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.

Efficacy, Safety, and Subject Satisfaction After AbobotulinumtoxinA Treatment for Moderate to Severe Glabellar Lines.

BACKGROUND: The aesthetic use of botulinum toxins is widely accepted in routine treatment of glabellar lines. OBJECTIVE: To strengthen existing efficacy and safety data, and examine subject satisfaction concerning abobotulinumtoxinA (ABO) treatment for moderate to severe glabellar lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 150-day prospective, single-dose, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of 300 subjects treated with ABO (50 Units [U]). Response was defined as having no or mild glabellar lines after treatment (primary objective was Day 30 response). Glabellar line severity, onset and duration of effect, satisfaction, treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were assessed. RESULTS: Median time to onset of effect was 2 days. Day 30, ABO treatment response was 89% and 85% for investigator and subject assessments, respectively (p < .001 vs placebo). At Day 120, 60% of subjects demonstrated ≥1 grade improvement and 45% at Day 150. Subject satisfaction concerning glabellar line appearance was high (93%) at Day 14 and maintained by 35% through Day 150 with ABO treatment. No serious AEs were related to study treatment. CONCLUSION: Most ABO-treated subjects sustained ≥1 grade glabellar line improvements over 120 days, and satisfaction was maintained by >30% of subjects throughout 150 days. ABO was well tolerated.

Efficacy and Safety of Two Resilient Hyaluronic Acid Fillers in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Nasolabial Folds: A 64-Week, Prospective, Multicenter, Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blinded, and Within-Subject Study.

BACKGROUND: A range of monophasic dermal fillers made of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) chains with reduced cross-linking was developed for aesthetic procedures. OBJECTIVE: The efficacy, durability, and safety of 2 of these resilient HA (RHA) fillers, and their noninferiority to an effective HA comparator available in the United States, were tested in the treatment of dynamic facial wrinkles. METHODS: A 15-month, prospective, multicenter, active-controlled, randomized, double-blinded, split-face clinical trial was carried out on 174 subjects presenting moderate-to-severe bilateral nasolabial folds (NLFs). Assessed parameters included improvement on a proprietary Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, according to Blind Live Evaluators, subjects, and treating investigators. Self-perception was evaluated with FACE-Q and satisfaction scales. RESULTS: The per-protocol populations included 67 and 62 subjects of all Fitzpatrick skin-phototypes, in the 2 comparison groups. Significant improvement of mean WSRS scores and associated responder rates established the noninferiority of RHA fillers to their comparator, over 15 months. Aesthetic improvement and subject satisfaction were durably high, with no meaningful differences between the fillers. Treatments were safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSION: The 2 RHA fillers are at least equivalent to a well-established comparator for the correction of NLF in subjects of diverse skin-phototypes.

Safety and Effectiveness of VYC-17.5L for Long-Term Correction of Nasolabial Folds.

BACKGROUND: Juvéderm Vollure XC (VYC-17.5L; Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland) belongs to a family of hyaluronic acid gels based on the Vycross technology platform. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Vollure for correction of moderate to severe nasolabial folds (NLFs) over 18 months and after repeat treatment. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized study, patients (N = 123) received initial/touch-up treatment with Vollure in 1 NLF and control filler in the contralateral NLF. Patients received optional repeat treatment with Vollure after month 12, 15, or 18. Assessments included investigator-rated NLF Severity Scale responder rates (≥1-point improvement vs baseline), patient-assessed Appraisal of Nasolabial Folds scale of the FACE-Q questionnaire, and patient satisfaction (11-point scale). RESULTS: Median volume of Vollure injected was 1.7 mL for initial/touch-up treatment combined and 0.6 mL for repeat treatment. The NLF Severity Scale responder rates were 93%, 85%, and 59% at months 6, 9, and 18 after initial/touch-up treatment and increased to 94% at 1 month after repeat treatment. Mean patient-reported FACE-Q scores significantly improved from baseline at all timepoints. Most patients were very satisfied with treatment at all timepoints from day 3 (75%) through month 18 (68%) and at 1 month after repeat treatment (94%). Common injection site responses after initial/touch-up and repeat treatment were firmness, swelling, and tenderness to touch; most were mild/moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Vollure was safe and effective for correction of moderate to severe NLFs, with results lasting 18 months in 59% of NLFs. Repeat treatment required one-third of the injection volume to achieve similar improvement in NLF severity as initial/touch-up treatment.

