High Patient Satisfaction of a Hyaluronic Acid Filler Producing Enduring Full-Facial Volume Restoration: An 18-Month Open Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Volume restoration is an essential part of facial rejuvenation. OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term full-facial volume restoration using HAEL Volume Lidocaine hyaluronic acid filler. METHODS: An 18-month open study in 60 subjects with at least Grade 2 on the 4-point volume loss scale (VLS) for full face and at least 2 indications affected among chin, temporal areas, jawline, cheeks, cheekbones, and nasolabial folds (NLF). Performance was assessed by VLS, Lemperle rating scale (LRS), investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and 3-dimensional (3D) imaging. RESULTS: Most subjects (71.6%) had 3 or 4 indications injected, most commonly cheekbones (96.7%) and NLF (93.3%). At 18 months, at least a 1-grade improvement in VLS was observed for full face (68.3% of subjects), chin (77.8%), temporal areas (73.7%), cheeks (66.6%), cheekbones (58.6%), jawline (43.1%), and NLF (71.4%; LRS). For all indications, more than 60% of the volume gained at 3 weeks was sustained at 18 months based on 3D digital imaging. At 18 months, 95.0% of subjects had improved full-face GAIS and all subjects were satisfied with their aesthetic outcome. One subject (1.6%) had treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSION: Full-facial volume restoration was well sustained over 18 months with high patient satisfaction and good tolerability.

Impact of pigmentary disorders on quality of life in Japan: Interest of the BeautyQoL instrument.

Skin pigmentary disorders and uneven skin tone represent common cosmetic concerns in Japan where fairer skin is culturally desirable. As the demographics of Asian countries continue to evolve, there is a need to understand the impact of cosmetic skin concerns on quality of life (QoL). 199 Japanese women self-claiming facial skin pigmentation disorders were asked to complete the BeautyQoL questionnaire, and the results were compared with those of a control group of 200 women. Of the five dimensions of the BeautyQoL questionnaire, the dimension "mood" appeared to be significantly lower in the group presenting facial dark spots, as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In the group presenting facial dark spots, the five dimensions and the global score showed that subjects concerned had lower scores than subjects less concerned, even if statistical significance was not reached. This study confirms that common pigmentary disorders such as facial black spots may negatively impact QoL. Further comparative studies with a controlled randomized design would be necessary to confirm these findings.

A vacinação contra SARS-CoV-2 afeta o efeito imediato da toxina botulínica? Primeiras impressões / Does SARS-CoV-2 vaccination affect the immediate effect of botulinum toxin? First impressions

Introdução: A infecção por SARS-CoV-2 se espalhou rapidamente pelo mundo desde sua identificação no final de 2019. Globalmente, até abril de 2021, houve mais de 150 milhões de casos confirmados de Covid-19, incluindo mais de 3 milhões de mortes. Portanto, uma corrida foi prontamente iniciada para produzir uma vacina eficaz contra o novo vírus. A injeção de toxina botulínica continua sendo o principal procedimento cosmético não cirúrgico em todo o mundo, com alto índice de eficácia e satisfação do paciente. Objetivos: Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a associação entre a vacina SARS-CoV-2 e a resposta imediata à toxina botulínica. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo e multicêntrico. Os dados foram coletados entre abril e junho de 2021, e revisão de prontuários de 71 pacientes de 27 a 76 anos que foram tratados com injeção de toxina botulínica. Resultados e Conclusão: Não houve mudanças significativas no desfecho imediato dos pacientes vacinados para Covid-19 e toxina botulínica, mas é de suma importância ressaltar que são necessários acompanhamento e mais estudos para definir se a vacina Covid-19 é capaz de alterar a duração do efeito e a eficiência da toxina botulínica.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 infection has spread worldwide rapidly since its identification at the end of 2019. Globally, until April 2021, there have been more than 150 million confirmed cases of Covid-19, including over 3 million deaths. Therefore, a race was promptly started to produce an effective vaccine against the new virus. Botulinum toxin injection remains the leading non-surgical cosmetic procedure worldwide, with a high rate of efficacy and patient satisfaction. Aims: This study aims to analyze the association between the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and the immediate botulinum toxin response. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, retrospective, and multicenter study. Data were collected between April and June 2021, and a medical record review of 71 patients from 27 to 76 years old treated with botulinum toxin injection. Results and Conclusion: There were no meaningful changes in the immediate outcome of patients vaccinated for Covid-19 and botulinum toxin. However, it is vital to underline that follow-up and further studies are needed to define whether the Covid-19 vaccine can alter the duration of effect and efficiency of the botulinum toxin.

