A Review of Aesthetic Considerations for Treating the Transgender Patient.

BACKGROUND: As gender diversity becomes increasingly embraced by society, and despite growing recognition of the unique needs of transgender patients, the literature remains devoid of guidelines for gender affirming facial feminization or masculinization techniques. OBJECTIVE: The authors seek to identify and discuss target feminine and masculine facial features, as well as an armamentarium of surgical and nonsurgical strategies to effectively address and achieve them in the transgender population. METHODS: A search of the National Library of Medicine database (PubMed) was undertaken to identify the existing literature on gender-affirming facial feminization and masculinization techniques. RESULTS: The importance of assessing proportional relationships between the bitemporal, bizygomatic, and bigonial distances is discussed; ideal masculine faces possess a rectangular face shape, with ratios for these 3 areas tending toward 1:1:1. Conversely, the ideal female face is heart shaped with projection at the zygoma and a tapered jawline. Strategic positioning of the cheek apex serves as an anchor in sculpting a distinctly masculine or feminine face. Other considerations include the enhancement of skin quality and implications of hormonal therapy. CONCLUSION: The aesthetic considerations provided in this study can serve as a valuable guidance for aesthetic physicians seeking to deliver optimal care for their transitioning patients.

LetibotulinumtoxinA Attenuates the Psychological Burden of Glabellar Lines and Is Associated With High Subject Satisfaction in Phase 3 Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Hyperfunctional glabellar frown lines can transmit facial miscues that adversely affect emotional communication, increase perceptions of age, and diminish self-esteem. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of letibotulinumtoxinA in mitigating the negative psychological impact associated with moderate to severe glabellar lines and to assess subject satisfaction with treatment outcome in the BLESS phase 3 clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline and posttreatment assessments were made using validated subject-administered instruments: Modified Skindex-16 Glabellar Line Quality of Life (GL-QoL) Scale, Facial Assessment and Cosmetic Evaluation Questionnaire (FACE-Q) Appraisal of Lines Between Eyebrows Scale, FACE-Q Age Appraisal Visual Analog Scale, and FACE-Q Satisfaction with Outcome Scale. An integrated analysis using pooled BLESS data was conducted on these secondary end points. RESULTS: Among enrolled and treated subjects ( N = 1,272), 85.5% had moderate to severe psychological impact at baseline. LetibotulinumtoxinA subjects experienced significant improvements compared with placebo on all measures. Mean improvement to Week 4 for the Modified Skindex-16 GL-QoL Scale overall score was -33.84 for letibotulinumtoxinA subjects compared with -1.37 for placebo subjects ( p < .001). Attenuation of psychological burden was highly correlated with improvement in glabellar line severity ( p < .0001). CONCLUSION: LetibotulinumtoxinA significantly improved the psychosocial burden associated with glabellar lines across all trials. Treated subjects experienced improved quality of life, younger perceived age, and satisfaction with treatment outcome.

Optimal Practices in the Delivery of Aesthetic Medical Care to Patients on Immunosuppressants and Immunomodulators: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Non-surgical aesthetic procedures have been steadily growing in popularity among patients of all ages and ethnicities. At present, the literature remains devoid of guidelines on optimal practices in the delivery of aesthetic medical care to patients on immunosuppressant medications. The authors of this review seek to determine the physiologic responses of immunocompromised patients, with regards to outcomes and potential complications, following non-surgical aesthetic procedures and to suggest recommendations for optimal management of these patients. A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was performed to identify clinical studies of patients who had undergone non-surgical aesthetic procedures while immunosuppressed. 43 articles reporting on 1690 immunosuppressed patients who underwent filler injection were evaluated, of which the majority (99%; 1682/1690) were HIV patients while the remaining eight were medically immunosuppressed. The complication rate of filler in this population was of 28% (481/1690), with subcutaneous nodules consisting of the most frequently reported adverse event. A detailed synthesis of complications and a review of the inflammatory responses and impact of immunosuppressants and HIV infection on filler complications is presented. The authors concluded that patients on immunomodulatory medications may be at increased risk of filler granuloma relative to the general population, while patients on immunosuppressants may be at increased risk of infectious complications. Rudimentary guideines for optimal pre-proceural patient assessment, aseptic technique, injection technique and finally anti-bacterial and anti-viral prophylaxis are reviewed. Ongoing advancements in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these inflammatory processes will undoubtedly optimize management in this patient population.

