Cosmetic Injectable Treatments Improve Quality of Life in Patients With Multiple Serious Medical Comorbidities.

Full facial rejuvenation with multi-modal cosmetic treatments can improve quality of life, leading to improvement in confidence and psychological function. These combination treatments are frequently administered at the same or sequential sessions and include neuromodulators and fillers. In patients with significant recent weight loss and other medical comorbidities, these treatments can help restore self-confidence and provide the encouragement they need to continue treatment for their comorbidities. We present a case report of a 71-year-old woman who experienced significant weight loss of 40 lbs (33% body weight) during the course of treatment of multiple medical comorbidities, including surgical intervention for compression fractures. Due to her facial appearance caused by this excessive weight loss, she experienced poor self-esteem as measured by the FACE-Q scales. She was treated cosmetically with 21cc of hyperdilute calcium hydroxyapatite (diluted in a 1:3 ratio; 7cc of calcium hydroxyapatite total) and neuromodulators to replace lost facial volume over three visits. At three months after her last treatment, her FACE-Q scores improved two-and-a-half-fold and fivefold on the psychological function and aging appraisal, respectively. Cosmetic treatments can dramatically improve the quality of life in patients with multiple medical co-morbidities. This population of patients is often excluded from clinical trials or other studies, representing a population for which we have little data on the efficacy of cosmetic treatments.

Phenol-Croton Oil Chemical Peeling Induces Durable Improvement of Constitutional Periorbital Dark Circles.

BACKGROUND: Constitutional periorbital dark circles (PDC) are common in skin of color and represent a therapeutic challenge. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience of the International Peeling Society on the safety and effectiveness of deep chemical peeling in the treatment of constitutional PDC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multi-institutional, retrospective case series (1990-2020) of constitutional PDC treated by deep chemical peeling. Descriptive analysis by age, sex, Fitzpatrick phototype, phenol-croton formula, degree and durability of improvement, and complications. RESULTS: Fifty-five phenol-croton oil peels were performed in 52 patients: 3 patients received a second peel for periorbital rhytids 72 to 84 months after the first peel. 92% (48/52) of patients were women; the median age was 46 years (range, 23-68 years). 89% (46/52) of patients were Fitzpatrick III-IV. Most common formula included phenol 60% to 65% and croton oil 0.6% to 0.7%. 89% (49/55) of peels demonstrated >50% clinical improvement. The median duration of improvement was 24 months (range, 1.5-168 months), and 69% (36/52) of patients demonstrated ongoing improvement at the last follow-up. 4% (2/55) of peels exhibited complications of persistent erythema that resolved without scarring. CONCLUSION: Based on its safety and effectiveness, deep chemical peels are a treatment of choice for constitutional PDC.

Chemical Peels as Field Therapy for Actinic Keratoses: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Actinic keratoses (AKs) are a common premalignant cutaneous neoplasm and can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. A variety of treatment options are available for field therapy of diffuse AKs. OBJECTIVE: This review systematically analyzes the use of chemical peels for treatment of AKs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed was performed searching from 1946 to March 2020 to identify the literature on chemical peels for AKs. RESULTS: Of the 151 articles identified, 5 met inclusion criteria for review. Four of the reviewed articles demonstrated the efficacy of chemical peels in reducing AK count and minimal adverse effects. In some studies, chemical peels exhibited potential to prevent additional AK formation and development of keratinocyte carcinomas. CONCLUSION: Chemical peels are an efficacious and affordable treatment option for field treatment of AKs. With improved patient tolerance and adherence, chemical peels are an attractive option for field therapy of AKs for both dermatologists and patients.

