Aesthetic doctors' perception and attitudes toward tolerance in botulinum toxin.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin is a crucial therapeutic tool with broad indications in both cosmetic and medical fields. However, the expanding cosmetic use and increased dosages of botulinum toxin have raised concerns about resistance, making it essential to study the awareness and management practices among healthcare professionals. METHODS: A survey was conducted among clinical physicians using botulinum toxin. The study investigated their experiences, awareness, and management practices related to toxin resistance. Real-time mobile app-based surveys were administered to clinicians attending the 45th International Academic Conference of the Korean Academy of Laser and Dermatology (KALDAT) on December 3, 2023. RESULTS: Among 3140 participants, 673 clinical physicians completed the survey. Of these, 363 clinicians (53.9%) reported experiencing botulinum toxin resistance. Regarding the resistance rate, 59.4% indicated less than 1%, 36% reported approximately 1%-25%, and 95.4% reported less than 25%. Efforts to prevent resistance included maintaining intervals of over 3 months (54.8%), using products with lower resistance potential (47.0%), employing minimal effective doses (28.2%), and minimizing re-administration (14.9%). CONCLUSION: In the South Korean aesthetic medicine community, a majority of clinical physician's report encountering botulinum toxin resistance. Given the potential loss of various benefits associated with resistance, there is a need to establish appropriate guidelines based on mechanistic studies and current status assessments. Educating clinicians on applicable guidelines is crucial.

Application of dual-frequency ultrasound for reduction of perilesional edema and ecchymosis after rhinoseptoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: Biological aspect and clinical research demonstrated that dual-frequency ultrasound (local dynamic micro-massage, LDM) waves of very high frequency can significantly modify cellular signaling providing anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. During the recent past, these waves were successfully applied for the treatment of various inflammatory skin conditions, hypertrophic scars, and chronical wounds. Since the main complications after rhinoseptoplasty are caused by excessive inflammatory reactions and development of fibrosis along nasal implants which can lead to a revision rhinoseptoplasty, in this retrospective multicenter blinded study we have evaluated the efficacy of LDM ultrasound for the treatment of the postoperative perilesional ecchymosis and edema in patients after rhinoseptoplasty. METHODS: Twenty-four patients received daily LDM treatment (study group) for 5 days starting from the first day postoperative, whereas 24 patients (control group) were treated with conventional ice packs. Dynamic reduction of the postoperative perilesional ecchymosis and edema was followed up, and the total duration of these side effects was determined within specific paranasal anatomical areas. RESULTS: Post-rhinoseptoplasty ecchymosis and edema were observed in the areas of anterior cheek, lower eyelids, and upper eyelids. Duration of the postoperative perilesional edema was significantly reduced in the group treated with LDM (1.9 ± 0.9 days) compared with control group (4.5 ± 2.1 days). Duration of the ecchymosis was also significantly reduced in LDM group (2.8 ± 1.4 days) compared with controls (7.4 ± 2.8 days). Postoperative patient satisfaction in LDM-treated and control groups was 3.1 ± 1.3 and 1.5 ± 0.7, respectively, demonstrating significantly higher satisfaction in LDM-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: This study proved that the post-rhinoseptoplasty group treated with LDM ultrasound showed a significantly shorter duration of the postsurgical perilesional ecchymosis and edema, with no substantial adverse effects other than those observed in the control group. It can be suggested that ultrasound treatment can serve as an alternative option for the noninvasive management of postoperative perilesional ecchymosis and edema.

Biomechanical evaluation of three fixation methods in a feline transverse patella fracture model.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties of three stabilisation techniques in feline patella transverse fractures and select the strongest method with potentially minimal complications. METHODS: Patella fracture was simulated in 27 feline cadaveric pelvic limbs (mean weight of the cadavers 3.78 kg), and the limbs were randomly grouped to be stabilised with one of the three stabilisation methods. The modified tension band wiring technique with a single Kirschner wire (0.9 mm) and figure-of-eight wiring (20 G) was applied to group 1 (n = 9). Group 2 (n = 9) was stabilised with a combination of circumferential and figure-of-eight wiring techniques with orthopaedic wire (20 G). Group 3 (n = 9) was stabilised with the same technique as group 2, but with #2 FiberWire. The knee joints were positioned and fixed in the neutral standing angle (135°) and tested by applying tensile force. The loads at gap formations of 1, 2 and 3 mm were recorded, and the maximum failure load was measured in each group. RESULTS: In all the loads at displacement (1, 2 and 3 mm), group 3 was significantly stronger than groups 1 and 2, respectively (P <0.017). Group 3 (261.0 ± 52.8 N) showed significantly stronger fixation in the maximum load compared with group 1 (172.9 ± 45.6 N) (P <0.017). No significant difference was observed between groups 1 and 2 (204.9 ± 68.4 N) or between groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study shows that the combination of circumferential and figure-of-eight techniques with FiberWire is more resistant to displacement than metal wire in this ex vivo feline patella fracture model.