Higher Responder Rates Observed With Live Participant Assessment Versus Photographic Assessment After VYC-20L Hyaluronic Acid Treatment for Chin Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: In an evaluator-blinded, randomized controlled trial, the hyaluronic acid soft-tissue filler VYC-20L injectable gel was safe and effective for correcting volume deficits and retrusion in the chin. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this subanalysis was to compare responder rates obtained with photographic vs live assessments. METHODS: Participants were randomized 3:1 to VYC-20L treatment or a 6-month, no-treatment control period followed by optional treatment. Responder rates (≥1-point improvement from baseline on the validated Allergan Chin Retrusion Scale [ACRS]) obtained with photographic assessments and live assessments at Month 6 were compared. Prespecified subgroup analyses compared responder rates by baseline ACRS severity, filler volume, cannula usage, and investigation site. RESULTS: VYC-20L was effective for chin augmentation as evaluated with both live and photographic assessments. The ACRS responder rates at Month 6 were 91.8% with live assessments and 56.3% with photographic assessments. Consistently higher response rates were observed by live vs photographic assessment regardless of baseline ACRS severity, filler volume, cannula usage, and investigation site. CONCLUSIONS: Live assessment of ACRS response after VYC-20L treatment resulted in higher responder rates than photographic assessment, supporting the use of live assessment for this indication to approximate real-world clinical practice.

Decoding the Implications of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Accelerated Facial and Skin Aging.

Following the advent of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA), subsequent unintended effects such as accelerated facial aging and altered skin health have been noted. This review delves deeper into the causative underlying mechanisms and provides insights into the intricate relationship between GLP-1RA, adipose tissue, and premature facial aging, thereby highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of their effects on facial alterations and skin health. Studies exploring the potential effects of GLP-1RA on facial alterations and offering insights into the possible underlying mechanisms, causes and clinical implications were included. The accelerated facial aging and altered skin health observed in GLP-1RA patients appears to be multifactorial, involving loss of dermal and subcutaneous white adipose tissue, altered proliferation and differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), and impacts on the production and secretion of hormonal and metabolic factors. These changes compromise the structural integrity and barrier function of the skin and may lead to diminished facial muscle mass, further exacerbating the appearance of aging. The insights presented call for a paradigm shift in the clinical management of facial changes induced by GLP-1RA, with a focus on treatment strategies aimed at targeting ADSC stimulation. These include autologous fat transfers to reintroduce cells rich in ADSCs for rejuvenation, composite fat grafting combining autologous fat with/without stromal vascular fraction, and the strategic use of soft tissue fillers for volume restoration and biostimulation. This review highlights the potential role of GLP-1RA in modulating adipose tissue dynamics, contributing to accelerated aging through metabolic, structural, and hormonal pathways.

"I Want It to Look Natural": Development and Validation of the FACE-Q Aesthetics Natural Module.

BACKGROUND: The concept of "natural" after a facial aesthetic treatment represents an understudied area. We added scales to FACE-Q Aesthetics to provide a means to measure this concept from the patient's perspective. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to develop and validate the FACE-Q Aesthetic Natural module. METHODS: Concept elicitation interviews with people having minimally invasive treatments were conducted to explore the natural concept and develop scales. Patient and expert input refined scale content. An online sample (ie, Prolific) of people who had a facial aesthetic treatment was analyzed with Rasch measurement theory to examine psychometric properties. A test-retest reliability study was performed, and construct validity was examined. RESULTS: Interviews with 26 people were conducted. Three scales were developed and refined with input from 12 experts, 11 patients, and 184 online survey participants. Data from 1358 online participants provided evidence of scale reliability and validity. Reliability was high with person separation index, Cronbach alpha, and intraclass correlation coefficient values without extremes ≥0.82. Tests of construct validity confirmed that the scales functioned as hypothesized. Higher scores on the Expectations scale were associated with how important it was to have a natural look and movement after treatment. In addition, higher scores on the Natural Appearance and Natural Outcome scales correlated with better scores on other FACE-Q Aesthetics scales, and were associated with the face looking and feeling natural and with overall satisfaction with facial appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Many people seeking facial aesthetic treatments want to look natural after treatment. These new FACE-Q Aesthetics scales provide a means to measure the concept of natural from the patient's perspective.

