Cosmetic penile enhancement procedures: an SMSNA position statement.

BACKGROUND: Penile cosmetic enhancement procedures have been performed for many years with varying success. However, they have historically been relegated to niche areas of sexual medicine, with limited data, and have not achieved mainstream adoption. More recently, the topic has been increasingly discussed within academic congresses due to availability of novel techniques, therapies, and procedures. Given their distinctive nature, the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) felt that it was pertinent to develop formal position statements to help guide both patients and sexual medicine providers on the current state of the scientific literature and to give recommendations for future research. AIM: The study sought to provide an evidence-based set of recommendations for injection and surgical procedures designed to lengthen, augment, or otherwise cosmetically enhance the penis. METHODS: A review was performed of all scientific literature listed in PubMed from inception through December 2023 relating to penile cosmetic enhancement procedures. Only invasive (injection/surgery) therapies were included due to their distinct risk-benefit profile compared with more conservative treatments (eg, vacuum erection devices, penile traction devices). Similar therapies were categorized, with pertinent data summarized and used to help create relevant position statements. All statements were expert opinion only and were based on analyses of the potential risks and benefits of the specific therapies. OUTCOMES: A total of 6 position statements were issued relating to 5 distinct sexual medicine cosmetic enhancement procedures. RESULTS: A consensus opinion was reached by SMSNA leadership on the state of injection/surgical penile cosmetic enhancement procedures as of 2024. Key topic areas addressed included injectable soft tissue fillers, suspensory ligament division, graft-and-flap procedures, silicone sleeve implants, and sliding/slicing techniques. Distinct recommendations were tailored to each therapy and were based solely on the current state of the literature. It is anticipated that future studies will further inform position statements and will lead to ongoing modifications. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The current position statements provide both patients and clinicians evidence-based, expert recommendations on best practices relating to penile cosmetic enhancement procedures. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths include the use of an expert panel of sexual medicine clinicians, consensus design, and summary of existing literature. Limitations include expert opinion and limited research on the topic. CONCLUSION: The current SMSNA position statements provide evidence-based, consensus opinions on the appropriate role for penile augmentation and cosmetic procedures in 2024.

Identifying Levels of Competency in Aesthetic Medicine: A Questionnaire-based Study.

BACKGROUND: In 2022, the US experienced a significant increase in demand for minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, underscoring its rising acceptance amid an unregulated educational environment for practitioners. The absence of standardized educational pathways and quality control in aesthetic medicine, primarily provided by nonacademic institutions, highlights a critical need for establishing educational standards to ensure practitioner competence and patient safety. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify levels of competency for the aesthetic practitioner and necessary achievement milestones during the educational path from novice to expert injector. METHODS: A total of n = 386 international study participants responded to an online questionnaire regarding their experience in aesthetic medicine practice. The questionnaire comprised 58 questions focusing on professional data, the perceived difficulty of injection, and risk for the occurrence of adverse events for specific facial regions in soft tissue filler and toxin injections. RESULTS: Regardless of medical specialty and experience level, averages of 3.85 (1.8) years, 786.4 (2628) filler injections and 549.9 (1543) toxin injections were estimated to progress from novice to advanced injector, while averages of 6.10 (3.7) years, 1842.2 (4793) filler injections, and 1308.5 (3363) toxin injections were estimated to advance from advanced to expert injector. The nose and the perioral region have been ranked as the facial regions where it is most difficult to achieve a perfect aesthetic outcome and with the greatest risk for the occurrence of adverse events for filler and toxin injections, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we establish an educational framework in aesthetic medicine by defining the progression from novice to competent and expert injector levels, suggesting 4 years of practice and over 790 filler and 550 neuromodulator injections for competence, and at least 6 years with 1840 filler and 1310 neuromodulator injections for expertise. We also identify critical facial regions for targeted treatments by different expertise levels.

Aesthetic Rehabilitation Medicine: Enhancing Wellbeing beyond Functional Recovery.

