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.

Advanced chemical peels: Phenol-croton oil peel.

Once considered the standard for deep facial resurfacing, the classical Baker-Gordon phenol-croton oil peel has largely been replaced by formulas with lower concentrations of phenol and croton oil. The improved safety profile of deep peels has ushered in a new era in chemical peeling. Wrinkles can be improved and skin can be tightened with more subtle and natural results. No longer does a deep peel denote "alabaster white" facial depigmentation with complete effacement of wrinkles. Gregory Hetter's research showed that the strength and corresponding depth of penetration of the phenol-croton oil peel can be modified by varying the concentration of croton oil. This second article in this continuing medical education series focuses on the main historical, scientific, and procedural considerations in phenol-croton oil peels.

Use of gelatin sponges in Mohs micrographic surgery defects and staged melanoma excisions: a novel approach to secondary wound healing.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: surgical closure or reconstruction is commonly used to treat wounds generated by Mohs micrographic surgeries (MMS) and staged melanoma excisions, which may result in contractures and scarring. The authors' objective was to determine the value of using gelatin sponges to promote secondary intention healing for surgical defects after MMS and staged melanoma excisions. METHODS: sixty-four surgeries from 54 predominantly elderly patients (median age=76 years) were treated with gelatin sponges to promote healing by secondary intention in this prospective investigation. Patients rated their satisfaction with outcomes on a scale of 1 (highly dissatisfied) to 5 (highly satisfied). RESULTS: in all patients, the wounds healed within four to 16 weeks (median=five weeks). Forty-five patients were highly satisfied with their results (mean score=4.9). CONCLUSION: healing by secondary intention using gelatin sponges was associated with improved hemostasis, excellent cosmesis and a high level of patient satisfaction.

Five-year safety and efficacy of a novel polymethylmethacrylate aesthetic soft tissue filler for the correction of nasolabial folds.

BACKGROUND: A novel soft tissue filler composed of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres suspended in a collagen gel matrix containing 0.3% lidocaine (ArteFill, Artes Medical, Inc.) was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the correction of nasolabial folds. A randomized, multicenter, controlled pivotal trial performed in the United States established the safety and efficacy of this medical device throughout a 12-month study period. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to substantiate the long-term 5-year safety and efficacy of this novel soft tissue PMMA filler. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Attempts were made to contact all subjects treated with the PMMA filler that were enrolled in the original pivotal study. Safety was assessed by standard adverse event reporting methods. Efficacy was determined using a validated six-point facial fold assessment photometric grading scale using blinded observers' assessment of standardized photographs. RESULTS: Subjects (n=119) demonstrated significant improvement in nasolabial folds comparing baseline (before any treatment) to 5 years after their last treatment (p<.001). Notably, subjects also demonstrated continued improvement between 6 months after their last treatment and Year 5 (p=.002). No serious unanticipated device-related adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: This PMMA filler is the first soft tissue filler to demonstrate continued improvement and persistence of correction over a 5-year period posttreatment.

ArteFill: a long-lasting injectable wrinkle filler material--summary of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration trials and a progress report on 4- to 5-year outcomes.

ArteFill, the successor product to Artecoll, is an injectable wrinkle filler composed of polymethylmethacrylate microspheres and bovine collagen, which offers long-lasting and probably permanent augmentation of wrinkles and skin contour deformities. The pivotal U.S. Food and Drug Administration study consisted of 251 subjects at eight centers in the United States who received injections of ArteFill or bovine collagen dermal filler (control) in 1334 wrinkles of the glabella, nasolabial folds, radial upper lip lines, and corners of the mouth. The efficacy data generated by masked observers using a photographic Facial Fold Assessment Scale demonstrated a significant improvement with ArteFill compared with collagen at 6 months (p < 0.001) in the nasolabial folds. In the ArteFill group, 12-month follow-up was obtained for 111 subjects (86.7 percent) and showed persistence of significant wrinkle correction. A subgroup of 69 patients who received ArteFill were recalled 4 to 5 years later. Five patients reported six late adverse events that occurred from 2 to 5 years after the initial injection; four of the adverse events were mild cases of lumpiness and two were severe. The total number of late adverse events was six of 272 (2.2 percent) wrinkles injected. Among the 272 wrinkles evaluated at 5 years, two events (0.7 percent) in one patient were rated as severe (a nodular, minimally inflammatory to noninflammatory reaction in both nasolabial folds). Investigator Facial Fold Assessment ratings at 4 to 5 years were improved from baseline by 1.67 points (p < 0.001).

Avoiding and treating dermal filler complications.

All fillers are associated with the risk of both early and late complications. Early side effects such as swelling, redness, and bruising occur after intradermal or subdermal injections. The patient has to be aware of and accept these risks. Adverse events that last longer than 2 weeks can be attributable to technical shortcomings (e.g., too superficial an implantation of a long-lasting filler substance). Such adverse events can be treated with intradermal 5-fluorouracil, steroid injections, vascular lasers, or intense pulsed light, and later with dermabrasion or shaving. Late adverse events also include immunologic phenomena such as late-onset allergy and nonallergic foreign body granuloma. Both react well to intralesional steroid injections, which often have to be repeated to establish the right dose. Surgical excisions shall remain the last option and are indicated for hard lumps in the lips and visible hard nodules or hard granuloma in the subcutaneous fat.