Barbed Polydioxanone Sutures for Face Recontouring: Six Months Safety and Effectiveness Data Supported By Objective Markerless Tracking Analysis

Background Barbed polydioxanone sutures allowing for minimally invasive skin lifting are broadly and increasingly used in aesthetic dermatology. Objectives To describe utilization of diverse barbed PDO sutures for aesthetic facial corrections in Caucasian patients, to evaluate long-term safety and to demonstrate effectiveness in skin tightening, redefinition of facial contours, and tissue elevation. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients routinely treated with barbed PDO sutures on face was performed. Aesthetic improvement was evaluated at 6-, 12- and 24 weeks posttreatment by the treating physician, patients, and an independent photographic reviewer. Patient’s satisfaction with treatment outcome was evaluated. Procedure effects were also objectively measured by markerless tracking analysis. Results Sixty patients were treated with a total of 388 barbed sutures in various anatomical areas and followed-up for 24 weeks. At Week 24, the aesthetic improvement rate was 80 to 100% (depending on the evaluator), skin movements related to pre-treatment photographs showed significant changes across several different anatomical regions, and 97% of patients were satisfied with the overall treatment outcome. Transient, mild, and short-lasting adverse events, mostly pain and hematoma, occurred in 15% of patients. Conclusions Barbed PDO sutures are safe and highly effective for aesthetic corrections, with results lasting for at least 24 weeks.

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Dexpanthenol-Containing Spray and Cream in the Recovery of the Skin Integrity Compared with Petroleum Jelly after Dermatologic Aesthetic Procedures

Moisturizers are commonly prescribed after laser and chemical peel aesthetic procedures, but the evidence regarding their efficacy and safety of such use is scarce. We conducted four single-blind, three-week, controlled studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical Dexpanthenol-containing products (Bepantol® spray and Bepantol® cream) using petroleum jelly as a positive control. Skin recovery was assessed after four aesthetic procedures: (1) non-ablative facial laser resurfacing, (2) laser depilation on the external genital and inguinal regions, (3) chemical peel on the external genital and inguinal regions, and (4) ablative facial laser resurfacing. Efficacy was assessed through transepidermal water loss (TEWL) combined with clinical assessment of the skin by the investigators and the participants. In studies (1) and (4), the erythema intensity was evaluated by measuring dermal temperature with a thermal imaging camera. Safety was assessed through adverse event reporting and acceptability through a questionnaire. Dexpanthenol-containing products significantly decreased TEWL and dermal temperature, therefore maintaining skin integrity, promoting its recovery, and reducing erythema. No statistical differences with the positive control were observed. In addition, Dexpanthenol-containing products were well appreciated by the participants from a sensory perspective. These findings suggest that these Dexpanthenol-containing products are adequate for post-procedural care in aesthetic dermatology.

Q-Switched 1064/532 nm Laser with Picosecond Pulse to Treat Benign Hyperpigmentations: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

(1) Benign melanoses are a frequent issue in aesthetic dermatology. Solar lentigo, ephelides, café au lait spots, and other melanoses represent a cosmetic issue for a growing number of subjects. The Q-switched 1064/532-nanometer (nm) laser may be considered the gold standard for management of these aesthetic issues. A new generation of Q-switched lasers, capable of concentrating the energy pulse in the spectrum of hundreds of picoseconds, is emerging, promising better results than previous ones. In this paper, we report the use of a Q-switched laser with a picosecond pulse to manage hypermelanoses. (2) Methods: 36 patients seeking melanosis removal were retrospectively enrolled at Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro. Treatment parameters, although variable, were the following: 1064 nm with a pulse duration of 450 picoseconds (ps) for dermic lesions and 532 nm with 370 ps for epidermal lesions. Up to four treatments, with a minimum interval between laser treatments of 30 days, were performed. After the last session, patients’ satisfaction was assessed at a three-month follow up with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Two blinded dermatologists measured the aesthetic outcome using a five-point scale comparing pictures before laser sessions and during follow-up. (3) Results: 36 patients were enrolled; 23 were females (63.9%) and 13 males (36.1%). The mean reported age was 49.2 ± 18.9 years. All participants were assessed with a complete/almost complete melanosis removal at the dermatological evaluation, with a mean VAS score of 9.39 ± 0.90. (4) Conclusions: The Q-switched 1064/532 nm laser may be considered the main weapon in treating benign hypermelanosis. The picosecond pulse seems to guarantee better results than other devices. However, a clinical trial comparing Q-switched nanosecond pulse with picosecond pulse is necessary to confirm this study’s findings.