Mohs Surgery for Periocular Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancers of the periorbital area present unique challenges to Mohs surgeons. OBJECTIVE: The need for precise and high-quality Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is paramount because of the complex anatomy, vital structures, and potential threat to vision. METHODS: A thorough comprehension of anatomy is essential to help predict tumor behavior and ensure successful outcomes for patients. RESULTS: Tumors occurring at the medial and lateral canthi are of greatest concern for deeper orbital penetration. CONCLUSION: In this study, we present our experience with MMS of periorbital tumors, including clinical pearls and techniques to aid the Mohs surgeon.

Treatment of Atrophic Facial Acne Scars With Microneedling Followed by Polymethylmethacrylate-Collagen Gel Dermal Filler.

BACKGROUND: Microneedling and soft-tissue filler injections have been used independently to improve acne scarring. The effectiveness of a combined approach using microneedling followed by polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-collagen gel has not been carefully studied. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of microneedling alone versus microneedling followed by injection of PMMA-collagen gel filler for correction of atrophic facial acne scars. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, open-label, randomized, prospective study on subjects with distensible atrophic acne scars in the face to determine whether microneedling with PMMA-collagen gel is a superior acne scar treatment over microneedling alone. Forty-four subjects received 3 microneedling treatments over a 12-week period followed by randomization to treatments with PMMA-collagen gel (treatment group) or no further treatment (control group). RESULTS: At 24 weeks, the treatment group achieved a statistically significant improvement in acne scores over microneedling alone. The improvement continued at 36 weeks. At 24 weeks, the treatment group showed a strong trend in improvement on the Physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale compared with microneedling alone.

Botulinum Toxin in Aesthetic Medicine: Myths and Realities.

BACKGROUND: Several formulations of Botulinum toxin serotype A (BoNT-A) for aesthetic indications are available, with numbers likely to increase. Preparations are not interchangeable, based on dose unit comparisons. OBJECTIVE: Numerous myths and misconceptions regarding the use of BoNT-A for aesthetic indications have arisen, which this review aims to lay to rest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review assesses evidence for and against each of the most common myths regarding BoNT use in aesthetics. RESULTS: BoNT-A neurotoxin/protein complexes are irrelevant to the toxin's therapeutic/aesthetic indications. BoNT-A neurotoxin/protein complexes do not influence movement from injection site or immunogenicity. Any relationship between neutralizing antibody formation and clinical response is complex and clinicians should consider other factors that may induce an apparent loss of clinical response. Diffusion appears predominately, perhaps exclusively, dose dependent. Careful placement and correct dosing optimizes likelihood of good outcomes. Manufacturers recommend reconstitution of products with sterile nonpreserved saline. However, compelling evidence suggests that reconstitution using preserved saline dramatically improves patient comfort without compromising efficacy. Several post-treatment instructions/restrictions are widely used despite the lack of evidence, but muscle activity after injection may be beneficial. Cooling the treatment area might hinder BoNT-A translocation and should probably be abandoned. CONCLUSION: The existing evidence suggests that experienced users should achieve equivalent results regardless of BoNT-A formulation, but additional, well-designed, adequately powered, controlled randomized studies should be performed.

Histologic Accuracy of Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery enables the surgeon to maximize tumor removal while minimizing the amount of tissue being removed using advanced mapping techniques combined with microscopy. Interpretation of frozen section slides is vital to the success of Mohs micrographic surgery. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate and confirm the congruence of frozen section slide interpretation between fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons and dermatopathologists. METHODS: Retrospective cohort concordance study spanning 10 years (n = 1,720 cases). RESULTS: The concordance rate for frozen slide interpretation between fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons and dermatopathologists in this study was 99.5%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates agreement between the interpretation of histologic frozen section slides when evaluated by fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons and dermatopathologists.