Evaluation of LigaTie device for total lung lobectomy in small breed dogs - An ex vivo study.

This study aimed to evaluate an effectiveness of airway-sealing techniques used in total lung lobectomies in small dog breeds. Total lung lobectomies were performed on five canine cadavers weighing 2.5-8 kg. Airway-sealing techniques were performed on two randomly selected lobes per cadaver. The airway-sealing techniques consisted of traditional suture ligation, Endoloop, and LigaTie. After applying all surgical methods, bronchial stump was collected from the tongue and prepared. The effectiveness of each airway-sealing technique was evaluated by submerging the bronchial stumps in saline, followed by intubation to gradually increase the airway pressure to 80 cmH2O to identify the presence of air leakage in each lobe. Seven of the ten lobes in the traditional suture ligation group had a leakage; the leakages were fatal in three lobes. A single fatal leak occurred in the Endoloop group, while no leakage was noted in the LigaTie group. Therefore, the LigaTie technique had a higher statistical efficacy than the traditional suture ligation (p = 0.007). In conclusion, the LigaTie application reduced the incidence of air leakage following total lung lobectomies in small dog breeds.

Botulinum neurotoxin injection for treating plunged nose and post-rhinoplasty: anatomical perspectives of depressor septi nasi, nasalis, leveator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle.

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection for the treating plunged nose, post-rhinopasty and hyaluronic filler migration is common procedures in clinical settings. However, the lack of thorough anatomical understanding makes it difficult to locate the nose region muscles. The anatomical considerations concerned with BoNT injection into the nasalis, levator labii superioris alaeque, and depressor septi nasi muscles were reviewed in this study. The injection spots have been presented for the nasalis, levator labii superioris alaeque, and depressor septi nasi muscles, with the recommended injection technique for each muscle. We have suggested the ideal injection sites in association with outer anatomical landmarks of the nose region. Moreover, these proposals would support a more accurate procedure of BoNT injection in relieving plunged nose, preventing post-rhinoplasty deviation, and migration of the hyaluronic acid filler.

Use of quantum molecular resonance energy for managing postrhinoseptoplasty perilesional edema and ecchymosis.

BACKGROUND: Quantum molecular resonance (QMR) technology employs nonionizing high-frequency waves ranging from 4 to 64 MHz to generate low-intensity quanta of energy that interacts with cellular components. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of QMR treatment on postoperative perilesional edema and ecchymosis in patients with rhinoseptoplasty or revision rhinoseptoplasty. PATIENTS/METHODS: In total, 30 patients were treated with QMR stimulation therapy (QMR group) once daily for 5 days, while another 30 patients were treated with conventional icepack application (control group). The duration of perilesional edema and ecchymosis were comparatively evaluated according to anatomic regions. RESULTS: In both groups, the longest duration of postoperative edema and ecchymosis was found on the left anterior cheek, followed by the right anterior cheek, left lower eyelid, right lower eyelid, and right and left upper eyelids. The mean duration of overall postoperative perilesional edema was significantly shorter in the QMR group (2.0 ± 0.8 days) than the control group (4.6 ± 2.0 days); the mean duration of overall ecchymosis was also markedly shorter in the QMR group (2.9 ± 1.5 days) than control group (7.5 ± 2.9 days). Patient satisfaction after postoperative QMR treatment was rated as 2.2 ± 0.8, whereas patient satisfaction in control group was rated as 1.6 ± 0.9. CONCLUSION: Our clinical study demonstrated that postrhinoseptoplasty QMR treatment effectively reduces the duration of postoperative perilesional edema and ecchymosis without remarkable side effects. We suggest that QMR treatment can be considered as an alternative option for noninvasively managing postrhinoseptoplasty perilesional edema and ecchymosis.