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 amidst an unregulated educational environment for practitioners. The absence of standardized educational pathways and quality control in aesthetic medicine, primarily provided by non-academic institutions, highlights a critical need for establishing educational standards to ensure practitioner competence and patient safety. OBJECTIVES: To identify levels of competency for the aesthetic practitioner and for 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, an average of 3.85 (1.8) years, 786.4 (2,628) filler injections, and 549.9 (1,543) toxin injections was estimated to progress from novice to advanced injector, while an average of 6.10 (3.7) years, 1,842.2 (4,793) filler injections, and 1,308.5 (3,363) injections was estimated to advance from advanced to expert injector. The nose and the perioral region have been ranked as the facial regions 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: This study establishes 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 1,840 filler and 1,310 neuromodulator injections for expertise. It also identifies critical facial regions for targeted treatments by different expertise levels.

Patient Preferences and Perceptions Concerning Aesthetic Providers and Social Media.

BACKGROUND: With the rise of social media, aesthetic providers have established a presence on social media. However, there has been little research to evaluate how patients perceive these aesthetic providers and what they desire to see on their professional accounts. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the social media preferences and perceptions of patients who undergo aesthetic procedures. METHODS: A survey was sent to a random sample of US individuals; 651 (32%) identified that they underwent aesthetic procedures. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze participants and groups were compared with chi-square analyses. RESULTS: Our sample had a majority of females (57% female, 43% male). An aesthetic medical provider's social media presence had a positive impact on 41% of respondents; a minority of respondents (9%) preferred no social media presence. Fifty-five percent of respondents indicated they would prefer to see a provider with a blue checkmark. With regard to content published, 70% of respondents found it important that a provider show before and after photographs. One-third of respondents indicated they would prefer not to see personal content (n = 236, 36%). CONCLUSIONS: A social media presence is not a strict requirement for success, but 41% of respondents reported a social media presence positively impacted their desire to see the provider as a patient. Patients preferred certain characteristics, such as verification and before and after photographs. Aesthetic providers should take care when determining what content to publish to their social accounts and should consider focusing on educational, promotional, and family/interpersonal content.

Update: Cellulite Therapies and Optimizing Treatment Combinations.

Cellulite in the proximal lower extremities is a reported concern among many adult females. The unsightly appearance of cellulite leads many affected individuals to seek treatment by trained specialists. The objective of this review is to provide the reader with an update on new and innovative therapies for cellulite including various treatment combinations to maximize therapeutic outcomes, and strategies for minimizing adverse events. The availability of new technologies and the results from recent clinical trials provide additional tools and data to consider when creating treatment plans for cellulite patients. This update to previous treatment recommendations is based on the most recent developments in cellulite management including the personal experiences of the authors with an emphasis on injectable enzymes, acoustic subcision, targeted verifiable subcision, and biostimulators. Formal clinical studies are warranted to compare various treatment modalities and further investigate combination regimens.

Efficacy and Safety of Tapencarium (RZL-012) in Submental Fat Reduction.

BACKGROUND: Tapencarium (RZL-012) (5-(3.6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-N, N, N-trimethylpentan-1-aminium chloride) is a novel injectable synthetic molecule with cytolytic properties, capable of reducing subcutaneous fat volume. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this 3-armed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b study was to determine the safety and efficacy of low- and high-dose RZL-012 vs placebo on submental fat (SMF) reduction. METHODS: Patients (n = 151, age 18-65 years) with excess SMF received a single treatment session of RZL-012 or placebo in the submental area, after which they were monitored for 84 days. SMF was assessed at baseline and after dosing with newly developed scales, namely the Clinician Chin Assessment Tool (C-CAT) and Subject Chin Assessment Tool (S-CAT). SMF was also assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at screening and on Day 84 after treatment. RESULTS: The proportion of patients who had a 1-grade or 2-grade improvement in C-CAT and/or S-CAT on Day 84 vs baseline was significantly higher in the high-dose RZL-012 group vs the placebo group (P < .002). The relative percentage reduction in MRI-measured SMF volume (Day 84 vs screening) was significantly greater in the high-dose RZL-012 group vs the low-dose RZL-012 or the placebo group (P < .0001). Local injection site reactions were the most common adverse events (AEs). CONCLUSIONS: A single administration of RZL-012 into SMF resulted in significant improvement in submental appearance as assessed by clinicians, patients, and MRI. From a safety perspective, there were no serious AEs and no clinically significant changes in vital signs or laboratory tests over the course of the study.

The Emerging Field of Regenerative Aesthetics-Where We Are Now.