Hyaluronic Acid Gel With (HARRL) and Without Lidocaine (HAJU) for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Nasolabial Folds: A Randomized, Evaluator-Blinded, Phase III Study.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are frequently used to correct or smooth facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of 2 HA gels, formulated by 2 different manufacturing processes: XpresHAn Technology (HARRL [with lidocaine]) and Hylacross technology (HAJU-a comparator product without lidocaine). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy subjects with bilateral nasolabial folds rated as moderate or severe, according to the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS), received injections of HARRL in the nasolabial folds on one side of the face and HAJU on the other side. Investigator- and subject-assessed wrinkle severity was measured up to 48 weeks after final injection. RESULTS: HARRL exhibited a similar safety and efficacy profile compared with HAJU. Noninferiority of HARRL was demonstrated at 24 weeks (WSRS mean change from baseline mean difference -0.1 [95% confidence interval: -0.15, 0.01], p = .090). Incidence of adverse events was 40% for both treatments. CONCLUSION: HARRL exhibited a similar safety and efficacy profile compared with HAJU.

Safety and Effectiveness of the Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler VYC-17.5L for Nasolabial Folds: Results of a Randomized, Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Juvéderm Vollure XC (VYC-17.5L) belongs to a family of nonanimal hyaluronic acid (HA) gels based on the Vycross technology platform. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of VYC-17.5L for correction of moderate to severe nasolabial folds (NLFs) compared with a control HA dermal filler. METHODS: In this double-blind study, 123 adults with 2 moderate or severe NLFs as measured on the 5-point photonumeric NLF severity scale (NLFSS) were randomized to VYC-17.5L in 1 NLF and control in the contralateral NLF. The coprimary effectiveness end points at Month 6 were difference in improvement in mean NLFSS score for VYC-17.5L versus control and NLFSS responder rate (≥1-point improvement) for VYC-17.5L. RESULTS: The coprimary effectiveness end points were met. NLFSS scores improved by 1.4 with VYC-17.5L and by 1.3 with control; NLFSS responder rate with VYC-17.5L was 93.2%. More than three-quarters of subjects (82%) treated with VYC-17.5L were very satisfied at Month 6. Investigators reported that VYC-17.5L was smoother and more natural looking and easier to inject and mold than control. VYC-17.5L resulted in significantly fewer severe injection site responses than control. CONCLUSION: VYC-17.5L was safe and effective for correcting moderate to severe NLFs, with results lasting through 6 months in 93% of subjects.

Forehead Line Treatment With OnabotulinumtoxinA in Subjects With Forehead and Glabellar Facial Rhytids: A Phase 3 Study.

BACKGROUND: Effacement of horizontal forehead lines (FHL) with onabotulinumtoxinA has not been investigated in prospective Phase 3 studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of FHL together with glabellar lines (GL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 12-month, Phase 3 study randomized subjects with moderate-to-severe FHL and GL to onabotulinumtoxinA 40 U or placebo, distributed between the frontalis (20 U) and glabellar complex (20 U). After Day 180, subjects could receive up to 2 additional open-label onabotulinumtoxinA treatments. Efficacy was assessed using the Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) and Facial Line Outcomes questionnaire. RESULTS: The intent-to-treat (ITT) population included 391 subjects, and the modified ITT (mITT) population (subjects with psychological impact) included 254 subjects. After 30 days, onabotulinumtoxinA significantly improved the investigator- and subject-assessed appearance of FHL severity by at least 2 FWS grades in 61.4% of ITT subjects versus 0% of placebo subjects (p < .0001). In the mITT population, 94.8% of onabotulinumtoxinA subjects and 1.7% of placebo subjects achieved investigator- and subject-assessed FWS ratings of none/mild (p = .0003). Patient-reported outcomes were consistent with FWS ratings. OnabotulinumtoxinA was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: OnabotulinumtoxinA 40 U distributed between the frontalis and glabellar complex was safe and effective for treatment of moderate-to-severe FHL.

