Introduction of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery FACE TO FACE Database.

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery FACE TO FACE database was created to gather and organize patient data primarily from international humanitarian surgical mission trips, as well as local humanitarian initiatives. Similar to cloud-based Electronic Medical Records, this web-based user-generated database allows for more accurate tracking of provider and patient information and outcomes, regardless of site, and is useful when coordinating follow-up care for patients. The database is particularly useful on international mission trips as there are often different surgeons who may provide care to patients on subsequent missions, and patients who may visit more than 1 mission site. Ultimately, by pooling data across multiples sites and over time, the database has the potential to be a useful resource for population-based studies and outcome data analysis. The objective of this paper is to delineate the process involved in creating the AAFPRS FACE TO FACE database, to assess its functional utility, to draw comparisons to electronic medical records systems that are now widely implemented, and to explain the specific benefits and disadvantages of the use of the database as it was implemented on recent international surgical mission trips.

Patient-reported outcomes with botulinum toxin type A treatment of glabellar rhytids: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Global patient-reported outcomes do not evaluate specific aspects of treatment that are important to patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate self-perception of age and specific outcomes that are important to patients receiving botulinum toxin type A or placebo for moderate to severe glabellar lines (using the Facial Line Outcomes Questionnaire to assess how much facial lines bother them, make them look older, detract from their facial appearance, prevent a smooth facial appearance, and make them look tired, stressed, or angry). METHODS AND MATERIALS: In the double-blind phase of this 12-week study, 70 patients were randomly assigned to treatment with 20 U botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX Cosmetic) or placebo. At Week 4, those still with moderate or severe glabellar lines were offered open-label 20 U botulinum toxin type A. RESULTS: Median glabellar line severity was significantly lower after botulinum toxin treatment than after placebo. Compared with placebo, botulinum toxin also resulted in significantly superior patient assessments and a greater proportion of patients considering they looked younger than their current age. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin type A can achieve specific goals of treatment that are important to patients and help them feel that they look younger than their current age.

An overview of techniques, indications, and approaches to the midface lift.

In the past decade, midface rejuvenation has matured to allow experienced surgeons to address this area as part of a total facial rejuvenation. Procedures have advanced as successive generations of surgeons have improved understanding of this complex anatomic area. Midface rejuvenation is fraught with perils, however, and should never be attempted by an inexperienced surgeon. Specialized training is vital for addressing this area safely. With appropriate training, midface lift can add another dimension to panfacial rejuvenation.