Reduced Injection Site Pain with Altered pH in 24-h Reconstituted Botulinum Toxin: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Study on Cosmetic Applications.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are widely recognized for many cosmetic applications, but still commonly encounter a challenge: injection site pain (ISP). This discomfort can impact the overall patient experience and satisfaction, highlighting a need for innovative solutions to this problem. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled study aimed to determine whether adjusting the pH levels in a 24-h reconstituted botulinum toxin can serve as a strategy to mitigate ISP. METHODS: A controlled trial involving 24 volunteers was executed. Participants received incobotulinum toxin A. One side of each participant's face was treated with fresh toxin, while the other received a 24-h reconstituted version. Pain perceptions post-injection were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: pH values of the fresh toxin were more acidic (6.17) than the 24-h reconstituted toxin (7.17). Out of 24 patients, 13 reported reduced ISP with the 24-h reconstituted toxin. The mean VAS score for the fresh toxin was 5.92, in contrast to 4.17 for the reconstituted toxin, indicating a significant difference (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Limitations include the use of a VAS and a relatively small sample size. Altering the pH of BTX demonstrates potential in ISP reduction. However, broader, large-scale investigations are important for comprehensive validation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that 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.

New Classification System for Tear Trough Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Tear trough deformities (TTD) refer to a set of conditions leading to different shapes in the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek. Tear trough deformity is a major aesthetic concern for a lot of individuals seeking periorbital rejuvenation and is one of the most discussed landmarks in facial aesthetic surgery. OBJECTIVE: To describe a new morphologically related classification system, providing an objective means to evaluating the deformity. METHODS: The article proposes a new classification system exhibiting 5 different forms of a TTD based on the author's clinical experience and review of medical literature. CONCLUSION: Five forms of a TTD include a "hill" due to the superficial infraorbital fat pad herniation; a "valley" caused by fat reduction and skin changes; a "hill-valley" resulting from the weakening of the orbital portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle and its retaining ligaments, followed by fat reduction and skin changes; a "hill-valley-hill-valley" formed by a series of changes in portions of the orbicularis oculi muscle and its retaining ligaments; and a "mixed" form depicting a range of any of the 4 deformities. Classification of TTD is of great value to aid the treating physician in choosing the appropriate treating options.

Consensus Statement on the Use of Botulinum Neurotoxin in the Middle East.

Background: Aesthetic minimally invasive procedures have become very popular and culturally acceptable among Middle Eastern populations. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) is a valuable treatment modality for many cosmetic as well as therapeutic indications. The presence of BoNTA in our toolkit has revolutionized the field of aesthetic medicine to the point where it is now one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide. This consensus considers popular on- and off-label BoNTA indications in the Middle East. Methods: A multinational group of ten key opinion leaders, experts in facial plastic surgery and dermatology, convened the Middle East Aesthetics Consensus Group and reviewed the aesthetic applications of BoNTA. Recommendations and position statements were drafted based on the integration of the panel's clinical experience with published data, targeted to the practices implemented in the Middle Eastern and the global population. Results: Guidance statements are presented covering Middle Eastern facial characteristics and beauty ideals, BoNTA characteristics, pre-operative counselling, treatment indications and anatomical considerations, off-label and special uses including high-dose recommendations, and post-treatment advice. Throughout, an evidence-based approach to selection of products and injection techniques is provided, supplemented by the experts' advice on injections dosages and placement. Conclusion: This consensus reflects the knowledge and expertise of physicians practicing in the Middle East. The panel acknowledged the use of on-label indications and variability in the toxin formulations and immunogenicity and agreed upon a wide use of "off-label" indications.

Acne exacerbation after tofacitinib treatment for alopecia areata.

The major discovery of the novel therapeutic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors has been implicated in several dermatological diseases. Recently, studies have shown the efficacy and encouraging results of oral JAK inhibitors as a treatment for alopecia areata (AA). Due to the novelty of this treatment, potential side effects are not fully explored. In this paper, we present a case of a 28-year-old male with a 10-year history of alopecia totalis (AT) treated successfully with tofacitinib with encouraging effects on hair regrowth; however, a significant worsening of the patient's facial acne was observed four months after AT treatment initiation. JAK inhibitors have promising results in the management of different dermatological conditions including moderatesevere forms of AA with few reported adverse events. Acne exacerbation is a unique observed adverse effect of this therapy. More thorough larger sized studies are needed to further characterize the association between acne exacerbation and the use of JAK inhibitors.

Steatocystoma Multiplex Suppurativa: A Case with Unusual Giant Cysts over the Scalp and Neck.

Steatocystoma multiplex (SM) is a rare hamartomatous malformation of the pilosebaceous duct junction. Most cases of SM are sporadic, although less common autosomal dominant inherited forms have been reported. Steatocystoma multiplex suppurativa (SMS) is a much rarer inflammatory variant of SM, associated with severe inflammatory lesions resembling those of hidradenitis suppurativa. We describe herein a 28-year-old male with SMS who presented with extensive giant cysts on his neck, face, and scalp.

Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to hyaluronic acid dermal filler following influenza-like illness.

Background: Delayed reactions after facial hyaluronic acid injection are relatively rare complications. Their cause may be infectious or immune-mediated in origin, and their outbreak can be triggered, for example, by an influenza-like illness. Objective: To describe potential adverse event of influenza like illness following dermal filler injection. Methods: We report fourteen unusual cases of delayed hypersensitivity reaction to several brands of hyaluronic acid dermal filler following influenza like illness. Results: Increasing evidence implicates influenza infection in the pathogenesis of late onset filler reaction. Conclusion: Although there is a low risk of late onset adverse reaction with hyaluronic acid fillers, injecting physicians must be aware of the possible filler reaction following the influenza infection.

Lateral oblique forehead lines: redefining sleeping lines and treatment with botulinum toxin A.

BACKGROUND: Lateral oblique forehead lines had previously been defined as "sleeping lines." We present arguments to support the premise that these lines are not caused by sleeping position, but arise instead from the repeated contraction of powerful frontalis and orbicularis oculi muscles and can therefore be successful treated with onabotulinum toxin A. OBJECTIVES: To understand the causes behind the development of lateral oblique forehead lines and to look at treatment outcomes using onabotulinum toxin A. METHODS: An examination of facial anatomy and physical laws that could influence the formation of lateral oblique forehead lines was performed. Case studies of two male subjects presenting with these lines and treated with onabotulinum toxin A are discussed. RESULTS: Lateral oblique forehead lines were shown to be the result of muscular contraction rather than sleeping position. There were positive esthetic results in the appearance of these forehead lines in the two patients treated with onabotulinum toxin A. CONCLUSION: This new definition of lateral oblique forehead lines is important because it allows for the possibility of treating overactive muscular activity with onabotulinum toxin A thereby diminishing the appearance of the lines.