Noninvasive approach to treatment of submental fullness.

A recent survey done by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery indicated that 67% of respondents were bothered by "excess fat under the chin/neck." Accumulation of fat in the preplatysmal compartment of the neck is a common cause for fullness in the submental area. In the past, surgical liposuction was the only option to remove fat in the submental area. Although effective, liposuction does have risks and downtime. Recently, noninvasive options for treatment of submental fat have been introduced. These include treatment with deoxycholic acid, known as Kybella®, and cryolipolysis using the CoolMini™ handpiece. Both of these treatments offer less downtime fewer potential risks than the surgical counterpart. This article summarizes these two procedures and describes noninvasive approaches to treatment of submental fat.

AbobotulinumtoxinA: A 25-Year History.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Alan Scott showed that intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin (BoNT) corrected nonaccommodative strabismus without resorting to surgery. The UK doctors who trained with Scott soon realized the significant potential offered by BoNT type A as a therapeutic option for several difficult-to-treat diseases. This led to a collaboration between these pioneering clinicians and the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research at Porton Down, United Kingdom, and, in turn, to the development and commercialization of abobotulinumtoxinA as Dysport (Dystonia/Porton Down; Ipsen Biopharm Ltd., Wrexham, UK). Dysport was approved in Europe for the treatment of specific dystonias in December 1990 and now has marketing authorizations in 75 countries. Since then, the use of BoNT in therapeutic and aesthetic indications has grown year-on-year, and continues to expand well beyond Scott's initial aim. For example, ongoing trials are assessing potential new indications for BoNT-A, including acne and psoriasis. Furthermore, a growing number of other BoNT products, often termed "biosimilars," together with innovative formulations of well-established BoNT types, are likely to reach the market over the next few years. This review focuses on the history of Dysport to mark the 25th anniversary of its first launch in the United Kingdom.

The Practical Use of AbobotulinumtoxinA in Aesthetics.

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) has been approved for aesthetic use since 2002. Since then, clinical studies and expert use have informed our understanding of how BoNT exerts its clinical effect and the practical use of this product across a number of aesthetic applications. This review discusses the clinical properties and characteristics of abobotulinumtoxinA, which patients are suitable for its use, and how it can be utilized to treat facial rhytides.

Proper Technique for Administration of ATX-101 (Deoxycholic Acid Injection): Insights From an Injection Practicum and Roundtable Discussion.

ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid injection; Kybella in the United States and Belkyra in Canada; Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Westlake Village, CA [an affiliate of Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland]) is the first aesthetic injectable approved for reduction of submental fat. In February 2014, an injection practicum was conducted in the anatomy laboratory at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to explore the proper injection technique for ATX-101 and the importance of its appropriate, safe anatomical placement within the submental area. Subsequent to the injection practicum, a structured roundtable discussion was conducted in which potential implications of the various injection protocols evaluated during the practicum were reviewed. Furthermore, the faculty had the opportunity to provide additional perspectives based on their clinical experience with facial injectables and ATX-101 specifically. In this article, the findings from the injection practicum and roundtable discussion are reported.

Anatomy of the Cervicomental Region: Insights From an Anatomy Laboratory and Roundtable Discussion.

In 2015, ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid injection; Kybella in the United States and Belkyra in Canada; Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Westlake Village, CA [an affiliate of Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland]) was approved as a first-in-class injectable drug for reduction of submental fat. Use of a pharmacologic/injectable therapy within the submental region requires a thorough understanding of cervicomental anatomy to ensure proper injection technique and safe administration. To this end, an anatomy laboratory was conducted to review key external landmarks and important internal anatomic structures that characterize the lower face and anterior neck. External landmarks that define the boundaries of the cervicomental and submental regions were identified including the inferior mandibular border, the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the antegonial notch, the submental crease, the thyroid notch, and the hyoid bone. Relevant internal anatomic structures, including preplatysmal submental fat (the target tissue for ATX-101) and the platysma muscle as well as critical neurovascular and glandular tissues were revealed by dissection. Of particular interest was the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve because it typically courses along the inferior mandibular border near the proposed treatment area for ATX-101.

