Botulinum toxin type A treatment is associated with improved social and psychological behavior: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The human face significantly affects the individuals' quality of life, attitude, and mental state. The study of anatomy would always be on the spotlight, as the beauty of the face is desired by humans worldwide. However, age, stress, and negative emotions could lead to stimulation of the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles in the glabellar region and, subsequently, to alterations in face's characteristics, which could be associated with isolation and avoidance of engaging in social contacts. AIMS: Here, we aimed to examine the degree to which treatment with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT A) can affect patients' quality of life and mental state. PATIENTS/METHODS: The data collection was performed using 11 questionnaires, which were filled by 83 individuals who underwent BoNT A treatment (sex, 95% female and 5% male; mean age, 48 years). RESULTS: The results showed that the treatment with BoNT A improved the patients' social and psychological behavior, and their opinion regarding their appearance. This effect developed within 1 month following completion of the treatment. Moreover, the effect was higher in patients' social behavior and was better in patients aged 40-49 years compared to those aged <40 and ≥49 years. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, BoNT A treatment could be considered as an important way to improve the social behavior and socialization of individuals by raising their psychology and self-esteem.

Multi-Dimensional Aesthetic Scan Assessment (MD ASA™): Initial experience with a novel consultation, facial assessment, and treatment planning tool.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive patient assessment and planning are central to esthetic treatment with injectables. MD ASA™ (Multi-Dimensional Aesthetic Scan Assessment) is a novel tool developed for this purpose. AIMS: To describe the MD ASA technique and present its preliminary application. METHODS: MD ASA breaks down the face into five hierarchies (H1-H5). H1 shifts patients' focus from "distractions" (individual lines and folds) toward the overall messages their face portrays, based on eight Emotional Attributes: four negative (tired, sad, angry, and saggy); four positive (youthful, attractive, contoured, and feminine/masculine). Three priority Emotional Attributes are selected for each patient. This is followed by a process of narrowing down through facial thirds (H2), periorbital and perioral dynamics (H3), facial units (H4), and subunits (H5), to arrive at a final assessment. Based on the key facial signs identified, this can be translated into MD Codes equations and thus a treatment formula. A retrospective analysis was performed based on 12 female patients injected by expert clinicians at an educational event. All patients were selected for, and treated using, a single MD Codes formula derived from a common MD ASA work-up. RESULTS: There were substantial differences between patients and clinicians in their views of which anatomical areas needed treatment-but good alignment on priority Emotional Attributes. Patients were treated only for three negative Emotional Attributes, but improvements were observed across all eight attributes. CONCLUSIONS: MD ASA provides a practical method for translating facial messages into actionable injectable treatment plans and facilitates greater patient-clinician alignment. Prospective studies are warranted.

Expert Consensus on Injection Technique and Area-Specific Recommendations for the Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler VYC-12L to Treat Fine Cutaneous Lines.

BACKGROUND: VYC-12L is a hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable gel designed to treat fine cutaneous lines and improve skin quality attributes such as hydration and elasticity. OBJECTIVE: Expert consensus was sought on VYC-12L injection technique and primary treatment target areas. METHODS: A multinational group of aesthetic medicine clinicians (n = 128) attended product training and each identified ~10 patients for VYC-12L. After treating their first and last patients, the clinicians completed a survey on preferred injection methodology/technique, including injection angle, volume, and spacing. An expert panel (n = 12) discussed survey results and their clinical experiences to obtain consensus on VYC-12L technique and appropriate treatment areas. RESULTS: Recommendations included micro-depot injections of VYC-12L into the deep dermis with a 32G ½ inch needle inserted at <45º to the skin, spaced 0.5‒1.0 cm apart, with 0.01‒0.05 mL volume per injection (full-face total volume: ~2 mL). Recommended primary treatment areas were the malar, perioral, neck, and décolletage regions. Injection techniques for different treatment areas/demographic characteristics were similar, with some variability in treatment approach. Patient selection criteria, pre- and post-treatment guidelines, and managing patient expectations are important components of treatment. CONCLUSION: These consensus recommendations may assist clinicians in optimizing the treatment of fine lines with VYC-12L.