BACKGROUND: Regenerative aesthetics is an emerging branch of regenerative medicine with therapies aimed at recapturing youthful structure and function using the body's own systems. OBJECTIVE: To introduce the field of regenerative aesthetics, and to explore themes and evidence surrounding current and emerging therapies in the field. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the literature was performed for each of the 3 pillars of regeneration; namely, stem cells, biochemical cues, and scaffolds. RESULTS: Herein, we provide an overview of the field of regenerative aesthetics, a discussion surrounding the 3 pillars of regeneration, and an overview of the evidence supporting current and emerging therapeutic modalities that could play a pivotal role in the future of aesthetic treatments. CONCLUSION: An enhanced understanding of this field can serve to further enhance our awareness about the regenerative effects of therapies we already offer, in addition to providing inspiration for future innovation.

Narrowing the Wide Tip via Endonasal Approach.

Rhinoplasty is arguably the most complex and intricate surgery performed by facial plastic surgeons. Nasal tip refinement of a broad nasal tip has remained the most challenging part of rhinoplasty as sophisticated techniques are critical to achieve aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound nasal tips that can withstand the contractile forces of healing. Successful tip refinement relies on an in-depth preoperative and intraoperative understanding of the patient's nasal anatomy, well developed arsenal of techniques, the experience of the surgeon, and the aesthetic desires of the patient. Although the approach to gain access to the nasal tip so as to successfully reshape the tip has been a topic of debate over many years, the aim of this article is to outline and demonstrate how the broad nasal tip can be successfully recontoured through an endonasal approach using nondestructive techniques that have been effectively used in open rhinoplasty. We believe that there continues to be a place for endonasal tip rhinoplasty especially in this era in which patients desire less invasive procedures with shorter healing time.

Multimodal Facial Aesthetic Treatment on the Appearance of Aging, Social Confidence, and Psychological Well-being: HARMONY Study.

BACKGROUND: A global approach to facial rejuvenation involves multiple treatment modalities. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of multimodal facial aesthetic treatment on self-reported psychological and social outcomes. METHODS: HARMONY, a prospective, multicenter, 4-month study, enrolled patients aged 35 to 65 years to receive on-label treatment with a combination of hyaluronic fillers (VYC-20L, HYC-24L, and/or HYC-24L+), onabotulinumtoxinA, and bimatoprost. Fillers were injected on Day 1, with touch-ups performed on Day 14. OnabotulinumtoxinA was injected at Month 3 into glabellar lines and/or crow's feet lines. Patients applied bimatoprost to eyelashes once daily for 17 weeks. Mean change from baseline on FACE-Q Psychological Well-being and Social Confidence Scales, FACE-Q Aging Appearance Appraisal Scale, and FACE-Q Age Appraisal Visual Analog Scale were assessed. RESULTS: Of 100 patients treated, 93 were evaluated at 4 months posttreatment. Significant improvement vs baseline was observed on the FACE-Q Scales for Psychological Well-being (mean change, -19.9; P < 0.00001), Social Confidence (mean change, -18.2; P < 0.00001), and Aging Appearance (mean change, -28.5; P < 0.0001). On average, patients' self-assessed age was 0.1 years older than actual age at baseline and 4.5 years younger at Month 4 (P < 0.001 vs baseline). Forty-two patients experienced adverse events, all mild to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal, full facial aesthetic treatment improves patients' self-reported psychological well-being, social confidence, aging appearance, and perceptions of chronologic age.

Facial Aesthetic Priorities and Concerns: A Physician and Patient Perception Global Survey.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive and noninvasive facial aesthetic treatments are increasingly popular, and a greater understanding of patient perspectives on facial aesthetic priorities is needed. OBJECTIVES: The authors surveyed facial aesthetic concerns, desires, and treatment goals of aesthetically conscious men and women, and physicians, in 18 countries. METHODS: This was a global, internet-based survey on desired appearance and experiences with, or interest in, facial aesthetic treatments. Eligible respondents were aesthetically conscious adults (21-75 years). Eligible aesthetic physicians were required to see ≥30 patients per month for aesthetic reasons, have 2 to 30 years of experience in clinical practice, and spend ≥70% of their time in direct patient care. RESULTS: A total of 14,584 aesthetically conscious adults (mean age, 41 years; 70% women) and 1315 aesthetic physicians (mean age, 45 years; 68% men) completed the survey. Most respondents (68%) reported that aesthetic procedures should be sought in their 30s to 40s; physicians recommended patients seek treatment earlier. Respondents expressed greatest concern over crow's feet lines, forehead lines, facial skin issues, hair-related concerns, and under-eye bags or dark circles; in contrast, physicians tended to underestimate concerns about under-eye bags or dark circles, mid-face volume deficits, and skin quality. Although both physicians and respondents cited cost as a major barrier to seeking aesthetic treatments, respondents also emphasized safety, fear of injections or procedure-related pain, and concern about unnatural-looking outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This global survey provides valuable insight into facial aesthetic concerns and perspectives that may be implemented in patient education and consultations to improve patient satisfaction following aesthetic treatments.