Characteristic and use of spilanthol in cosmetology

Acmella oleracea is an interesting plant with a high spilanthol content, which due to its specific activity is considered as a valuable bioactive substance. Spilanthol displays a broad spectrum of biological activity, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-cancer and bacteriostatic effects. In addition, it inhibits contractions of the facial muscles, and thanks to it was called a natural herbal botox. The interest in spilanthol by the cosmetics industry, leads that effective methods of its isolation from plant material are still being sought. The aim of the study was to present the possibility of using spilanthol in cosmetology and aesthetic dermatology. In this work, application studies presented, confirm the possibility of its use as a natural component of anti-wrinkle cosmetics.

Examining the impact of influencers’ credibility dimensions: attractiveness, trustworthiness and expertise on the purchase intention in the aesthetic dermatology industry

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influencers’ credibility dimensions (i.e. attractiveness, trustworthiness, expertise) on purchase intention (PI) through the mediating role of cognitive and affective online engagement among the aesthetic dermatology consumers in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach The population of this study entails all followers of aesthetic dermatology clinics on their Instagram accounts. However, only three influencers from the aesthetic dermatology industry were selected and approved the request of sharing the survey instrument on their official platforms. Overall, 600 surveys were distributed, but only 384 were completed fully, constituting a 64% response rate. Findings The data analysis revealed an excellent fit for the data and indicated an impact of attractiveness and expertise on online engagement and PI. Moreover, a mediating influence was also found for online engagement on the path between influencer credibility and PI. Research limitations/implications This study has a limitation of collecting the data from only three influencers; consequently, collecting data from the followers of more than four influencers would get more generalizable results. Second, considering further, examining the mediating role of other variables such as electronic word-of-mouth (EWOM) and loyalty programs could also provide further insights onto the nature of the factors affecting the PI. In addition, future studies should examine the differences of using more than one social media platform. Practical implications The main findings of this study have a number of managerial implications for marketing management that hint at liking the influencers who are highly trusted owing to their extensive expertise in the area they are marketing rather than only depending on their physical attractiveness. The Jordanian culture does not focus only on the image shared by the social media as the reviews can either support or decline the influence of even the celebrity. Significantly, a set of managerial implications come from the current research. Social implications Two major areas are the most important; these are the trustworthy issue and the EWOM. The marketers should encourage their customers to openly talk about their experiences as they have an imperative role in liking influencers in a way that improves their PI. The second implication is related to social media platforms management that marketing managers should resolve any negative EWOM caused and to enhance followers’ satisfaction levels of the services. The increase in satisfaction positively affects PI, and the service makes the influencer role become more effective. Originality/value This study was able to add a value to the current understanding of the main antecedents of customer engagement by looking at these dimensions of perceived credibility. Another contribution was captured in this study by successfully validating the meditating impact of customer engagement between influencers’ credibility dimensions and PI, especially in the absence of the studies that have addressed such relationship.

Role and application of glycosaminoglycans in trichology and cosmetology

Glycosaminoglycans are structurally complex, linear polysaccharides. They show a hydrophilic effect and have the ability to bind water. In cosmetic preparations, they are obtained biotechnologically and appear in the form of hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate and potassium hyaluronate. The aim of the study was to present the possibility of using glycosamidoglycans in cosmetology, trichology and aesthetic dermatology. These compounds are considered safe for topical application, they keep the skin in proper condition, support cell renewal, and increase the skin’s resistance to harmful external factors. They also bring satisfactory results in terms of application in trichology. A number of studies show that they stimulate hair growth, reduce excessive flaking of the scalp, seborrhea and support the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.