Efficacy and safety of 3- and 5-injection patterns (30 and 50 U) of botulinum toxin A (Dysport) for the treatment of wrinkles in the glabella and the central forehead region.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of 2 injection site patterns (3- and 5-injection patterns [30 and 50 U]) of botulinum toxin A (Dysport; Ipsen Pharma, Ettlingen, Germany), in the treatment of glabellar and central forehead wrinkles. DESIGN: Multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, 16-week trial. SETTING: Twenty-three German dermatologic centers. PATIENTS: Two hundred twenty-one patients with moderate or severe glabellar wrinkles when frowning maximally. Intervention Centers were randomly assigned to the 3-injection site pattern (3 injections of 10 U of botulinum toxin A or placebo) or 5-injection site pattern (5 injections of 10 U of botulinum toxin A or placebo). All centers used 3 sites in the procerus and corrugator muscles; the 2 additional sites were approximately 1-cm cranial from the corrugator sites. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Wrinkle severity was graded by 4 independent experts blinded to the treatment received using digital photographs and a standardized clinical scale (range, 0 [no wrinkles] to 3 [severe wrinkles]). A reduction of at least 1 point between weeks 0 and 4 was considered a therapeutic success (responder). RESULT: One hundred ten patients (73 receiving botulinum toxin A vs 37 receiving placebo) received 3 injections; 111 patients (73 receiving botulinum toxin A vs 38 receiving placebo) received 5 injections. After 4 weeks, the proportions of responders were 86.1% vs 18.9% and 86.3% vs 7.9%, respectively (P<.001 for both). No major adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The 3 central injection sites are essential for the treatment of glabellar wrinkles. The 2 additional injection sites in the forehead region, targeting the frontalis muscle, did not significantly improve efficacy.

A histologic study of adverse effects of different cosmetic skin fillers.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to describe the histologic aspects of the cutaneous and mucosal adverse reactions to fillers used for cosmetic purposes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eleven specimens of adverse reactions caused by Restylane, Artecoll, Metacril, New-Fill, Aquamid, and liquid silicone were processed and stained by hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue and submitted to polarized light. RESULTS: Most of the reactions were foreign-body granulomas. CONCLUSIONS: The type of granuloma and the characteristics of the agent were determined, contributing to the histologic identification of the material used. In the cases involving Restylane and Aquamid, it was possible to identify the material using Alcian blue stain and by the presence of necrosis. This stain was strongly positive in Restylane and faintly positive in Aquamid, and intense necrosis was observed in Aquamid cases. In the other cases the filler material itself was recognized and identified.

Cohesivity of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Development and Clinical Implications of a Novel Assay, Pilot Validation with a Five-Point Grading Scale, and Evaluation of Six U.S. Food and Drug Administration-Approved Fillers.