Safe and Effective Chin Augmentation With the Hyaluronic Acid Injectable Filler, VYC-20L.

BACKGROUND: VYC-20L is a hyaluronic acid soft tissue filler with lidocaine designed to restore facial volume. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the safety and effectiveness of VYC-20L in patients with chin retrusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adults with chin retrusion were randomized (3:1) to receive VYC-20L in the chin at study onset (treatment group) or 6 months later (control group). The primary effectiveness end point was ≥1-point improvement on the Allergan Chin Retrusion Scale (ACRS) from baseline at Month 6. Safety assessments included injection site responses (ISRs) and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: VYC-20L was administered to 192 participants (treatment group, n = 144; control group, n = 48). At Month 6, significantly more participants had an ACRS response in the treatment versus control group (56.3% vs 27.5%; p = .0019). Effectiveness was also demonstrated by the proportion of participants with improved/much improved Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores and responses on the FACE-Q Satisfaction with Chin questionnaire and FACE-Q Psychological Wellbeing module. Treatment benefit remained evident at Month 12. Most common ISRs were tenderness (81.1%) and firmness (75.1%). One participant (0.5%) discontinued the study due to 2 treatment-related serious AEs of facial cellulitis and injection site inflammation, both resolved without sequelae. CONCLUSION: VYC-20L significantly improved an ACRS response and was generally safe and well tolerated.

Blinded Evaluation of Hyaluronic Acid Hand Filler Injections and Effects on First Impressions.

BACKGROUND: The hands are the second most common body part visible after the face. In the aging hand, the dorsum loses volume, becomes uneven, veins become more prominent, and there is an increase in spots and wrinkles. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of large-particle hyaluronic acid filler injection into the dorsal hand on first impressions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten subjects underwent filler injections in the bilateral dorsal hands with large-particle hyaluronic acid filler. Photographs of the hands were taken at baseline and 2 weeks after the optimal correction result. A survey to evaluate first impressions was then completed by blinded evaluators on defined categories of perception. RESULTS: A total of 209 evaluators completed the first impression questionnaire. Overall, 10,032 individual assessments of first impressions were completed. There was a significant improvement in mean first impressions in all categories of perception and overall first impression scores. CONCLUSION: Cosmetic treatments to the hands is a growing field with the use of hyaluronic acid fillers to restore volume, decrease wrinkles, and improve the appearance of prominent veins. This study revealed an improvement in first impression scores in all categories following treatment with large-particle hyaluronic acid filler to the dorsal hands.

AbobotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Glabellar Lines: A Randomized, Dose-Escalating, Double-Blind Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of AbobotulinumtoxinA (ABO) dose escalation in the correction of moderate-to-severe glabellar lines. DESIGN: Phase 2, 36-week, multicenter, randomized, dose-ranging, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. METHODS: Adults with moderate-to-severe glabellar lines received a single ABO treatment, dosed at 50, 75, 100, or 125 U, or placebo. Primary endpoint was week 4 composite ≥2-grade responder rate among those achieving a severity score of 0 (none) or 1 (mild) at maximum frown, evaluated using concurrent investigator and subject assessments. Secondary endpoints included ≥1-grade severity improvement, duration of effect, and reporting of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS: Overall, 399 subjects were included (88.2% were female). Week 4 composite ≥2-grade ABO responder rate was 80.0% (50 U), 88.8% (75 U), 90.0% (100 U) and 95.1% (125 U), versus 2.6% with placebo (P<0.001). Responder rate (≥1-grade) ranged between 53% (50 U) and 69% (125 U) at week 24 and between 18% (50 U) and 31% (125 U) at week 36. Median time (weeks) to return to baseline severity/worse, among those scoring 0 (none) or 1 (mild), was 32.3 (50 U), 34.3 (75 U), 36.0 (100 U) and 36.6 (125 U), versus 23.7 (placebo). ABO-related TEAEs were reported in 4% of subjects (80% were mild). No seroconversion to ABO neutralizing antibodies was seen. CONCLUSION: A single ABO treatment provided rapid and effective improvements in glabellar line severity at all doses. Higher doses tended to demonstrate elevated response rates and longer duration of effect. All ABO doses were well-tolerated with low TEAE incidence. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(9):980-987. doi:10.36849/JDD.6263.

