma or Riehl melanosis received five treatments with RF at two-week intervals, and evaluation was performed at each visit, including four and eight weeks after the last treatment. Treatment outcomes were evaluated by investigator global assessment, patient global assessment score, and skin biophysical parameters of erythema index, melanin index (MI), and transepidermal water loss. Gene array and immunohistochemical staining including melan-A, Fontana silver, CD44, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and periodic acid-Schiff were performed. Most patients showed clinical improvement. Erythema index, MI, and transepidermal water loss decreased after the first treatment. Histopathologic examination showed decrease of melanin pigment, melanophages, and blood vessel proliferation but thickened basement membrane after treatment. Expression of CD44 and b-FGF was decreased after treatment. No serious adverse events were reported.