The Role of Neurotoxins and Fillers in Affirmative Care in Gender Nonconforming Filipino Patients.

Objective: Gender nonconformity refers to individuals whose gender identity, roles, or expressions do not adhere to societal standards and norms. Affirmative care is an approach to healthcare delivery in which organizations, programs, and providers recognize, validate, and support the identity stated or expressed by the individuals served. This study examined the effects of nonsurgical interventions performed by dermatologists, specifically botulinum toxins (BoNTA) and dermal filler injections, on the physical and mental health of Filipino gender nonconforming individuals. Methods: Six gender nonconforming patients received filler and BoNTA injections to enhance their desired facial features. The patients were interviewed before and three months after the treatment session. Baseline and three months posttreatment photos were used to examine treatment results, including the facial width-to-height ratio (FWHR). Three months after treatment, the patients answered a five-question Likert-scale satisfaction survey. Results: Patients reported high satisfaction with the treatment outcomes (median=5) and agreed that the treatment met their expectations (median=5). They reported improved fine lines and wrinkles (median=5) and increased self-confidence (median=5). All participants strongly recommended the treatment to others (median=5). Changes in FWHR varied among participants who requested a feminine appearance, except for one participant who sought a masculine appearance and whose FWHR increased. Conclusion: Sensitivity, openness, and knowledge regarding the facial aspirations and treatment preferences of gender nonconforming patients can improve outcomes and increase patient satisfaction in this patient population.

Consensus on Current Injectable Treatment Strategies in the Asian Face.

BACKGROUND: The desire for and use of nonsurgical injectable esthetic facial treatments are increasing in Asia. The structural and anatomical features specific to the Asian face, and differences from Western populations in facial aging, necessitate unique esthetic treatment strategies, but published recommendations and clinical evidence for injectable treatments in Asians are scarce. METHODS: The Asian Facial Aesthetics Expert Consensus Group met to discuss current practices and consensus opinions on the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, alone and in combination, for facial applications in Southeastern and Eastern Asians. Consensus opinions and statements on treatment aims and current practice were developed following discussions regarding pre-meeting and meeting survey outcomes, peer-reviewed literature, and the experts' clinical experience. RESULTS: The indications and patterns of use of injectable treatments vary among patients of different ages, and among Asian countries. The combination use of botulinum toxin and fillers increases as patients age. Treatment aims in Asians and current practice regarding the use of botulinum toxin and HA fillers in the upper, middle, and lower face of patients aged 18 to[55 years are presented. CONCLUSIONS: In younger Asian patients, addressing proportion and structural features and deficiencies are important to achieve desired esthetic outcomes. In older patients, maintaining facial structure and volume and addressing lines and folds are essential to reduce the appearance of aging. This paper provides guidance on treatment strategies to address the complex esthetic requirements in Asian patients of all ages. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that the authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Consensus on Current Injectable Treatment Strategies in the Asian Face.

BACKGROUND: The desire for and use of nonsurgical injectable esthetic facial treatments are increasing in Asia. The structural and anatomical features specific to the Asian face, and differences from Western populations in facial aging, necessitate unique esthetic treatment strategies, but published recommendations and clinical evidence for injectable treatments in Asians are scarce. METHOD: The Asian Facial Aesthetics Expert Consensus Group met to discuss current practices and consensus opinions on the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, alone and in combination, for facial applications in Southeastern and Eastern Asians. Consensus opinions and statements on treatment aims and current practice were developed following discussions regarding pre-meeting and meeting survey outcomes, peer-reviewed literature, and the experts' clinical experience. RESULTS: The indications and patterns of use of injectable treatments vary among patients of different ages, and among Asian countries. The combination use of botulinum toxin and fillers increases as patients age. Treatment aims in Asians and current practice regarding the use of botulinum toxin and HA fillers in the upper, middle, and lower face of patients aged 18 to >55 years are presented. CONCLUSIONS: In younger Asian patients, addressing proportion and structural features and deficiencies are important to achieve desired esthetic outcomes. In older patients, maintaining facial structure and volume and addressing lines and folds are essential to reduce the appearance of aging. This paper provides guidance on treatment strategies to address the complex esthetic requirements in Asian patients of all ages. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that the authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Safety and efficacy of hybrid energy and trifractional technologies in the treatment of acne scars: An open-label clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study determines the safety and efficacy of a novel device--Surgen that utilizes hybrid energy (HE) technology and trifractional (TF) technology in the treatment of acne scars in Filipino patients. METHODS: Open-label clinical trial on eight subjects who underwent 4 weekly HE treatments followed by 2 TF treatments spaced 3 weeks apart. Efficacy was evaluated by dermatologists' (investigator and two blinded dermatologists) and patients' assessment and grading of post-treatment digital photographs. Subjects also reported level of satisfaction and comfort. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Dermatologists' grading of acne scars improvement--58.3% of subjects showed slight to moderate improvement, 8.3% showed marked improvement, and 33.3% was graded as unchanged after HE treatments. After 2 additional TF treatments grades improved further, with 37.5% showing mild to moderate improvement, 37.5% showing marked improvement, and 25% graded as unchanged. Dermatologist's scoring using the global acne scoring system resulted in improvement of 75% of patients after 4 HE sessions and 100% after TF treatments. Subjects' grading showed a similar trend: 75% of subjects reported that they were satisfied and 25% slightly satisfied after the complete protocol. CONCLUSION: A treatment protocol combining HE and TF technology is safe, effective, and comfortable in the treatment of acne scars.

Use of a TriPollar radio-frequency device for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

INTRODUCTION: Acne vulgaris is a common disease affecting mainly teenagers and young adults. Current treatment modalities include local or systemic medications, which often require a long intake. Light and radio-frequency (RF) devices have recently been used to treat acne in selected patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of TriPollar RF technology for non-invasive treatment of acne vulgaris lesions. METHODS: Twenty patients with active acne lesions underwent TriPollar RF treatments once a week for 6 weeks. Results were evaluated using photographs and active lesion counts at baseline, before subsequent treatment sessions and at follow-up visits. Patients also rated their satisfaction on a 5-score rating scale. RESULTS: An average reduction of 42% in active acne lesions was found after six TriPollar sessions, which was sustained at the 4-week follow-up visit. The average improvement rated by patients at the 4-week follow-up visit was 2.5, indicating good to very good satisfaction with the clinical results. No significant adverse events were recorded during the study and follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The findings confirm the safety and efficacy of TriPollar RF for the treatment of acne vulgaris.