Achieving Bratz Doll Look with Lip Fillers: A Prospective Observational Study on Blunt Cannula Techniques.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a blunt cannula technique using hyaluronic acid fillers for achieving the Bratz doll lip aesthetic, characterized by enhanced volume and sharp definition. Methods: Thirty volunteers, 22-40 years of age, were selected based on specific inclusion criteria at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Center for 6 months. The technique involved precise filler injections using a Steriglide blunt cannula. Pre- and postprocedure measurements of lip dimensions and angular changes were meticulously documented and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software. Results: The procedure significantly increased the average height of both the upper and lower vermilion zones, with notable changes in angular measurements and the distance between the midline and oral commissure, aligning with the Bratz doll aesthetic. Importantly, none of the participants experienced bruising, a common side effect in traditional needle-based methods. The overall satisfaction rate was high, with an average score of 8.5 out of 10, reflecting the procedure's success in meeting aesthetic goals and ensuring participant comfort. Conclusions: The blunt cannula technique for lip augmentation presents a safe and effective alternative to traditional needle-based methods. The absence of bruising and high satisfaction rates underscore the technique's precision and alignment with patient safety and comfort. This study contributes to the field of cosmetic lip enhancement, offering a novel approach that balances aesthetic aspirations with health considerations, potentially influencing future practices in cosmetic procedures.

Optimizing Botulinum Toxin A Administration for Forehead Wrinkles: Introducing the Lines and Dots (LADs) Technique and a Predictive Dosage Model.

This study introduces the Lines and Dots (LADs) technique, a new approach for administering botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) in treating forehead wrinkles. (1) Background: BoNT-A application patterns in the forehead often rely solely on the anatomy of the frontalis muscle. The LADs technique proposes a combination of anatomical features with nerve pathways. (2) Methods: The technique employed a grid system aligned with the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerve pathways and used an electronic acupuncture pen for validation. This study analyzed treatment outcomes for efficacy and safety and proposed a predictive model for BoNT-A dosage. (3) Results: LADs was associated with a high satisfaction rate and low side effect incidence. The predictive model followed BoNT-A Units=0.322×Muscle Pattern Code+1.282×Line Type Code+2.905×Severity Pre-Treatment+3.947. (4) Conclusions: The LADs technique offers an alternative approach to treating forehead wrinkles, optimizing efficacy while minimizing the BoNT-A dose required.

Exploring the landscape of aesthetic pharmacy practice.

Background: As pharmacy practice evolves, an increasing number of pharmacists are diversifying into non-traditional roles such as aesthetic procedures. Despite this shift, comprehensive research exploring demographic patterns, motivations, practice settings, and perceived support and barriers among pharmacists in this specialty, particularly in Alberta, Canada, remains scant. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the demographics, experience, practice settings, types of aesthetic services offered, and perceptions of support from the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) among Alberta pharmacists. It also sought to understand the relationship between pharmacists' years of practice and the complexity of the aesthetic services they provide and to assess the impact of contacting the ACP on their perceptions of clarity in the aesthetic injection regulatory framework. Methods: An online survey was disseminated to registered pharmacists in Alberta, gathering data on demographics, experience, practice settings, aesthetic services offered, and perceived barriers and support. Statistical analysis was used to identify significant trends and associations, employing Chi-square, Kendall's tau-c, and Gamma tests. Results: The results showed a significant association between younger age and involvement in aesthetic practice, with a substantial presence in hospital settings. Part-time pharmacists showed stronger involvement, and those with less than five years of experience were more likely to practice aesthetic injections. No statistically significant relationship was found between the years of practice and the complexity of aesthetic services. Clear dissatisfaction was evident regarding the support and communication from the ACP, with contact with the ACP not necessarily resulting in clarity regarding aesthetic practice regulations. Conclusion: The findings suggest that aesthetic practices are becoming a significant part of pharmacy practice, particularly among younger, part-time pharmacists associated with hospital settings. However, this shift calls for improved support, clearer guidelines, and better communication from the ACP, particularly around aesthetic practice regulations.It also emphasizes the need for regulatory bodies to ensure pharmacists are equipped to offer these services safely and effectively, which could be crucial in shaping future policy-making and professional development initiatives.