BACKGROUND: Biophysical characteristics of hyaluronic acid gel fillers reflect individual manufacturing processes. They confer rheologic properties that provide scientific rationale with Evidence Level II clinical correlation for selection of appropriate fillers for specific clinical applications. Cohesivity, a key property, maintains gel integrity, contributes to tissue support with natural contours, and diminishes surface irregularities. In this publication, a new, standardized visual assay for hyaluronic acid cohesivity is presented, applied, and discussed. METHODS: Colored hyaluronic acid gel specimens were automatically extruded under standardized conditions into sterile water stirred at a constant rate. Based on 90 digital images showing ratios of intact to dispersed gel during assay of 10 Communauté Européenne-marked fillers, the five-point visual Gavard-Sundaram Cohesivity Scale was developed. Six plastic surgeons and dermatologists performed pilot validation of the scale, subsequently used to evaluate six U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved fillers. RESULTS: Validation of the Gavard-Sundaram Cohesivity Scale showed substantial repeatability and interrater consistency. Mean cohesivity scores from three assays of each tested filler showed significant differences. Cohesivity was high for Cohesive Polydensified Matrix (Belotero Balance), medium-high for Hylacross (Juvéderm Ultra 2/Ultra XC and Ultra 3/Ultra Plus XC), low-medium for Vycross (Juvéderm Voluma), and low for non-animal-stabilized hyaluronic acid (Restylane and Perlane). CONCLUSIONS: An evidence-based approach requires clinical corroboration of in vitro data. This new, reproducible cohesivity assay may have value together with elasticity (G') and viscosity measurements to understand and leverage distinct tissue distribution patterns and clinical behaviors of different hyaluronic acid products. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

Quality of life assessment in cosmetics: specificity and interest of the international BeautyQol instrument.

The wide use of cosmetics and their perceived benefits upon well-being imply objective descriptions of their effects upon the different dimensions contributing to the quality of life (QoL). Such a goal pleas for using relevant and validated scientific instruments with robust measurement methods. This paper discusses the interest of the new validated questionnaire BeautyQoL specifically designed to assess the effect of cosmetic products on physical appearance and QoL. After conducting a review of skin appearance and QoL, three phases of the international codevelopment have been carried out in the following sequence: semi-directed interviews (Phase 1), acceptability study (Phase 2), and validation study (Phase 3). Data collection and validation process have been carried out in 16 languages. This review confirms that QoL instruments developed in dermatology are not suitable to assess cosmetic products, mainly because of their lack of sensitivity. General acceptability of BeautyQol was very good. Forty-two questions have been structured in five dimensions that explained 76.7% of the total variance: Social Life, Self-confidence, Mood, Vitality, and Attractiveness. Cronbach's alpha coefficients are between 0.932 and 0.978, confirming the good internal consistency of the results. The BeautyQol questionnaire is the first international instrument specific to cosmetic products and physical appearance that has been validated in 16 languages and could be used in a number of clinical trials and descriptive studies to demonstrate the added value of these products on the QoL.

Low-dose oral isotretinoin versus topical retinoic acid for photoaging: a randomized, comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin (ISO) is the only drug which promotes prolonged remission or cure of severe acne. It also has other properties, supporting its use for non-acne indications. Retinoic acid (RA) is gold standard treatment for photoaging. ISO for photoaging treatment was reported in non-controlled trials as alternative to RA, which causes skin irritation. OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical effects of low-dose ISO and 0.05% topical RA to treat photoaging. METHODS: Randomized, comparative, evaluator-blinded, single-center study. Twenty-four healthy, Caucasian, 50 to 75-year-old men and women (menopausal or sterilized) with advanced photoaging were included. Twelve subjects received ISO, 20 mg/day, and 12 subjects were treated with RA cream, for six months; both treatments were administered every other day, and moisturizer and sunscreen were also used. Outcome measures included patient assessments, blinded photographic evaluations, Life Quality Index, histological (HE, Verhoeff) and immunohistochemical (p53, collagen type I) evaluations, adverse events, liver function, lipid profile, and blood count. Statistical analysis with generalized estimating equations and repeated measures ANOVA tests was used. RESULTS: Eleven subjects in each group completed the study. Patient and photographic assessments showed overall improvement in skin appearance. Quality-of-life scores were reduced for all subjects. Histological analysis revealed corneal layer diminution, epidermal thickness increase, and elastosis reduction. Immunohistochemical findings revealed significant epidermal p53 reduction and dermal collagen 1 increase. No differences were found between groups; laboratory tests showed no significant alterations. CONCLUSION: Despite being safe and effective, low-dose ISO was not superior to 0.05% RA for advanced photoaging treatment.