Comparative analysis of botulinum toxin injection after corrective rhinoplasty for deviated nose and alar asymmetry.

BACKGROUND: Deviated noses and asymmetric nostrils can be corrected using corrective rhinoplasty. However, after proper correction, adjacent facial mimetic muscles can cause recurrence of asymmetry because of preoperative habits. OBJECTIVES: We performed this study to investigate the effects on botulinum toxin on the prevention of recurrence of asymmetry after corrective rhinoplasty. METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2019, 60 patients underwent corrective rhinoplasty and 30 received botulinum toxin type A injection (Botulax; Hugel Co.) at the depressor septi nasi and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscles, bilaterally. Vertical and horizontal deviations were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Postoperative vertical deviation was 0.20° ± 0.65° in the botulinum toxin-injected group and 1.20° ± 0.53° in the control group (P < 0.0001). Horizontal deviation was 0.80° ± 0.52° in the botulinum toxin-injected group and 2.18° ± 0.42° in the control group (P < 0.005). Differences between preoperative and postoperative vertical deviations at 6 months were 2.30° ± 0.03° in patients who received botulinum toxin injection and 1.10° ± 0.22° in controls (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin effectively restricted the paranasal muscles without any significant adverse events. We recommend injecting botulinum toxin after corrective rhinoplasty to prevent recurrence of deviation by facial mimetic muscles.

Proposed Treatment Protocols for Facial Rejuvenation Using a Novel Absorbable Polydioxanone Monofilament Threadlift in Koreans: Empirical Perspectives of Aesthetic Physicians and Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic physicians and surgeons should consider differences in anthropometric and anatomical characteristics between Asians and Caucasians in performing facial rejuvenation procedures using absorbable threadlifts in Koreans. OBJECTIVES: This paper was prepared to propose empirical treatment protocols for Korean aesthetic physicians and surgeons. METHODS: A panel of 5 Korean experts on the aesthetic uses of an absorbable polydioxanone (PDO) monofilament threadlift (Mint Lift; HansBiomed Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea), thus termed as "the Mint Consensus Group," was convened to recommend practical guidelines for empirical treatment with the Mint Lift. RESULTS: To summarize, our recommendations are as follows: First, the entry and exit points should be determined considering the anatomical characteristics of the face (level of evidence III). Second, treatment procedures may vary depending on indications (level of evidence III). CONCLUSIONS: Here, the authors propose empirical treatment protocols for facial rejuvenation using a novel absorbable PDO monofilament threadlift in Koreans. But more evidence-based efforts should be made to update the current treatment protocols.

Use of Autologous Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fractions in Revision Rhinoplasty for Severe Contractures in Asian Patients.

BACKGROUND: Autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction treatments have been shown to elicit antiinflammatory, antifibrotic, immunomodulatory, angiogenic, and regenerative effects. Injections of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction have been used to treat severely scarred tissues. METHODS: Revision septorhinoplasty was performed in 40 patients with severely contracted noses. Clinical outcomes and adverse events were compared between one group of patients treated with adjuvant adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction injections and a control group of patients treated with adjuvant 0.9% preservative-free saline injections. RESULTS: In the adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction group, nasal lengths were estimated at 4.2 ± 0.2 cm at baseline to 5.1 ± 0.2 cm at 18 months after revision septorhinoplasty. The lengths of nasal tip projection improved from 2.2 ± 0.2 cm at baseline to 2.9 ± 0.1 cm 18 months after surgery. In addition, nasofrontal angles improved from 125.6 ± 5.1 degrees at baseline to 128.1 ± 4.8 degrees 18 months after surgery. Nasolabial angles in the adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction group were estimated at 105.8 ± 6.5 degrees at baseline and 94.9 ± 5.6 degrees 18 months after surgery. Of these, nasal length, nasal tip projection, and nasolabial angle, but not nasofrontal angle, values improved more in the adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Preoperative and postoperative adjuvant adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction treatment markedly improved the therapeutic outcomes of revision rhinoseptoplasty of severely contracted noses without major side effects. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

New Technique in Nasal Tip Plasty: Sandwich Technique Using Cartilage and Septal Bone Complex.

