Abstracts

A summary of the latest clinical studies

Title: Body Contouring Using a Combination of Pulsed Ultrasound and Unipolar Radiofrequency Authors: Viruel Rotega E, et al. Published: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, June 2022 Keywords: Body Contouring, Non Focus Pulsed Ultrasound Abstract: To assess the efficacy and safety of a new non-invasive body contouring device in patients with localised fat in abdomen or in abdomen and hips. Additionally, we also evaluated the patient satisfaction with the procedure. The patients underwent four sessions, separated by one week each, with the Alma PrimeX, a non-invasive body contouring device that combines pulsed non-focus ultrasound and a Unipolar radiofrequency. The primary end point was the mean change in fat tissue thickness, assessed by diagnostic ultrasound, from baseline to three-months after the last treatment session. Fifteen subjects were evaluated. As compared to pre-treatment thickness, Hodges-Lehmann median difference was - 85.3 (- 107.5 to - 62.0) mm, p = 0.0001; - 70.3 (- 95.0 to - 48.5) mm, p = 0.0001; - 100.0 (- 140.5 to - 49.5) mm, p = 0.0039; and - 71.8 (- 132.5 to - 23.0) mm, p = 0.0078 in infraumbilical, supraumbilical, right hip, and left hip, respectively. Pretreatment fat volume was significantly reduced from 32.9% to 31.2%, p = 0.0006. The median (interquartile range) degree of patient satisfaction was 4.0 (1.0-5.0), with 13 patients being “Highly satisfied” or “Satisfied” with the treatment results. The most common adverse event was discomfort, followed by erythema. All the adverse events were mild and were successfully resolved without treatment.

Title: #CosmeticsTwitter: Predicting Public Interest in Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures Using Twitter Data Authors: Cohen S, et al. Published: Aesthetic Surgery Journal, June 2022 Keywords: Twitter, Social Media, Trends Abstract: To determine the ability of the TARPT tool to track and predict public interest in non-surgical cosmetic procedures and to examine temporal public interest trends in nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. We used the TARPT tool to calculate the total number of tweets containing keywords related to 15 nonsurgical cosmetic procedures from 2010 to 2020. We obtained annual case volumes for each of the 15 procedures from annual reports provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). We used univariate linear regression to compare tweet volumes and procedure volumes, using P < 0.05 as a threshold for significance. Univariate linear regression revealed significant positive correlations between tweet volumes and ASPS procedure volumes for 10 search terms representing six nonsurgical cosmetic procedures: “xeomin”, “microdermabrasion”, “facial filler”, “fat filler”, “fat injections”, “fat transfer”, “hyaluronic acid filler”, “hyaluronic acid injection”, “HA filler”, and “PRP filler”. Thirtytwo search terms did not demonstrate a significant relationship, illustrating the importance of careful selection of search terms. Our analyses demonstrates that the TARPT tool is an informative data source for plastic surgeons, with the potential to guide marketing and advertising strategies and monitor real-time public interest in nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Title: A Novel Technique in Reducing Sebum Production and Improving Atrophic Acne Scars Authors: Suwanchinda A, et al. Published: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2022 Keywords: Facial Oiliness, Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency Abstract: Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) has gained popularity for the treatment of acne scars, owing to favorable outcomes and short downtimes. This study aimed to investigate FMR use in reducing facial sebum production and treating acne scars. This single-center, prospective, evaluator-blinded trial compared sebum production after three sessions of FMR (Fractora® 24-pin coated tip) performed one-month apart. Results were evaluated with a sebumeter (Cutometer®, Germany), sebaceous gland histology, and subjects’ assessment. Acne scars were graded according to the Echelle d’Evaluation clinique des Cicatrices d’acné scale, Goodman and Baron’s qualitative grading system, acne scar volume measurement, and subjects’ assessments. Sebumeter results revealed a significantly decreased (P < 0.05) sebum production since the first treatment, sustained throughout the study period. Histological assessment showed decreased density and size of sebaceous glands. The mean acne scar volume decreased significantly, without a significant increase in the mean melanin levels. Fractora® 24-pin coated tip can be used as an alternative for patients with acne scars, who wish to concomitantly reduce their facial oiliness. A significant decrease in facial oiliness and acne scars› volume can be seen after a single treatment session, with up to 15.48% decrease in facial oil production.

Title: The Pharmacological Treatment And Management Of Hyperhidrosis Authors: Campanati A, et al. Published: Expert Opinion on Pharamcotherapy, June 2022 Keywords: Botulinum Toxin, Hyperhidrosis, Sweating Abstract: Head Idiopathichyperhidrosis is a dysfunctional disorder involving eccrine sweat glands and its impact on patients’ daily quality of life is well-known. Unlike some years ago, when only poor effective and safe therapeutic alternatives were available, nowadays, several emerging pharmacological active substances have gained space as treatment options. The authors report on the emerging data from the literature focusing on the pharmacological treatments to draw up a drug treatments flow-chart for patients with idiopathic hyperhidrosis, taking into consideration specific differences among axillary, palmoplantar and craniofacial hyperhidrosis. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis, regardless of the site of involvement, remains a functional disorder that places a significant burden on patients. After balancing efficacy against adverse events, systemic therapy, although off-label for all forms of hyperhidrosis can represent an additive therapeutic option for patients with insufficient response to topical treatment according to a step wise therapeutic approach. Until the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hyperhidrosis are clear, and the etiological therapeutic approach become realistic, the greatest challenge in the therapeutic management of hyperhidrotic patients seems to be the search for the most convenient combination between different therapeutic modalities to achieve long-term control of the disease symptoms.