Validation of a new international quality-of-life instrument specific to cosmetics and physical appearance: BeautyQoL questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new quality-of-life (QoL) instrument with international validity that specifically assesses cosmetic products and physical appearance. DESIGN: In the first phase, semidirected interviews involved 309 subjects. In the second stage, an acceptability study was performed on 874 subjects. Thereafter, we recruited a total of 3231 subjects, each of whom completed the BeautyQoL questionnaire, a clinical checklist for the skin, the generic QoL 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. A retest was performed 8 days later on a subgroup of 652 subjects. SETTING: Populations in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Russia, the United States, Brazil, Japan, India, China, and South Africa, representing 16 languages. PARTICIPANTS: The general adult healthy population, including women and men. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Psychometric properties, construct validity, reproducibility, and internal and external consistency. RESULTS: General acceptability was very good in the 16 languages, with a very low rate of no answers. The validation phase reduced the questionnaire to 42 questions structured in the following 5 dimensions that explained 76.7% of the total variance: social life, self-confidence, mood, energy, and attractiveness. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach α coefficients, 0.93-0.98). Reproducibility at 8 days was satisfactory in all dimensions. Results of external validity testing revealed that BeautyQoL scores correlated significantly with all 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores except for physical function. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the validity and reliability of the BeautyQoL questionnaire as the very first international instrument specific to cosmetic products and physical appearance.

A randomized and controlled trial about the use of oral isotretinoin for photoaging.

Topical retinoids are used to treat photoaging; oral isotretinoin is gold standard for acne; "off label" indications, including photoaging, have been reported with insufficient evidence of efficacy. This is a randomized controlled phase II trial with clinical and histological assessment to evaluate efficacy and safety of oral isotretinoin for photoaging. Study population was comprised of 32 menopausal or sterilized women, aged 40-55, divided in 2 groups: A (21) received 20mg isotretinoin, 3 times per week, nightly moisturizer, and daily sunscreen, for three months; B (11) just moisturizer/sunscreen. Main outcome measures were: overall clinical assessment; profilometry, corneometer and elasticity tests in periocular regions and left forearm; before/after biopsies from left forearm in patients of B and in 10 randomly selected of A. Microscopic blinded evaluation of epidermal thickness, dermal elastosis, new collagen, p53 epidermal expression was performed by quantitative digital image analysis. All data were submitted to statistical analysis. Clinical evaluation showed slight improvement; profilometry, corneometer and skin elasticity tests presented significant difference in pre/post values (P = 0.001 to 0.028), but no differences between A/B. Histological findings and p53 expression were comparable between groups before treatment (P > 0.1); microscopic analysis showed no differences between groups for most variables, after treatment. Slight but significant difference between A/B for p53 with major reduction post isotretinoin [0.66+/-0.31 vs. 0.94+/-0.34 respectively (P = 0.04) was observed. There were minor side effects and no significant laboratory test alterations. We concluded that no significant clinical, microscopic changes but p53 epidermal expression reduction were observed. The role of ultra-violet induced p53 mutation in skin carcinogenesis reinforces retinoids chemoprevention. Oral isotretinoin seemed safe but not effective to treat photoaging. Caution should be considered for women prone to pregnancy. Further controlled studies are necessary.

Randomized study comparing the efficacy and tolerance of a lipohydroxy acid shampoo to a ciclopiroxolamine shampoo in the treatment of scalp seborrheic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: The success of a dandruff treatment depends not only on the ability of a shampoo to control dandruff, but also on patient compliance, which is closely linked to the cosmetic attributes of the product. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare efficacy, tolerance, and cosmetic properties of a LHA Shampoo [containing 0.1% lipohydroxy acid (LHA) and 1.3% salicylic acid] to a CPO shampoo [containing 1.5% ciclopiroxolamine (CPO), 3% salicylic acid, and 0.5% menthol] in subjects with seborrheic dermatitis (SD) of the scalp. METHODS: One hundred subjects with mild to moderate scalp SD were randomized to receive either the LHA shampoo or the CPO shampoo every 2 days for 4 weeks. Efficacy and tolerance were evaluated at days 0, 14, and 28. RESULTS: The LHA and the CPO shampoo both decreased symptoms of scale, erythema, itching, cutaneous discomfort, and dryness from baseline to day 28. A higher percentage of patients showed improvement in the group treated with the LHA formulation than in the group treated with the CPO formulation, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. At day 28, the tolerance and the global efficacy of the LHA shampoo were significantly better (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively) than those of the CPO shampoo. Furthermore, the cosmetic acceptability was better or significantly better for all the endpoints evaluated for the LHA shampoo (P = 0.02 for cleaning, P = 0.04 for lathering). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these results demonstrated that the lipohydroxy acid shampoo evaluated in this study is a more convenient, efficient, safe, and well-tolerated cosmetic treatment for mild-to-moderate seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp than a ciclopiroxolamine shampoo.

