Using platelet-rich plasma for skin rejuvenation

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it is affected by both intrinsic and extrinsic ageing factors. Platelet-rich plasma is an effective treatment for skin ageing, whether as a standalone treatment or in combination with other treatment modalities. The results depend on the skin quality of the patient, compliance and aftercare. Other factors to consider include the platelet-rich plasma kits and centrifuge used by the practitioner, as well as whether it is activated or not. In this article, Claudia McGloin will discuss skin ageing and the use of platelet-rich plasma for skin rejuvenation.

Facial Aesthetic Priorities and Concerns: A Physician and Patient Perception Global Survey

Background Minimally invasive and noninvasive facial aesthetic treatments are increasingly popular, and a greater understanding of patient perspectives on facial aesthetic priorities is needed. Objectives To provide data to aesthetic physicians that may be useful during patient consultations in increasing post-treatment satisfaction by surveying facial aesthetic concerns, desires, and treatment goals of aesthetically conscious men and women, and physicians, in 18 countries. Methods A global, internet-based survey on desired appearance and experiences with, or interest in, facial aesthetic treatments. Eligible survey respondents were aesthetically conscious adults (21-75 years). Eligible aesthetic physicians were required to see ≥30 patients/month for aesthetic reasons, have 2-30-years’ experience in clinical practice, and spend ≥70% of time in direct patient care. Results A total of 14,584 aesthetically conscious adults (mean age, 41 years; 70% women) and 1,315 aesthetic physicians (mean age, 45 years; 68% men) completed the survey. Most surveyed respondents (68%) reported that aesthetic procedures should be sought in their 30s-40s, while surveyed physicians recommended patients seek treatment earlier. Respondents expressed greatest concern over crow’s feet lines, forehead lines, facial skin issues, hair-related concerns, and under-eye bags or dark circles; in contrast, physicians tended to underestimate patient concerns about under-eye bags or dark circles, mid-face volume deficits, and skin quality. While both physicians and respondents cited cost as a major barrier to seeking aesthetic treatments, respondents also emphasized safety, fear of injections or procedure-related pain, and concern about unnatural-looking outcomes. Conclusions This large, global survey provides valuable insight into facial aesthetic concerns and perspectives of aesthetically conscious patients that may be implemented in patient education and consultations to improve patient satisfaction following aesthetic treatments.

Innovative method of alopecia treatment by autologous adipose-derived SVF

Background Alopecia refers to a condition developed by gradual reduction of hair loss by various abnormal causes such as endocrine system, genetic factors, and stress. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) isolated from the fat is one of the latest innovative solutions in the field of regeneration therapy. We focused on presenting effectiveness of clinical cases to improve AGA through transplantation of autologous SVF into the scalp. Objective To confirm the efficacy of the autologous SVF usage to the patients with AGA. Methods Nine patients (age range 43–64 years; 4 men, grade IV to V and 5 women, grade I to III), who are suffering from androgenic alopecia (AGA), were treated with single transplantation of autologous SVF in the upper scalp. Autologous SVF was isolated and characterized prior to the injection of live 7–9 × 106 cells into the patients’ treatment site. The hair loss improvement effect was assessed by three test criteria: hair skin quality, hair thickness and hair density 3 and 6 months after post-injection compared to pre-injection status. Results Hair density of SVF-treated side was significantly increased after 3 and 6 months of transplantation compared to non-treated side (P = 0.01 and P = 0.009 per each). And significant improvement in the score of the keratin on the scalp was seen in the injected area as compared to the non-injected area 6 months after transplantation (P = 0.032). Although thickness increase was observed at 3 and 6 months after transplantation, there was no statistical significance (P = 0.142 and 0.155, respectively). Conclusions One transplantation of autologous SVF for the AGA patients, hair density and score for the keratin were significantly increased within 6 months. This study shows that SVF is a very effective way to treat hair loss and most of subjects are satisfied with the result after treatment.

Effects of stocking density on growth and skin quality of grower Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus)

Intensive Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) farming operates with considerable variation in housing and stocking density. In this study, current commercial stocking densities for crocodilians were investigated using 261 grower-phase crocodiles (15 months old, average total body length 94.5 cm, and average weight 2.7 kg). Low (2.60 m2 per crocodile), medium (1.24 m2 per crocodile), and high (0.41 m2 per crocodile) stocking densities were tested. Growth, morphometric measures, Fulton’s condition scores and skin qualities were assessed over a six-month (May - November 2017) period. High stocking density had no adverse effects on the growth of grower Nile crocodiles. Crocodiles stocked at medium and high densities outperformed those that were stocked at low density in Fulton’s body condition scores, change in body condition from the start to the end of the trial, and feed conversion efficiencies. However, the high and, to a lesser extent, the medium stocking densities resulted in lower skin quality scores compared with those in the low-density treatment because of teeth marks from more aggressive behaviour. The results indicated that the medium pen density treatment is closer to the ideal than either the high or low stocking density groups. Stocking densities that provide 0.41 m2 per crocodile or less should be avoided because of lower skin quality scores, which weigh more heavily than growth and feed efficiency responses in the financial viability of commercial crocodile farming in typical South African production systems.