Although rehabilitation medicine emphasizes a holistic health approach, there is still a large gap of knowledge about potential interventions aimed at improving overall wellbeing through cosmetic interventions. Therefore, this narrative review investigates the role of different rehabilitative techniques in enhancing aesthetics, quality of life, and psychosocial wellbeing for patients with disabilities. The study follows the SANRA framework quality criteria for a narrative review. Literature searches across PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus identified articles focusing on rehabilitation strategies within the aesthetic rehabilitation domain. The review identified evidence supporting injection procedures, such as Botulinum Toxin, Platelet-Rich Plasma, Hyaluronic Acid, Ozone, and Carboxytherapy, and assessing their applications in several disabling disorders. Additionally, physical therapies like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Laser Therapy, Microcurrent Therapy, Tecar Therapy, and physical exercises were explored for their impact on cutaneous microcirculation, cellulite treatment, wound healing, and scar appearance improvement. Lastly, the manuscript underlines the role of manual therapy techniques in addressing both physical discomfort and aesthetic concerns, discussing their effectiveness in adipose tissue therapy, scar tissue mobilization, and regional fat thickness reduction. Taken together, this review emphasizes the role of a multidisciplinary approach, aiming to provide valuable insights into potential benefits for both functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Providing Optimal Rejuvenation to the Jawline and Perioral Area Using Neuromodulators and Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers.

Including the jawline in aesthetic assessment has become increasingly popular when using both surgical and nonsurgical techniques. Facial aging processes include bone resorption, fat pad atrophy, and a breakdown of the quality of collagen and elastin in the skin. To provide optimal treatment of the jawline using nonsurgical techniques, it is important to consider all of these aspects before planning treatment. Men and women have different facial aging processes and ideal facial ratios that must be respected. The objective of this article is to discuss the use of botulinum toxin A and hyaluronic acid filler injectable treatments, deoxycholic acid injectable treatments, and cryolipolysis treatments and explain how these treatments can be utilized for optimal rejuvenation of the jawline and perioral area.

Cosmetic treatment in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases: Best practices for patients with lupus erythematosus.

The cutaneous manifestations of lupus, especially chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, are a source of significant morbidity and can negatively impact patient quality of life. While the active inflammatory component of the disease may be adequately treated, patients are frequently left with residual skin damage and disfiguring aesthetic deficits. Dermatologists lack guidelines regarding the use and safety of various reconstructive and cosmetic interventions in this patient population. Laser treatments are largely avoided in the lupus population because of the possible photodamaging effects of ultraviolet and visible light. Similarly, given the autoimmune nature of this disease, some physicians avoid injectable treatment and grafts because of the concern for disease reactivation via antigenic stimulation. In the second article in this continuing medical education series we compile available data on this topic with the goal of providing evidence-based guidance on the cosmetic treatment of patients with lupus erythematosus with a focus on chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Cosmetic treatment in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases: Best practices for patients with morphea/systemic sclerosis.

Morphea and systemic sclerosis are inflammatory, sclerosing disorders. Morphea primarily affects the dermis and subcutaneous fat, while systemic sclerosis typically involves the skin and internal organs. Functional impairment and cosmetic disfigurement are common in both diseases. Treatment options to mitigate disease progression remain limited. Both functional impairment and cosmetic deficits negatively impact quality of life and psychological well-being in this patient population. While the number of cosmetic procedures performed in the United States continues to rise each year, limited data exist regarding best practices for correcting aesthetic deficits caused by autoimmune conditions. There is scarce information to guide safety decisions regarding laser parameters, soft tissue augmentation, treatment intervals, and the concurrent use of immune-modifying or immune-suppressing medications. Given the fears of disease reactivation and exacerbation from postprocedural inflammation along with limited data, it is difficult for clinicians to provide evidence-based cosmetic treatment with realistic expectations with regard to short- and long-term outcomes. In the first article in this continuing medical education series, we attempt to address this practice gap.

Single-port versus multiport laparoscopic surgery comparing long-term patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies and meta-analysis showed Single-port or Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SPL) to be superior over Multiport laparoscopic surgery (MPL) mainly in terms of postoperative pain and cosmetic result. But very little is known whether these results are only a short-term effect or are persistent on the long run after SPL. We therefore evaluated and compared long-term outcomes regarding cosmesis and chronic pain after SPL and MPL. METHODS: We conducted a comparative study with propensity score matching of all patients undergoing SPL or MPL between October 2008 and December 2013 in terms of postoperative cosmetic results and chronic pain. Follow-up data were obtained from mailed patient questionnaires and telephone interviews. Postoperative cosmesis was assessed using the patients overall scar opinion on a 10-point scale and the Patients scale of the standardized Patient and Observer Scar assessment scale (POSAS). Chronic pain was assessed by 10-point scales for abdominal and umbilical scar pain. RESULTS: A total of 280 patients were included in the study with 188 patients (67.1%) after SPL and 92 patients (32.9%) following MPL. 141 patients (50.4%) underwent a cholecystectomy and 139 patients (49.6%) underwent an appendectomy. The mean follow-up time was 61.1 ± 19.1 months. The mean wound satisfaction assed by the overall scar and the PSOAS Patients scale score of the patients showed no significant difference between MPL and SPL. Patients after SPL reported more overall complains than after MPL (8.7% vs. 2.5%, respectively), but without statistical significance (p = 0.321). Umbilical pain scores were comparable between the two groups (1.4 ± 1.0 vs. 1.4 ± 1.0, p = 0.831). CONCLUSION: We found no difference in long-term cosmetic outcomes after SPL and MPL. Chronic pain at the umbilical incision site was comparable on the long run.