Five-Year Safety and Satisfaction Study of PMMA-Collagen in the Correction of Nasolabial Folds.

BACKGROUND: A polymethylmethacrylate-collagen filler is generally believed to give long-term benefits, but the risk of granuloma formation over time remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of granuloma formation and response to treatment and assess the degree of patient satisfaction over 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adults seeking correction of nasolabial folds underwent up to 3 injection sessions over 2 months. Subjects were then queried regularly for the development of signs and symptoms of a granuloma. Any positive responses were evaluated, and lesions suspicious for granulomas were confirmed by biopsy. Granulomas were treated at the discretion of the investigator. Subjects also completed regular satisfaction questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 1,008 subjects were enrolled and 871 completed the full 5 years of the study. A biopsy-confirmed granuloma developed in 1.7% of subjects. Almost all granulomas responded to treatment. At study exit, 0.9% of subjects had an unresolved granuloma. Patient satisfaction remained high throughout the duration of the study. CONCLUSION: The incidence of granuloma formation with a polymethylmethacrylate-collagen dermal filler is low, and almost all lesions are manageable with simple therapeutic measures. Patient satisfaction remains durable over 5 years. Polymethylmethacrylate-collagen offers a well-characterized and very favorable risk/benefit profile.

Understanding and use of the American Joint Committee on Cancer seventh edition guidelines for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a survey of dermatologic surgeons.

BACKGROUND: The seventh edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual was published in 2009, including an updated chapter on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and other cutaneous carcinomas. Notable improvements from the previous sixth edition include placement of Merkel cell carcinoma and cSCC of the eyelid in individual chapters, elimination of the 5-cm clinical breakpoint for T3, and addition of high-risk features for upstaging T1 to T2 independent of clinical tumor size. Despite these advances, several publications critical of the AJCC guidelines have surfaced in the literature since their release. OBJECTIVE: To further evaluate the use and applicability of the most-recent AJCC guidelines for cSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based survey of members of the American College of Mohs Surgery to gauge knowledge and application of the guidelines. CONCLUSION: Although physician knowledge of the details of the guidelines was in line with expectations, some areas for improvement (e.g., coexistent immunosuppression incorrectly listed as a high-risk feature) remain. Also, the lack of change in practice, among Mohs surgeons or dermatopathologists, as a result of the guidelines is somewhat troubling and may be an area for further research.

Long-term safety of abobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of glabellar lines: results from a 36-month, multicenter, open-label extension study.

BACKGROUND: Because abobotulinumtoxinA treatment for glabellar lines must be repeated regularly to prevent recurrence, understanding the safety and effectiveness of long-term, repeated administration of abobotulinumtoxinA is important. OBJECTIVE: To report the long-term safety and efficacy of abobotulinumtoxinA in patients with moderate to severe glabellar lines. METHODS AND MATERIALS: AbobotulinumtoxinA was administered to 1,415 patients in multiple cycles over 24 months as a fixed dose of 50 U or as a dose based on muscle mass and sex (women: 50-70 U; men: 60-80 U). Adverse events were assessed after each visit on days 7, 14, and 30 and monthly thereafter; monitoring continued every 3 months for a total safety monitoring duration of 36 months or less. RESULTS: Nine hundred ninety-one (70%) patients reported treatment-emergent adverse effects (TEAEs); most events were mild (70%) or moderate (20%) in severity. The rate of TEAEs did not increase over 24 months of repeated treatment (mean 5.6 cycles; range 1-9). Treatment-related eyelid ptosis followed 53 of 7,938 (0.7%) treatments, all of which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple cycles of abobotulinumtoxinA treatment over 24 months were well tolerated and effective for the correction of glabellar lines, with no evidence of cumulative safety problems.