A prospective clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of a Laminin-5 fragment contained soothing cream in post-laser treatment care.

BACKGROUND: Photothermolysis effect, resulting from laser procedures, can cause redness/erythema, skin irritation and burning sensation, these symptoms may persist more than several days after the procedure and leading to discomfort for patients. Proper management is necessary for the better outcome, especially in early period after the laser procedure. Laminin-5 fragment contained soothing cream (CEBELIA Extreme Care®), is believed to have the calming/soothing effect on overheated/irritated skin after undergoing the laser treatment. It is assumed that cream can help alleviate the redness, erythema and burning sensation commonly experienced after laser treatments. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of Laminin-5 fragment contained soothing cream (CEBELIA Extreme Care®) during the early post-laser care period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective split-face study involved 28 patients who underwent CO2 laser procedures and met inclusion criteria. The laser treatment was performed on both sides of the midface, and subsequently, the Laminin-5 fragment contained soothing cream (CEBELIA Extreme Care®) was applied to one side of the midface. The efficacy of the cream was evaluated through objective measures, including photographic evaluation by two independent evaluators and assessment using an automatic skin analysis device. Subjective evaluations were also conducted. RESULTS: The objective evaluation, based on the erythema score, revealed a statistical significant difference (p < 0.05) between the side treated with Laminin-5 fragment contained soothing cream (CEBELIA Extreme Care®) and the control side. The erythema score was 1.34 ± 2.469 after the laser treatment with subsequent application of the cream for 10 min and 0.7 ± 2.28 on the second day after the procedure. The subjective evaluation showed a statistically significant high of patient satisfaction. No complications were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The application of Laminin-5 fragment contained soothing cream (CEBELIA Extreme Care®) after the CO2 laser treatment was found to be effective, particularly when applied for 10 min after the laser treatment and on the second day after the procedure. Both objective and subjective evaluations yielded significantly different results. Patients reported a high satisfaction rate with the characteristics of the cream during the follow-up period.

Experimental study on polycaprolactone scaffold cell-based nasal implant using 3D printing.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to address the potential of combining porous biocompatible scaffolds with primary cells or autologous diced cartilage in cartilage tissue engineering in the animal model. The purpose of this study is an experimental evaluation of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold cell-based nasal implant using three-dimensional (3D) printing. METHODS: In this study, we applied hollow PCL cage scaffolds with 200 and 400 µm pore sizes. The scaffolds were divided into three groups (n = 4 for each group): (1) PCL cage scaffolds loaded with agarose gel and chondrocytes; (2) PCL cage scaffolds loaded with agarose gel and fibroblasts, and (3) PCL cages loaded with autologous diced cartilage. In each group, chondrocytes and fibroblasts were seeded into the agarose gel at the density of 5 × 106 cells/mL. RESULTS: All implants showed sufficient integration into the surrounding tissue. It was revealed that chondrocytes were proliferated and differentiated better in the "400 µm" scaffolds than in the "200 µm" group. However, a pore size of 200 µm was optimal for fibroblasts' proliferation. In addition, the results of our study showed that the use of PCL-based scaffolds can achieve the desirable stable augmentation effect with almost none of the changes of contour. CONCLUSION: In this study, both groups: (1) PCL cage scaffolds loaded with agarose gel and chondrocytes and (2) PCL cages loaded with autologous diced cartilage demonstrated chondrogenic potential with scaffolds with 400 µm pore size. The PCL cage scaffolds loaded with agarose gel and fibroblasts demonstrated potential in cartilage tissue formation within the pore size of 200 µm.