New Classification Schemata of Hypersensitivity Adverse Effects After Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Pathophysiology, Treatment Algorithm, and Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Side effects during hyaluronic acid (HA) injection are considered mild and reversible; however, an alarming trend of increased hypersensitivity reactions has recently been reported. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this article is to review the hypersensitivity reactions reported in the literature and, in combination with the authors' experience, to create a classification system to sort the timing and clinical manifestations of these reactions, as well as a treatment schema to manage their clinical course. METHODS: A literature search using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase databases was performed with no date restrictions. Search terms included "hyaluronic acid and hypersensitivity" and "hyaluronic acid and nodules." Data analyzed included study type, number of subjects, HA filler type, injection location, adverse reaction, timing, treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-six studies were identified, documenting hypersensitivity reactions to HA treatment. Twelve cases described events occurring within a week, 6 within a month, and 31 after a month of treatment. Combined with the authors' experience, a new classification system and management of hypersensitivity reactions to HA fillers is proposed of early (up to a week), intermediate (a week to a month), and late (over a month) hypersensitivity reactions. CONCLUSION: The classification system proposed provides objective measurements and management options that can be helpful for physicians to navigate these hypersensitivity reactions and design treatment protocols that provide the best clinical outcomes for their patients.

Experiences With Medical Spas and Associated Complications: A Survey of Aesthetic Practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Medical spas have experienced a recent rise in popularity. However, rules and regulations vary nationwide. Given the number of complications attributable to medical spas, questions remain about currently regulatory practices and whether they are sufficient to protect patients from harm. OBJECTIVE: Our study investigated the current state of medical spas and their associated patient complications in the aesthetic field as well as the experiences and attitudes of practitioners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was distributed to current members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. RESULTS: Of all cosmetic complications encountered in the past 2 years, the majority reported that the percentage of complications seen in their practice attributable to medical spas ranged from 61% to 100%. The most commonly cited complications from medical spas were burn, discoloration, and misplacement of product, whereas the most commonly cited treatments resulting in complications were fillers, intense pulsed light, and laser hair removal. For safety and outcomes, medical spas were rated as inferior to physician-based practices. CONCLUSION: Patient complications associated with medical spas are not uncommon. Overall, practitioners believe medical spas are endangering to patient safety, think that stricter rules and regulations are necessary, and request more support from the specialty medical societies.

Maximizing Panfacial Aesthetic Outcomes: Findings and Recommendations From the HARMONY Study.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic medicine has evolved from targeting individual treatment areas to a global approach of panfacial rejuvenation. HARMONY was the first clinical study to systematically demonstrate positive physical and psychosocial impacts of panfacial treatment. OBJECTIVE: Provide evidence-based guidance on treatment strategies to help maximize outcomes in patients seeking panfacial rejuvenation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study sites with the lowest (n = 2) and highest (n = 2) improvements based on FACE-Q Satisfaction with Face Overall scores were analyzed to understand differences in treatment strategy that may contribute to incrementally greater patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The highest scoring sites exhibited greater improvement in all patient-reported outcomes and investigator-assessed measures related to dermal filler treatment compared with the lowest scoring sites. The highest sites favored lateral malar augmentation and used less volume medially versus the lowest sites. In the lower face, the highest sites used greater volumes and more HYC-24L than HYC-24L+. Initial treatment volumes were more conservative at highest than lowest sites; greater volumes were used by highest sites in touch-up treatments. CONCLUSION: Product usage trends common to the highest scoring sites (including injection volume, injection sites, and product selection) may provide guidance on best practices for a panfacial approach to aesthetic treatment to maximize patient satisfaction.