OBJECTIVES: It is extremely difficult to obtain ideal tip projection and nose lengthening by septal extension graft using only septal cartilage in Asians, because their nasal septal and alar cartilages are small and weak. Therefore, we introduce a new septal extension graft using a cartilage-bone complex with the vomer and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone as well as cartilage to obtain optimal outcomes. METHODS: Participants included 30 patients who underwent surgery by external approach. The septal cartilage, vomer, and perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone harvested by septoplasty were used. There were 2 layers of cartilage on each side and bone in between to create a strong cartilage-bone complex for projection and lengthening. The bony portion was placed in the tip side, and the double-layered cartilage portion was placed in the inferior portion of the caudal septum of the L-strut to create powerful fixation. RESULTS: There were statistically significant improvements in nasal length (4.71 ± 0.65 vs 5.15 ± 0.53 cm, P value <.0001), tip projection (2.66 ± 0.40 vs 3.18 ± 0.42, P value <.0001), and nasolabial angle (94.0° ± 9.3° vs 107.2° ± 9.6°, P value <.0001) postoperatively. All patients were subjectively satisfied, and 2 different surgeons had excellent or good opinions in 28 (94%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The sandwich technique using cartilage and bone complex results in satisfactory outcomes with stronger tip support, especially in Asians with a weak nasal tip who desire ideal tip projection and dramatic change.

Adjuvant Therapy for Revision Rhinoplasty of Contracted Nose Using Polydeoxyribonucleotide and Invasive Bipolar Radiofrequency.

Most cases of severely contracted nose require revision rhinoplasty and septoplasty, wherein preoperative and/or intraoperative expansion of nasal soft tissue is necessary for tension-free revision surgery. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pre- and postoperative adjuvant therapy using polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and invasive, pulsed-type, bipolar, alternating current radiofrequency (RF) for revision surgery of a contracted nose. In total, 30 patients were treated with 16 sessions (8 preoperative sessions and 8 postoperative sessions) of intralesional injection of PDRN and invasive RF treatment using microneedle electrodes at 1-week intervals. One week after the final combined pretreatment using PDRN and invasive bipolar RF, the skin of contracted noses was sufficiently softened, and nasal skin mobility was notably improved in all the patients. During revision rhinoplasty and septoplasty, the contracted nasal skin in each patient was adequately released for proper covering of the nasal tip without tension. Postoperatively, 8 sessions of adjuvant therapy elicited marked clinical improvements in persistent nasal tip dimpling and contracture, septal deviation, and warping from the incomplete recovery of nasal contracture after revision surgery. In conclusion, our pre- and postoperative adjuvant therapies using PDRN and invasive bipolar RF remarkably improved the therapeutic outcomes of revision rhinoplasty and septoplasty for contracted skin of the nose without major side effects.

ADH1B and ALDH2 polymorphisms and their associations with increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in the Korean population.

Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) are key enzymes in ethanol metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships of ADH and ALDH single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the risk of developing SCCHN in a Korean sample. We genotyped ADH1B +3170A>G (rs1229984) and ALDH2 +1951G>A (rs671) SNPs in 225 Korean SCCHN patients and 301 healthy controls by single base extension and TaqMan assay. The frequencies of the ADH1B +3170A>G (*2*2/*2*1/*1*1) genotypes were 48.0%/38.7%/13.3% in SCCHN patients, and 57.8%/37.2%/5.0% in controls, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval of the ADH1B*1*1 genotype was 1.89 (1.23-2.92) relative to the *2*2 genotype. The frequencies of the ALDH2 +1951G>A (*1*1/*1*2/*2*2) genotypes were 67.6%/31.6%/0.9% in SCCHN patients, and 67.8%/29.6%/2.7% in controls, respectively. In subgroup analyses according to smoking and alcohol drinking status, the OR of the ADH1B*1*1 genotype was increased in the heavy drinker group [8.85 (1.095-40.0)] and in the heavy smoker group [4.7 (1.54-14.29)]. We conclude that the ADH1B*1*1 genotype is associated with an increased risk of SCCHN, especially in heavy drinkers and heavy smokers. This genotype could be a useful biomarker for identifying Koreans with a greater risk of SCCHN.