5-Fluorouracil superficial peel for multiple actinic keratoses.

BACKGROUND: Chronically photodamaged skin usually presents with multiple, widespread, actinic keratoses (AKs), and treatment of the entire affected area is recommended. METHODS: We report our experience with a combination of Jessner's solution or 70% glycolic acid (GA) with 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) solution for superficial pulse peeling used in the treatment of widespread AKs in 31 patients. Pulse peelings were performed at biweekly intervals. The endpoint for treatment was complete or maximum clearance of the lesions at clinical evaluation. Pre- and post-skin biopsy and histopathologic examination were performed in three patients for the purpose of demonstrating the pulse peel effects. RESULTS: All patients achieved a satisfactory result, including the complete regression, or at least 80% clearing, of AK lesions and an overall improvement of photodamaged skin. CONCLUSION: We consider this superficial 5-FU pulse peel to be a safe, well-tolerated, very effective, and highly inexpensive therapeutic option for the treatment of multiple, diffuse AKs. Its benefit/cost ratio will be of interest to public health services, mainly in developing countries.

Adverse effect of soft tissue augmentation with hyaluronic acid.

Cutaneous fillers have been employed in the treatment of wrinkles and scars. The high biocompatibility and rare adverse effects described in the literature represent advantages of hyaluronic acid (HA) compared to other fillers. We report the case of a patient submitted to soft tissue augmentation with HA (Restylane) for the treatment of wrinkles on the lower third of the face who presented a foreign-body type granulomatous reaction which revised the literature.

Estudo comparativo da aplicação de CRMDex® em igual volume em uma versus duas sessões para correção dos sulcos nasogenianos / CRMDex® in the treatment of nasolabial folds: a comparative study of same applied in one versus two sessions

Introdução: O interesse por procedimentos minimamente invasivos para o rejuvenescimento facial proporcionou o desenvolvimento da técnica de preenchimento cutâneo para rugas e sulcos.O ácido hialurônico é um dos preenchedores mais populares, considerado menos imunogênico e mais seguro.Objetivos: avaliar e comparar a eficácia, segurança e duração do efeito da aplicação do preenchedor CRMDex® nos sulcos nasogenianos, em sessão única e em duas sessões. Métodos: ensaio clínico, aberto, com randomização dos sulcos nasogenianos e comparativo entre duas técnicas.Trinta mulheres, de 30 e 60 anos de idade, com acentuação simé-trica dos sulcos nasogenianos de grau leve a moderado foram submetidas à aplicação intradémica de CRMDex®.Três dermatologistas independentes avaliaram a eficácia utilizando a escala Wrinkles Severity Rating Scaling.Resultados: o tratamento realizado em duas sessões não se diferenciou do realizado em uma sessão, pois ambos proporcionaram diminuição de pelo menos um grau na escala Wrinkles Severity Rating Scaling com similar duração do efeito preenchedor. Os efeitos adversos locais mais frequentes (dor, eritema e edema) ocorreram durante a injeção emelhoraram espontaneamente. Conclusões: não houve otimização da resposta terapêutica com a injeção de volumes menores por sessão. Parece que volumes maiores podem aumentar o risco de efeitos adversos locais.

The use of fluor-hydroxy pulse peel in actinic porokeratosis.