Experiences With Counterfeit Aesthetic Medical Devices and Injectables: A National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Counterfeit medical devices and injectables have recently garnered interest in the field of aesthetics. Unlike their original counterparts, these counterfeit products have neither been tested nor verified using certified quality control measures. OBJECTIVE: Our study investigated the pervasiveness of counterfeit products in the field as well as the experiences and attitudes of practitioners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was distributed to current members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). RESULTS: For medical devices, 37.4% have encountered counterfeits and 20.1% have experienced patients with adverse events from them. For injectables, 41.1% have encountered counterfeits and 39.7% have experienced patients with adverse events from them. Compared with their original, most respondents believe that counterfeits are worse in terms of reliability, safety, and effectiveness. The majority also believe that counterfeits are either very or extremely endangering to patient safety. CONCLUSION: Counterfeit medical devices and injectables are not uncommonly encountered. Overall, practitioners believe counterfeits are endangering patient safety and result in adverse events and think that either stricter rules and regulations or better enforcement of existing regulations is necessary.

Re-examining the Optimal Use of Neuromodulators and the Changing Landscape: A Consensus Panel Update

Since initial US Food and Drug Administration approval of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) for aesthetic use in 2002, clinical evidence and experience with BoNT-A and understanding of facial anatomy have greatly increased, leading to rapid advances in treatment planning and implementation. BoNT-A use has expanded from the upper face to the midface, lower face, and neck, so that BoNT-A injection is the most common cosmetic procedure worldwide. Trends in facial aesthetics reflect growing patient diversity with respect to age, gender, and ethnicity. In October 2019, a multidisciplinary panel of 6 experts in minimally invasive injectable procedures in the specialties of dermatology and plastic surgery convened at the 2019 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) meeting in Chicago, IL. Their goal was to discuss recent advances in BoNT-A use in facial aesthetics, including implications of the introduction of new agents in light of an evolving patient population. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(4 Suppl 1):s5-15 To receive a CME certificate of participation, you should: •Read the entire publication, including the CME information. •Register or log in at www.paradigmmc.com/822 to complete and submit the online posttest and evaluation. Following online completion of the posttest and evaluation, a certificate of participation will be available for download/printing immediately.

Re Facial aesthetic injections in clinical practice: Pretreatment and post-treatment consensus recommendations to minimise adverse outcome Region-specific changes in line with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite the recent publication in March 2020 of guidelines for facial injectable treatments, the speed of the COVID-19 pandemic and its safety implications necessitate changes to these guidelines The authors described what would constitute safest practice in the provision of facial injectable treatments and summarised these in table form. Adherence to a high standard of asepsis and infectious disease precautions remain a key patient safety requirement when performing facial aesthetic injections. A revision and update of these guideline summary tables follows. Changes made should enhance both patient and staff safety regarding COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2, a highly infective respiratory pathogen transmitted by respiratory droplets, respiratory/mucosal secretions and contaminated fomites. Some of the additions are COVID-19 specific and are likely to evolve and change, particularly should serological tests determining acquired immunity become available. Other additions represent further tightening of our infection control precautions.

Nonphysician Practice of Cosmetic Dermatology: A Patient and Physician Perspective of Outcomes and Adverse Events.

BACKGROUND: Nonphysicians are expanding practice into specialty medicine. There are limited studies on patient and physician perspectives as well as safety outcomes regarding the nonphysician practice of cosmetic procedures. OBJECTIVE: To identify the patient (consumer) and physician perspective on preferences, adverse events, and outcomes following cosmetic dermatology procedures performed by physicians and nonphysicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Internet-based surveys were administered to consumers of cosmetic procedures and physician members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Descriptive statistics and graphical methods were used to assess responses. Comparisons between groups were based on contingency chi-square analyses and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: Two thousand one hundred sixteen commenced the patient survey with 401 having had a cosmetic procedure performed. Fifty adverse events were reported. A higher number of burns and discoloration occurred in the nonphysician-treated group and took place more often in a spa setting. Individuals seeing nonphysicians cited motivating factors such as level of licensure (type) of nonphysician, a referral from a friend, price, and the location of the practitioner. Improper technique by the nonphysician was cited most as a reason for the adverse event. Both groups agree that more regulation should be placed on who can perform cosmetic procedures. Recall bias associated with survey data. CONCLUSION: Patients treated by nonphysicians experienced more burns and discoloration compared with physicians, and they are encountering these nonphysicians outside a traditional medical office, which are important from a patient safety and regulatory standpoint. Motivating factors for patients seeking cosmetic procedures may also factor into the choice of provider. KEY POINTS: Both patients and physicians think more regulation should be in place on who can perform cosmetic procedures. More adverse events such as burns and discolorations occurred with patients seeing nonphysicians compared with those seeing physicians. In addition, for those seeing nonphysicians, a majority of these encounters took place in spa settings. Patient safety is of utmost concern when it comes to elective cosmetic medical procedures. More adverse events and encounters occurring outside traditional medical settings when nonphysicians performed these procedures call into question the required training and oversight needed for such procedures.

