Real-World Study of Definisse Threads for Facial Reshaping in Indian Patients: REDEFINE FACE Study.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, thread lifting has gained popularity as a less invasive cosmetic surgery. It helps raise and realign sagging tissue. The newest thread type for thread lifting procedure is poly-lactic acid-polycaprolactone (PLCL) Definisse threads (RELIFE S.r.l., Florence, Italy). These are fourth-generation absorbable suspended barbed threads. Their double action involves an immediate elevating impact through mechanical action and, over time, the promotion of histological rejuvenating activity through inducing fibroblasts and the synthesis of elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. OBJECTIVES: The REDEFINE FACE study assessed the effectiveness and tolerance of Definisse threads in a real-world setting for facial reshaping in patients in India. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective observational research included patients treated with Definisse threads for face contouring. RESULTS: Three hundred seventeen patients with a mean follow-up of 4.9 months and an average age of 48.6 years participated in the study. All patients underwent thread lifts using either a single or a combination of Definisse thread reshaping techniques. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale for Physicians and Subjects (PGAIS and SGAIS) reported improvement instantly following the treatment (mean score- 3.23 and 3.18, respectively). Improvements continued to enhance during the follow-up visits (mean score- 4.09 and 4.03, respectively). Following the procedure, 96% of patients on the PGAIS and SGAIS exhibited enhancement. Most procedure-related side effects were minor and went away on their own in a few days without the need for proactive care. CONCLUSION: The results of this real-world analysis showed that the latest Definisse threads effectively achieve facial reshaping on patients in India and have both immediate and long-term effects. Treatment was generally well tolerated, and no patient experienced serious adverse events.

Practical Aspects of Acne Scar Management: ASAP 2024.

Acne scars are one of the most common complications of acne. They can significantly affect the patient's quality of life. Often, several types of atrophic acne scars are observed simultaneously; therefore, consideration must be given to the type of scar while choosing the treatment modality. Effective treatment is not only important to prevent and improve acne scars but also crucial in preventing psychosocial effects. Treatment of acne scars requires an algorithmic approach that targets each component of the scars, and combination therapy on a patient-specific basis may offer the best chance for significant improvement. The goal of the current article is to discuss the practical aspects of management of atrophic acne scars using the vast modalities of treatment available. The panel of dermatologists and plastic surgeons, each one with at least 20 years of experience in acne scar treatment, participated in a series of 'Practical Aspects of Acne Scar Management' (ASAP) meetings: ASAP 2024. ASAP meetings were organized by "Scar Forum India" from March 2023 to July 2023 in four Indian cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata), each one for a duration of at least three hours. During these meetings and discussions, panelists reviewed and discussed the acne scar-related literature, their clinical experience in its management, available treatment options, along with recent advances. Consequently, a summary of the discussion and practical approach for the management of acne scars is developed. It was concluded that, though there is no specific guideline available to optimize acne scar management despite the multitude of treatment options, the best results can be achieved through the synergy of multiple treatment modalities and using the algorithmic approach.

Prospective Efficacy and Safety Study of an Innovative Kerascalp Hair Growth Serum in Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia in India: Regrowth Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Male and female pattern baldness, commonly known as androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of alopecia, often predetermined genetically, which generally affects the scalp and is characterized by progressive terminal hair loss, known as miniaturization. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of Kerascalp hair serum, a unique combination of esculin, ximenynic acid, and lauric acid, extracted from natural sources in subjects with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia. METHODS: An open-label, single-arm clinical study was conducted on healthy males and females aged 18-60 years. Each subject applied the hair serum once daily for 90 days. The efficacy of hair serum was evaluated in terms of the following outcome variables: anagen and telogen ratio (A:T ratio), hair thickness, hair density, hair fall, and hair strength assessment. Subjects were assessed on day 0, day 30, day 60, day 90, and on follow-up day 120. RESULTS: Thirty subjects completed all assessment visits. After using the hair serum for 90 days, statistically significant (p<0.0001) improvement was observed in A:T ratio, hair density, hair thickness, and hair strength; a statistically significant reduction (p<0.0001) in hair fall was also observed. Moreover, improvement in general appearance of hair (in terms of hair volume and density) and scalp (in terms of itchiness, redness, roughness, and dryness) was recorded through dermatological assessment at each treatment visit and at follow-up visit compared to baseline. No adverse event was recorded during the study period, and on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this clinical study suggest that a 90 days treatment with a phyto-ingredient-based Kerascalp hair serum is safe and effective in significantly improving A:T ratio, hair density, hair thickness, and hair strength, while reducing hair shedding. The improvement in the test parameters persists, even 30 days after stopping the usage of the serum.