Retrospective study of the absorbable braided polydioxanone threads' usefulness in the aged lower eyelids' rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Tear trough deformity, hyperpigmentation, and skin laxity of the lower eyelid make individuals appear fatigued and elderly. Many patients prefer less invasive, cosmetic correction of the aged lower eyelid. Polydioxanone (PDO)-barbed threads introduced braided fine threads design, which works as a template for attraction of the regenerative factors and for cells' migration and proliferation. The purpose of this study was to estimate the outcomes of simultaneous additional application of braided type PDO threads (N-scaffold) for aged lower eyelids' rejuvenation in patients, who underwent the midface PDO thread lifting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients with mildly loose skin in the facial area, who underwent the thread lifting using PDO threads, were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, 15 patients per group. The first group underwent the midface thread lifting using PDO threads ("non-SCA" group). The second group underwent midface thread lifting in combination with braided PDO threads for tear trough deformity improvement ("N-scaffold" group). The results were evaluated subjectively, based on the patients' satisfaction rates, and objectively, by evaluating photographs. RESULTS: According to Barton's grading system, 7 months after the treatment, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups: 1.733 ± 0.74 in the non-SCA group and 0.733 ± 0.83 in the N-scaffold group (p < 0.05). Based on patients' self-assessment, there was a significant difference at 7 months after the treatment: 2.86 ± 0.84 in "non-SCA" group and 3.76 ± 0.90 in "N-scaffold" group, p < 0.05. Complications such as persistent swelling, hematoma, skin irregularity, and infection were not observed during follow-up assessments. CONCLUSION: The application of braided type PDO threads (N-scaffold) as part of the midface thread lifting, for aged lower eyelids rejuvenation appears to be effective and safe within a period. This study suggests that PDO threads insertion may be a useful, additional, and non-invasive tool for the aged lower eyelids rejuvenation.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of the Cutaneous Changes Induced by Topical Use of Novel Peptides Comprising Laminin 5.

Background Laminin 5, which is found in the basement membrane of dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), is a major adhesive component and associated with proliferating and migrating keratinocytes. In this study, we hypothesized that the topical application of the skin care products containing the novel peptides might restore the DEJ structure by deriving deposition of laminin 5 and promoting the keratinocyte migration. Here, we evaluated the restoration of DEJ by measuring the skin thickness. Methods Single-center retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 13 patients who underwent skin care using Baume L.C.E. (France, Laboratories d' Anjou) between January and March 2021. All patients applied the skin care agent for 2 weeks only on their left hand dorsum. Before the initiation of the application and after 2 weeks, both their hands were evaluated on photography and ultrasound. And the patients were asked to rate their satisfaction with the questionnaire after 2 weeks. Results There was no obvious improvement in photographic assessment and questionnaire. The post-pre difference of skin thickness in ultrasound images was, in left hand, 0.1 ± 0.37 in distal point and 0.1 ± 0.35 in proximal point; and, in right hand, 0 ± 0.17 in distal point and 0 ± 0.15 in proximal point, respectively. The pre-post difference was statistically significant in proximal point ( p = 0.035). Conclusion Topical application of novel peptide derivative comprising laminin 5 demonstrated cutaneous changes including skin thickness, as assessed by ultrasound. Further studies using other modalities including dermal density measurement, three-dimensional photography, optical coherence tomography, or skin biopsy would be helpful to determine the skin-improving effects.

The Application of Ball Shaped Diced Conchal Cartilage Wrapped With Dermofat in Tip Plasty.

BACKGROUND: Based on previous reports, in comparison with Caucasian, nose anatomy has features that have to be considered by surgeons during the tip augmentation in Asian patients. Weak alar cartilages, thick soft-tissue envelope, and bifid-like tip in most cases. This case report demonstrates our experience of using ball-shaped diced conchal cartilage during the tip plasty in Asian patients. CASE REPORT: Twenty-seven-year-old female patient underwent tip plasty augmentation with ball shaped diced cartilage wrapped with dermofat. There were no complications in postoperative period. DISCUSSION: Based on the Asian nasal anatomy features, surgeons commonly use septal extension graft in tip projection and derotation. However, it is still challenging to perform it in patients with septal cartilage insufficiency. In this case report, the authors introduce the alternative surgical option for nasal tip augmentation. The ball shaped cartilage autologous implant can be successfully used in tip plasty.

