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Aesthetic and cosmetic skin treatment

This page is for miscellaneous articles on the aesthetic or cosmetic treatment of skin.

A brief overview of the facial rejuvenation algorithm was provided by Zoe Diana Draelos in 2006.(1, pdf)

The latest literature review on aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology has been written by Wollina et al.(2, pdf)  They address the application of hormone replacement therapy, Botulinum toxin (Botox) for brow lifting, three major approaches toward cellulite treatment, and body sculpting by lipotransfer and laser-assisted lipolysis.

Lipotransfer refers to moving excess fat from one region to another that needs it.  See examples of using autologous fat transfer (autologous means from self) to improve hollowed-out cheeks in older individuals in the article by Wollina et al. 

Laser-assisted lipolysis is a minimally invasive procedure using fine probes that use the heating effect of a laser to destroy fat cells jut beneath the skin, and the debris are then mechanically removed by another fine probe.  This process is for fine tuning fat deposits (see Fig 1) and has implications for treating cellulite though as of right now few physicians use it for treating cellulite.     

Laser-assisted lipolysis of the buttocks region of a woman.

Fig 1. Laser-assisted lipolysis of the buttocks region of a woman.  Picture A show the initial appearance and picture B shows the appearance 23 month after treatment.

The kid of fat loss the woman is Fig 1 was looking for wouldn’t be easily achievable by exercise or dieting, and neither would it be recommended to her for the purposes of loosing body fat because she had a healthy amount of body fat to start with.

More articles will follow.

References

  1. Draelos, Z. D., The facial rejuvenation algorithm, J Cosmet Dermatol, 5, 195 (2006).
  2. Wollina, U., Goldman, A., Berger, U., and Abdel-Naser, M. B., Esthetic and cosmetic dermatology, Dermatol Ther, 21, 118 (2008).

Comments

Benefits of combining antiaging creams/lotions with aesthetic procedures involving botulinum toxin, chemical peels, dermabrasion (mechanically abrasive treatment of skin), skin fillers or lasers

Quote:

Abstract – The dermatologist has a variety of tools for improving the appearance of aging skin. These include injectable botulinum toxins and dermal fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, and various topical agents, including cosmeceuticals. A combined approach using more than one facial rejuvenation tool is considered ideal for many patients, as it targets the various areas of the face and numerous dynamic and static changes associated with aging. A topical cosmeceutical regimen, such as one containing tretinoin and hydroquinone, can enhance the effects of facial rejuvenation procedures and encourage patients to adopt a daily cleansing and rejuvenation regimen that they can continue after the procedure to help maintain the aesthetic effects.

Bruce, S., Complementary effects of topical antiaging treatments in conjunction with aesthetic procedures, J Drugs Dermatol, 7, s23 (2008).

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure that may be used by itself or in combination with another treatment to treat acne scars, rhinophyma (large, bulbous, reddish appearance of nose, commonly due to rosacea), scars from various injuries, unwanted tattoos and some other skin conditions. Here is the latest on this procedure.

Quote:

Campbell, R. M., and Harmon, C. B., Dermabrasion in our practice, J Drugs Dermatol, 7, 124 (2008).

Rhytides (wrinkles) and fractional photothermolysis

The latest on using lasers to tackle wrinkles and other skin blemishes.

Quote:

Sukal, S. A., and Geronemus, R. G., Fractional photothermolysis, J Drugs Dermatol, 7, 118 (2008).

Foster, K. W., Kouba, D. J., Fincher, E. E., Glicksman, Z. S., Hayes, J., Valerie, F., Fincher, H. H., and Moy, R. L., Early improvement in rhytides and skin laxity following treatment with a combination fractional laser emitting two wavelengths sequentially, J Drugs Dermatol, 7, 108 (2008).

Download reports.

A report on using sandpaper as an abrasive agent to get rid of various skin scars. Lots of before and after examples.

Emsen, I. M. (2008). An Update on Sandpaper in Dermabrasion with a Different and Extended Patient Series. Aesthetic Plast Surg.

The latest consensus recommendations on using botox and hyaluronic acid fillers for improving the appearance of aged skin.

Carruthers, J. D., Glogau, R. G., & Blitzer, A. (2008). Advances in facial rejuvenation: botulinum toxin type a, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, and combination therapies--consensus recommendations. Plast Reconstr Surg, 121(5 Suppl), 5S-30S; quiz 31S-36S.

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