Retrospective real-world study of Definisse threads for jaw line reshaping in Indian patients (REDEFINE JAW study).

BACKGROUND: Thread lifting is a minimally invasive aesthetic procedure that lifts and realigns sagging tissue. Definisse double-needle threads are the latest fourth generation absorbable, monofilament, suspension barbed threads of synthetic origin with convergent bidirectional barbs. Definisse thread produces dual action; mechanical action gives a lifting effect and over a period, it promotes histological revitalizing action. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of Definisse double-needle threads for lower facial lifting for jaw line reshaping in Indian patients. METHODS: This is an observational, retrospective study involving patients who underwent treatment for lower-face reshaping using Definisse double-needle 12 cm threads. RESULTS: Fifty patients with a mean age of 47.44 years were included in the study with an average follow-up of 5.14 months. All the patients have undergone Jawline Reshaping (JR) procedure, while 70% of patients also underwent Malar Reshaping (MR) technique simultaneously. Mean of Physician and Subject Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (PGAIS and SGAIS) showed improvement immediately after the procedure (mean scores 2.82 and 2.7, respectively) and showed further improvement at the follow-up (3.72 and 3.58, respectively). Moreover, most of the patients immediately after the procedure rated the improvement in PGAIS and SGAIS as "much improved" compared to pre-procedure appearance (78% and 66%, respectively), while, at follow-up, 76% and 66% of the patients, respectively, rated "improved very much" compared to pre-procedure appearance. CONCLUSION: Current study has demonstrated the effectiveness of the latest Definisse threads in Indian patients in performing tissue repositioning to provide a noticeable lifting effect. Procedure was also well tolerated and none of the patients developed serious complications.

Efficacy and safety of innovative acne scar serum in Indian patients (ESTEEM India study).

BACKGROUND: Scarring is a common and undesirable outcome of acne vulgaris. There are limited effective topical formulations for acne scar treatment. The investigational product, acne scar serum (HEXILAK® Acne Scar Serum) is latest topical formulation developed for treatment of acne scar with unique ingredients, Kollaren and Exo-T. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate safety and efficacy of latest acne scar serum on the reduction of acne scars in Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects, diagnosed clinically with acne scars with or without hyperpigmentation, of either gender in the age group of 15 to 45 years were enrolled in the study. The investigational acne scar serum was applied twice daily for 3 months with monthly follow for outcome evaluation. RESULTS: Out of 72 subjects enrolled, 67 completed the study. Most of the subjects, 79.1% showed improvement in acne scar at Day 90. Significant reduction of mean total post-acne hyperpigmentation index (PAHI) was seen at all follow up visits compared with baseline. Significant improvement in mean acne scar depth, mean acne scar volume, and mean L value using 3D imaging were observed at all visits compared with baseline. All side effects reported were mild and overall, it was well tolerated by all subjects. CONCLUSION: We found that there was a significant reduction in acne scar and post-acne pigmentation with new acne scar serum as a monotherapy, this needs further confirmation in larger randomized controlled studies. Therefore, topical acne scar serum with unique ingredients Kollaren and Exo-T can be a safe, effective, and new option in the armamentarium of acne scar management.

Prospective Study of Growth Factor Concentrate Therapy for Treatment of Melasma.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common acquired pigmentary skin disorder. Currently, there are various treatment options available but none is effective universally. OBJECTIVE: Assess the role of Yuskin®, a growth factor concentrate (GFC) therapy, a modified platelet rich plasma (PRP) technique for the treatment of melasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects of Fitzpatrick skin type IV-V, of either gender, more than equal to 18 years of age, with a clinical diagnosis of melasma were enrolled in the study. Total three sessions of GFC monotherapy were given with one-month interval (day 0, day 30, and day 60) and follow up of subjects was done at day 90 for the final clinical assessment. RESULTS: Out of 40 subjects enrolled, 30 subjects completed three GFC sessions and 26, completed day 90 follow-up. Statistically significant decrease in the mean mMASI scores was observed at all visits compared to baseline (P < 0.005 for each visit). Totally, 66.7% of severe melasma subjects showed improvement to mild to moderate category. Significant improvement in mean mMASI score was seen in subjects who had mild to moderate melasma at baseline (P < 0.05). Overall, aesthetic improvement was reported in 88.5% of subjects. Side effects reported were mild such as injection site pain, erythema, oedema and bruising, and resolved spontaneously within a few hours to few days of onset. CONCLUSION: Significant improvement in melasma was observed with GFC monotherapy, which needs further confirmation in larger randomized controlled studies. Overall, it was well tolerated. Thus, GFC therapy can be a safe, effective, and new option in the armamentarium of melasma management.