A Retrospective Study of Chinese-Specific Glabellar Contraction Patterns.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin has been widely accepted as safe and effective for the treatment of glabellar lines, and previous studies have classified glabellar contraction patterns into 5 categories. OBJECTIVE: To classify the glabellar contraction patterns among a large-scale Chinese population and provide a reference for injections in Chinese patients. METHODS: Four hundred eighty-nine Chinese subjects who received botulinum toxin for the treatment of glabellar lines were selected for a retrospective photographic analysis of their glabellar contraction patterns. Using 2 separate previously established classification systems, the patterns were analyzed and classified by a panel of certified Chinese dermatologists. RESULTS: Two separate classification systems showed different distributions of glabellar contraction patterns among Chinese compared with Caucasians and Koreans. The classifications allowed for identification of the most frequent patterns in Chinese, which were "converging arrows" and "11" pattern, and provided references for identifying the most important muscles. CONCLUSION: Both classification systems are applicable to the Chinese population with varying distributions. Because the classification system of de Almeida and colleagues focuses more on the muscles involved in the formation of glabellar lines, the authors' subjects classified according to this system displayed a more balanced distribution among the 5 patterns. This provides an easier reference for dermatologists in daily clinical practice and guiding treatment strategies.

Medical Oversight and Scope of Practice of Medical Spas (Med-Spas).

BACKGROUND: The regulation of medical spas (med-spas) in the United States varies considerably from state to state with important ramifications for patient safety. OBJECTIVE: To describe the current state of med-spas in the United States and degree of medical oversight in these facilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive study based on web search and standardized phone interviews of med-spas in the most heavily populated cities in each state of the United States. Information obtained included the following: whether medical directors were listed; if so, whether they were advertised as being on site; medical directors' training and board certification; and services offered. RESULTS: Of 247 medical spas reviewed, 72% advertised a medical director on their website, and 6.5% claimed that the director was on site. Of listed medical directors, 41% were trained in dermatology and/or plastic surgery. In phone interviews, 79% of med-spas endorsed the medical director to be board certified, and 52% stated that the medical director was on site less than 50% of the time. CONCLUSION: There is significant variation in medical directorship and oversight among medical spas in the United States. Appropriate regulation of medical directors' training and the degree of oversight provided are warranted to optimize patient safety.

Facial Safe Zones for Soft Tissue Filler Injections: A Practical Guide

OBJECTIVE: Vascular events are among the most dreaded complications of safe soft tissue filler injections. The aim of the present study is to present a practical guide for regional facial soft tissue filler injections, which is founded in anatomy and considers safety as its first priority. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 20 fresh (non-embalmed) hemi-faces from 10 Caucasian body donors (7 females, 3 males) with a mean age of 83.5±6.8 years and a mean BMI of 25.3±4.3 kg/m2. Injections of the upper, middle and lower faces of the body donors were performed using a commercially available hyaluronic acid based soft tissue filler. RESULTS: The results of the layer by layer dissections revealed that the injected material was separated from crucial neuro-vascular structures by fascial and/or muscular planes, which were not permeated by the product. Utilizing a single cutaneous access point per facial region, safe planes can be reached. CONCLUSION: This study provides a practical guide for safe soft tissue filler injections for the upper, middle, and lower face. Using cadaveric dissections and dyed product revealed that the targeted facial planes are separated either by fascial planes or by muscular tissue from arterial vasculature. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(9):896-902.

Recommendations on the Use of Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Skin Laxity in Off-Face Areas

Injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biodegradable synthetic polymer that stimulates collagen production, leading to gradual volume restoration. The treatment of sagging skin in body areas is still a big challenge, as there are few aesthetic procedures aiming to improve it. This article provides recommendations on the use of PLLA in the treatment of skin laxity in off-face areas, as the neck, décolletage, arms, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs, including the patient selection, product preparation, and injection techniques. The use of PLLA is a promising method for the treatment of skin laxity in corporal areas, improving body contour and appearance. Further investigation is needed to better understand the efficacy and durability of PLLA in non-facial indications and to provide the best evidence for optimal patient outcomes. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(9):929-935.