Combined press cog type and cog PDO threads in comparison with the cog PDO threads in facial rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Thread lifting is one of the most common minimally invasive options in facial rejuvenation procedures. The application of polydioxanone (PDO) showed good results and fewer complications. PDO threads effectively strengthen the contour of the face, reduce roundness, and lift sagging skin due to collagen-stimulating properties. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was an evaluation of the efficacy of the PDO threads: the combination of the cog type and press cog type threads (Ncog and Nfix) and cog type thread (Ncog) alone. And this study was conducted to define complications related to thread inserting during the follow-up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent PDO thread treatment for facial rejuvenation and tightening sagging skin tissues were evaluated. The follow-up period was seven months. Photographic objective and subjective evaluations were performed during this period. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 51.8 years (range 65 to 34). There was a statistically significant difference between pre and 1-month post-operative results in both groups with a mean score of 1.94 ± 0.43 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the combination of Ncog and N fix showed slightly better results than Ncog alone. According to patient satisfaction, all patients were satisfied with the clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed PDO threads are effective in aged skin rejuvenation, soft tissue retraction, and support, showing fewer complications. In addition, it could be assumed that treatment with thicker thread could be a more efficacious procedure. However, this statement requires further researches.

Validation of the optimal scaffold pore size of nasal implants using the 3-dimensional culture technique.

BACKGROUND: To produce patient-specific nasal implants, it is necessary to harvest and grow autologous cartilage. It is crucial to the proliferation and growth of these cells for scaffolds similar to the extracellular matrix to be prepared. The pore size of the scaffold is critical to cell growth and interaction. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine the optimal pore size for the growth of chondrocytes and fibroblasts. METHODS: Porous disc-shaped scaffolds with 100-, 200-, 300-, and 400-µm pores were produced using polycaprolactone (PCL). Chondrocytes and fibroblasts were cultured after seeding the scaffolds with these cells, and morphologic evaluation was performed on days 2, 14, 28, and 56 after cell seeding. On each of those days, the number of viable cells was evaluated quantitatively using an MTT assay. RESULTS: The number of cells had moderately increased by day 28. This increase was noteworthy for the 300- and 400-µm pore sizes for fibroblasts; otherwise, no remarkable difference was observed at any size except the 100-µm pore size for chondrocytes. By day 56, the number of cells was observed to increase with pore size, and the number of chondrocytes had markedly increased at the 400-µm pore size. The findings of the morphologic evaluation were consistent with those of the quantitative evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Experiments using disc-type PCL scaffolds showed (via both morphologic and quantitative analysis) that chondrocytes and fibroblasts proliferated most extensively at the 400-µm pore size in 56 days of culture.

The Application of Three-Dimensional Simulation Program and Three-Dimensional Printing in Secondary Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, efficacy of 3-dimensional (3D) simulation, in preoperative planning of aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries and prediction of the postoperative result, has been reported in many clinical studies. Especially in rhinoplasty, it can be used not only for prediction the outcome but also for fabricating implants that will strictly match with the anatomical needs of patient. CLINICAL REPORT: A 30-year-old male after traffic accident visited emergency room complaining on painful swelling and contour deformity of nose. Under the diagnosis of nasal bone fracture and deviated nose, he had been admitted to our hospital. Considering his medical history of rhinoplasty, which was performed in the local aesthetic clinic 6 years ago, the authors decided to perform the operation with 3D simulation program and 3D printed implant. There were no specific complications, such as hematoma, infection, or necrosis. Patient was discharged on fourth postoperation day. DISCUSSION: There is no doubt that creating an ideal dorsal aesthetic line is critically important in rhinoplasty. Therefore creating individual implants for certain patient's anatomical nasal structure is highly significant in the rhinoplasty. Although usefulness of primary rhinoplasty using patient-specific 3D implant is introduced in previous study, the authors successfully applied the patient-specific 3D implant to patient who has fracture of nasal bone and primary rhinoplasty history. It means that the patient-specific implants are stable and can be used not only in primary rhinoplasty patients but also for the patients who had primary rhinoplasty previously.