Swiss clinical practice guidelines on field cancerization of the skin.

Actinic keratosis (AK) affects millions of people worldwide, and its prevalence continues to increase. AK lesions are caused by chronic ultraviolet radiation exposure, and the presence of two or more AK lesions along with photodamage should raise the consideration of a diagnosis of field cancerization. Effective treatment of individual lesions as well as field cancerization is essential for good long-term outcomes. The Swiss Registry of Actinic Keratosis Treatment (REAKT) Working Group has developed clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of field cancerization in patients who present with AK. These guidelines are intended to serve as a resource for physicians as to the most appropriate treatment and management of AK and field cancerization based on current evidence and the combined practical experience of the authors. Treatment of AK and field cancerization should be driven by consideration of relevant patient, disease, and treatment factors, and appropriate treatment decisions will differ from patient to patient. Prevention measures and screening recommendations are discussed, and special considerations related to management of immunocompromised patients are provided.

The convergence of medicine and neurotoxins: a focus on botulinum toxin type A and its application in aesthetic medicine--a global, evidence-based botulinum toxin consensus education initiative: part I: botulinum toxin in clinical and cosmetic practice.

BACKGROUND: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved four distinct formulations of botulinum toxin (BoNT) serotypes A and B (BoNTA and BoNTB) for medical use. These four products are indicated for many medical applications, but the three BoNTA formulations are the most widely used worldwide and are the only products approved for aesthetic use. The latest approval of a BoNTA with no complexing proteins (incobotulinumtoxinA) necessitates a review and discussion of differences between available formulations and the effect that these differences may have on clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To review the history, science, safety information, and current and emerging applications of BoNT in clinical and cosmetic practice and to compare commercially available BoNTA formulations. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Publications, clinical trials, and author experience were used as a basis for an up-to-date review of BoNT and its use in human medicine. The similarities and differences between formulations are presented, and diffusion, spread, equivalency ratios, stability, and storage are discussed. RESULTS: Each commercial formulation has unique characteristics that may influence its use in aesthetic medicine. Familiarity with the similarities and differences between products will aid physicians in making patient care decisions. CONCLUSION: New formulations, emerging uses, and continued research into the science and uses of BoNTA will lead to increasingly refined therapeutic approaches and applications. Continued education is important for physicians to optimize use of the agent according to the most current evidence and approaches.

The convergence of medicine and neurotoxins: a focus on botulinum toxin type A and its application in aesthetic medicine--a global, evidence-based botulinum toxin consensus education initiative: part II: incorporating botulinum toxin into aesthetic clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: The new world of safe aesthetic injectables has become increasingly popular with patients. Not only is there less risk than with surgery, but there is also significantly less downtime to interfere with patients' normal work and social schedules. Botulinum toxin (BoNT) type A (BoNTA) is an indispensable tool used in aesthetic medicine, and its broad appeal has made it a hallmark of modern culture. The key to using BoNTA to its best effect is to understand patient-specific factors that will determine the treatment plan and the physician's ability to personalize injection strategies. OBJECTIVES: To present international expert viewpoints and consensus on some of the contemporary best practices in aesthetic BoNTA, so that beginner and advanced injectors may find pearls that provide practical benefits. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Expert aesthetic physicians convened to discuss their approaches to treatment with BoNT. The discussions and consensus from this meeting were used to provide an up-to-date review of treatment strategies to improve patient results. Information is presented on patient management and assessment, documentation and consent, aesthetic scales, injection strategies, dilution, dosing, and adverse events. CONCLUSION: A range of product- and patient-specific factors influence the treatment plan. Truly optimized outcomes are possible only when the treating physician has the requisite knowledge, experience, and vision to use BoNTA as part of a unique solution for each patient's specific needs.