A Combination Approach to Treating Acne Scars in All Skin Types: Carbolic Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars, Blunt Bi-level Cannula Subcision, and Microneedling-A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Acne is a common condition that often results in scarring. Current treatment options, such as chemical peels, laser therapy, radiofrequency, subcision, and microneedling, all have some efficacy in the treatment of acne scars. Results can vary based on the type of scarring and the treatment modality used. OBJECTIVE: We propose a novel treatment of acne scarring using a multimodal approach comprising chemical reconstruction of skin scars, subcision, and microneedling. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2017 to December 2018 of all patients with acne scars treated with a triple combination approach in an outpatient cosmetic dermatology practice. Patients presenting with acne scarring who were 18 years of age or older and treated with the triple combination technique were eligible for inclusion. Each patient was treated with a combination of three procedures: 1) chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS), mainly with carbolic acid; 2) blunt bi-level cannula subcision; and 3) microneedling. RESULTS: A total of 139 patients were treated, of whom 89 (64%) had Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV to VI. Shadow-lit before and after photos and patient feedback on side effects and satisfaction level were used to assess changes. On average, patients received a total of two treatments each (range: 1-4 treatments). This triple approach to treating acne scars resulted in consistently high satisfaction among patients and photographic evidence of improvements. CONCLUSION: The triple combination of CROSS (to stimulate neocollagenesis), subcision (to release dermal connective tissue tethering), and microneedling (to stimulate neocollagenesis) appears to be effective for the treatment of acne scars. Randomized, controlled clinical trials with larger patient numbers are needed to support these observations.

Depth Map for Face and Neck Deep Chemical Peel Resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: Chemical peels are applied to the face and neck to improve rhytides and the photoaged appearance of the skin. Peels can be applied to different skin depths depending on the types of chemicals, the volume of solution, and the amount of pressure or friction applied. If a peel is applied too superficially, rhytides will not be removed. If a peel is applied too deeply, scarring or hypopigmentation could occur. OBJECTIVE: To create face and neck depth maps for chemical peeling, which can guide safety when removing rhytides and improving the skin's appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review of records was conducted of patients who underwent phenol-croton oil peeling, from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018. Information was collected on facial and neck cosmetic units peeled, peel formula and strength used, outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 410 patients received deep peels. Two depth maps were created that corresponded to the most common patterns of deep chemical peel applications. CONCLUSION: Different areas of the face and neck are treated with different chemical peel application depths to safely improve rhytides and appearance. Depth maps are created to balance safety and efficacy.

Abordagem combinada para o tratamento de cicatrizes de acne em todos os tipos de pele: CROSS com fenol, subcisão com cânulas em dois planos e microagulhamento / A combination approach to treating acne scars in all skin types: carbolic CROSS, blunt bi-level cannula subcision, and microneedling

A acne é uma condição comum que muitas vezes resulta em cicatrizes. Propomos um novo tratamento para as cicatrizes da acne usando: 1- reconstrução química de cicatrizes (CROSS), principalmente com fenol, 2- subcisão com cânula em dois níveis, e 3- microagulhamento. Um total de 139 pacientes foram tratados em 2017 e 2018, dos quais 89 (64%) eram de Fototipos de Fitzpatrick IV-VI. Esta abordagem tripla para o tratamento de cicatrizes de acne resultou em consistente alta satisfação dos pacientes e evidência fotográfica de melhoria. A combinação de CROSS (para estimular a neocolagênese), subcisão (para liberar as traves do tecido conjuntivo dérmico) e microagulhamento (também para estimular a neocolagênese) é eficaz para tratar as cicatrizes da acne.

Acne is a common condition that often results in scarring. We propose a novel treatment of acne scarring using: 1- chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS), mainly with carbolic acid, 2- blunt bi-level cannula subcision, and 3- microneedling. A total of 139 patients were treated from 2017- 2018, of which 89 (64%) were Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV-VI. This triple approach to treating acne scars resulted in consistent high satisfaction from patients and photographic evidence of improvement. A combination of CROSS (to stimulate neocollagenesis), subcision (to release dermal connective tissue tethering), and microneedling (to stimulate neocollagenesis) is effective for acne scar treatment.