Evaluation of Selfies and Filtered Selfies and Effects on First Impressions.

BACKGROUND: Selfies and filtered selfies are becoming more prevalent throughout society and in the facial plastic surgery clinic. The term "Snapchat dysmorphia" has been used to describe patients seeking procedures to look like their selfie or filtered selfie. This is particularly frequent in the Millennial population, aged 22 to 37 years. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to determine the effects on first impression from different photograph types: selfies, filtered selfies, a rear-facing smartphone camera, and a digital camera (DC). We hypothesize that the DC photographs will have the highest rated first impressions among evaluators despite the popularity of selfies and filtered selfies. METHODS: This study included 240 evaluators and 4 patients each completing the 4 different photograph types. The evaluators completed a survey rating first impression on various measures of success for each photograph type. RESULTS: A total of 960 first impressions were recorded for each of the 8 subscales, yielding 7680 individual assessments of first impression. The DC photograph was found to have the highest first impression scores among the 4 photograph types. There was no statistical difference between selfies and filtered selfies. The rear-facing smartphone camera received the lowest first impression scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the standard DC photograph taken during a preoperative consultation has higher first impressions than selfies or filtered selfies. Although "Snapchat dysmorphia" may continue to be a growing trend in the near future, our findings provide important information to discuss with patients in the preoperative visit to set realistic expectations.

A Randomized, Single-Blind, Crossover Study Evaluating the Impact of OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment on Mood and Appearance During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of COVID-19 led rapidly to one of the most severe disease outbreaks in modern history. This caused many aesthetic practices to close temporarily, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of neurotoxin use in the setting of an ongoing pandemic. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine whether administration of onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX Cosmetic, Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland) to regular users synergistically amplifies the elevation in mood/happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall satisfaction in the context of the ongoing pandemic. METHODS: A randomized, single-blind, crossover study was designed to evaluate the impact of neurotoxin treatment in the upper third of the face on mood, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall satisfaction. The placebo group crossed over to treatment after 1 month. Surveys evaluating patient happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall efficacy were completed by both groups, and again by the placebo group following crossover to treatment. RESULTS: Forty-five subjects were enrolled: 30 in the treatment group and 15 in the control/crossover group. The placebo group demonstrated no change in happiness or self-satisfaction in appearance until crossover to the treatment group. Both groups, once receiving onabotulinumtoxinA, reported increased happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall treatment satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment to the upper face in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was found to increase patient happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall treatment satisfaction.

The Second of Two One-Year, Multicenter, Open-Label, Repeat-Dose, Phase II Safety Studies of PrabotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Glabellar Lines in Adult Patients.

BACKGROUND: PrabotulinumtoxinA is a 900-kDa botulinum toxin type A produced by Clostridium botulinum. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to investigate the safety of prabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of glabellar lines. METHODS: This was a multicenter, open-label, repeat-dose, 1-year phase II safety study. Adults with moderate to severe glabellar lines at maximum frown, as independently assessed by both investigator and patient on the validated 4-point photonumeric Glabellar Line Scale (0 = no lines, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe), were enrolled. On day 0, patients received an initial treatment (IT) of 20 U prabotulinumtoxinA (4 U/0.1 mL final vacuum-dried formulation injected into 5 glabellar sites). On and after day 90, patients received a repeat treatment (RT) if their Glabellar Line Scale score was ≥2 at maximum frown by investigator assessment. Safety outcomes were evaluated throughout the study. RESULTS: The 570 study patients received a median total dose of 60 U, that is, 3 treatments. Sixty-one patients (10.7%) experienced adverse events (AEs) assessed as possibly study drug related; 6.5% experienced study drug-related AEs after the IT. With each RT, progressively lower percentages of patients experienced study drug-related AEs. Eight patients (1.4%) experienced study drug-related AEs of special interest: 5 experienced eyelid ptosis (0.9%), 3 eyebrow ptosis (0.5%), 1 blepharospasm (0.2%), and 1 blurred vision (0.2%). Seven patients (1.2%) experienced serious AEs, but none were study drug related. A total of 4060 serum samples were tested for antibotulinum toxin antibodies; no seroconversion was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The safety of RTs of 20 U of prabotulinumtoxinA for moderate to severe glabellar lines was confirmed in this second phase II study based on a broad range of outcomes.