BACKGROUND: The use of Fluor-Hydroxy pulse peel (Drogaderma, Sao Paulo, Brazil) was reported by Katz to treat solar damage and actinic keratosis-associated lesions. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to use this combined treatment to produce therapeutic and cosmetic benefits in a patient with actinic porokeratosis. METHODS: A case of actinic disseminated porokeratosis was treated with a combination of a 70% glycolic peel and a 5% 5-fluorouracil solution (Drogaderma) every 2 weeks for 4 months. A biopsy was done before and after eight treatment pulses. RESULTS: Improvement in the appearance and texture of the treated areas and decreased dyskeratosis and epidermal atypia. CONCLUSION: The Fluor-Hydroxy pulse peel can be an effective alternative for the treatment of actinic porokeratosis.

Avaliação da segurança e eficácia de novo preenchedor à base de ácido hialurônico no tratamento dos sulcos nasolabiais e contorno dos lábios / Safety and efficacy evaluation of a new hyaluronic acid based filler in the treatment of nasolabial folds and lips outline

Introdução: o uso da técnica de preenchimento cutâneo vem crescendo nos últimos anos. O ácido hialurônico é um dos preenchedores dérmicos temporários mais usados na correção de rugas, linhas e sulcos faciais por ser seguro e eficaz. Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia e segurança do produto Perfectha®, novo preenchedor à base de ácido hialurônico, para a correção dos sulcos nasolabiais e contorno dos lábios. Métodos: estudo aberto, multicêntrico, não randomizado, não controlado, incluindo 87 mulheres saudáveis.A avaliação da eficácia foi realizada através das escalas de melhora estética global (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale - GAIS) e da classificação de gravidade das rugas (Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale - WSRS). A segurança foi avaliada por observação e relato de eventos adversos. Resultados: uma semana após a aplicação do preenchedor, foi observada melhora nos sulcos nasolabiais de 86% das mulheres e nos lábios de 89% delas. Reação inflamatória, transitória, leve ou moderada e equimoses ocorreram em 15% e 9% das pacientes, respectivamente, sobretudo nos sulcos nasolabiais. Duas pacientes apresentaram herpes simples labial após o tratamento dos lábios. Os bons resultados se mantiveram em 76% e 57% das mulheres, nos sulcos nasolabiais e em 72% e 45% delas nos lábios, após três e seis meses, respectivamente. Conclusão: o preenchedor Perfectha® mostrou-se eficaz e seguro para essas indicações.

Introduction: The use of dermal filling techniques for soft tissue augmentation has greatly increased in recent years.Hyaluronic acid is one of the most used temporary dermal fillers in the treatment of facial wrinkles, furrows, and folds due to its effectiveness and safety. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Perfectha®, a new hyaluronic acid filler, for nasolabial folds and lip correction. Methods: Open, multicenter study comprising 87 women. Efficacy was evaluated by the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale. Safety was evaluated through observation and the reporting of side effects. Results: One week after the injection of the filler, improvement in nasolabial folds and lips was observed in 86% and 89% of the women, respectively. Mild or moderate transient inflammatory reaction and ecchymoses occurred in 15% and 9% of patients, respectively, mainly in nasolabial folds. Two patients presented labial herpes simplex after treatment of the lips.The good results were maintained in 76% and 57% of women for nasolabial folds and in 72% and 45% of women for lips after 3 and 6 months, respectively. Conclusion: Perfectha® was effective and safe for these indications.

Revisão sistemática sobre peelings / Systematic review of chemical peelings

Fundamentos: Peelings químicos constituem uma injúria à pele ou uma forma acelerada de esfoliação induzida por agentes cáusticos, com várias indicações. São classifi cados em superfi ciais, médios e profundos. O número de publicações sobre o assunto é elevado, mas há necessidade de análise crítica para conclusões objetivas. Objetivos: Verifi car efi cácia e segurança dos peelings químicos através de revisão sistemática da literatura. Método: No período de 5 de janeiro a 15 de fevereiro de 2009, foram realizadas buscas em três bases de dados: Biblioteca Cochrane, MEDLINE (1966-2009) e LILACS. Foram estabelecidos critérios para seleção dos estudos, com ênfase na qualidade metodológica. Os melhores estudos controlados ou comparativos foram individualmente descritos. Os demais artigos de revisão, descritivos e experimentais, foram analisados em conjunto. Resultados: Detectamos 414 publicações e revisamos 165; 129 ou 78% correspondiam a artigos descritivos (82), de revisão (37) ou experimentais (10). Os outros 36 (22%) eram estudos controlados ou comparativos, sendo 19 ou 53% randomizados e apenas 4 com delineamento ideal, ou seja, controlados com placebo, randomizados e cegos. Os agentes mais referidos foram: ácido glicólico, ácido salicílico, ácido tricloroacético (ATA) e fenol. Poucos estudos avaliaram efeitos histológicos e/ou usaram parâmetros quantitativos para avaliação da efi cácia e segurança. Limitações: Heterogeneidade dos estudos; poucos com boa qualidade metodológica. Conclusões: Não há dúvidas sobre os benefícios dos peelings químicos, demonstrados mais pela experiência prática do que por estudos bem conduzidos e reprodutíveis, que são fundamentais para a elaboração de novos guias de conduta.

Background: Chemical peelings are procedures that employ various agents to produce skin injury and accelerated exfoliation; they are indicated for many conditions and classifi ed as superfi cial, medium-depth, and deep. There are a great number of articles on this matter, but critical analysis is necessary to assure the real benefi ts. Objectives: To evaluate the effi cacy and safety of chemical peelings through a systematic review of the literature. Method: The MEDLINE (1966-2009), LILACS and Cochrane Library databases were searched from January 5 to February 15, 2009. For study selection and assessment of methodological quality, some criteria were established. The best controlled or comparative studies were described. The remaining review, descriptive, and experimental articles were analyzed together. Results: We found 414 articles and 165 were selected for revision; 129 or 78% were descriptive (82), review (37), and experimental (10) articles; 36 or 22% were controlled or comparative, 19 or 53% randomized, but only 4 had the ideal design (placebo-controlled, randomized and blind). The agents more frequently reported were: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol. Few studies evaluated histological aspects or quantitative parameters to assess effi cacy and/or safety. Limitations: Heterogeneity of the studies; few with good methodological quality. Conclusions: There is no doubt about the benefi ts of chemical peelings; nevertheless, these benefi ts have been demonstrated much more by practice than existence of well conducted studies. Therefore, further reproducible studies of high quality are necessary to elaborate new guidelines.

Aneurisma da artéria carótida externa: uma condição rara diagnosticada durante uma consulta cosmética / External carotid artery aneurysm: a rare condition diagnosed in cosmetic consultation

O objetivo deste relato é mostrar a importância e alertar os dermatologistas que praticam a cosmiatria sobre a necessidade de se realizar um exame completo e minucioso de qualquer paciente, mesmo que ele só esteja interessado em tratamentos e/ou procedimentos cosméticos. Atualmente, essa é uma preocupação importante, pois muitas pessoas e alguns médicos estão envolvidos em uma busca exagerada pela beleza eterna. Essa é uma prática muito lucrativa para dermatologistas e cirurgiões plásticos. No entanto, não devemos nos esquecer que uma consulta dermatológica pode ser uma oportunidade para diagnosticar uma dermatose que passou despercebida ou identifi car sinais relacionados a desordens sistêmicas.

The aim of this report is to highlight and warn cosmetic dermatologists about the need of a full body complete examination regardless of the complain of any patient that seeks our evaluation, even when they ask only for cosmetic treatments and/or procedures. This is nowadays a very important concern as people and some physicians are involved in an exaggerated search for eternal beauty. This represents a very profi table practice for dermatologists and plastic surgeons. But we should never forget that a dermatologic consultation can be an opportunity to discover an unnoticed dermatosis or signs related to systemic diseases.

Minimizando o sangramento nas aplicações de toxina botulínica / Minimizing bruising in botulinum toxin injections

O uso cosmético da toxina botulínica injetável para tratamento das rugas dinâmicas é seguro, eficaz e sem efeitos adversos graves. Descrevemos o uso de pequenas esferas de algodão com adesivo (Micropore®) para reduzir o sangramento após as injeções.