A new skin laxity scale for the buttocks: the Skin Laxity Visual Scale (SLVS).

BACKGROUND: The Skin Laxity Severity Scale for the buttocks was previously developed to separately assess buttock ptosis, a scalloped appearance of the skin, infragluteal fold, localized fat on the lower third of the buttocks, and linear depressed lesions. A more objective, faster and shorter version of this scale, to be evaluated visually, would be more feasible to apply in daily practice. OBJECTIVES: To present a new skin laxity scale for the buttocks: the Skin Laxity Visual Scale (SLVS). MATERIALS & METHODS: To establish the scale, investigators chose, by consensus, the most representative cases of each skin laxity grade. The images were graphically edited to better represent the degree of skin laxity identified in a previous study. Scale validity and reliability were assessed in two validation cycles, performed by eight dermatologists assessing 50 clinical cases. RESULTS: Overall, Kendall's, weighted-kappa, and intraclass correlation coefficients indicated very good reliability and consistent inter- and intra-rater agreement (p<0.001). The scale validity was confirmed by criteria validity tests (rs: 0.76, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The SLVS for the buttocks is a reliable, reproducible, accurate and valid scale to identify skin laxity severity and its different features. It will very likely be an easy-to-use and convenient tool to appropriately assess improvement obtained with treatment and follow patients.

Buttocks' Skin Laxity Severity Scale.

BACKGROUND: Clinical scales are useful to assess skin laxity in different areas of the body. OBJECTIVE: To elaborate and validate a photonumeric scale to assess buttocks skin laxity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Buttocks' Skin Laxity Severity Scale (SLSS) was developed based on a sample of 120 patients. The SLSS validity and reliability were assessed in 2 validation cycles, performed by 8 dermatologists assessing 50 clinical cases. Both criteria and construct validity were tested. RESULTS: The Buttocks' SLSS is composed by 5 clinical aspects of skin laxity graded from absent (0) to severe (3): buttocks ptosis, skin scalloped appearance, infragluteal fold, localized fat on the lower third of the buttocks, and linear depressed lesions. Final skin laxity classification results from the sum of each item grade multiplied by its weight and varies from 0 to 24. Overall, Kendall, weighted kappa, and intraclass correlation coefficients indicated very good reliability and consistent interrater and intrarater agreement (p < .001). Cronbach alpha of 0.82 indicates high scale reliability. The scale validity was confirmed by criteria validity tests (rs: 0.72, p < .05). CONCLUSION: Buttocks' SLSS is a reliable and valid scale to identify skin laxity severity and its different features, and it is an accurate tool for clinical research.

Effects of different doses of abobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of anterior gingival smile.

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is an easy and fast treatment for gingival smile (GS). The objective of the study was to compare the reduction of gingival exposure using three different doses of abobotulinumtoxinA (ABO) in patients with different severities of anterior GS, and to assess treatment safety and patients' satisfaction. A prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blind study was conducted. Mild GS (2 to < 3 mm) was treated with 2.5 U of abobotulinumtoxinA (ABO) per side, moderate GS (3 to < 4 mm) with 5 U of ABO per side, and severe GS (4 mm or more) with either 2.5 U, or 5 U or 7.5 U of ABO per side. All the 41 enrolled patients completed the study. The mean gingival exposure reduced significantly 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The average reduction of gingival exposure with 5 U was significantly larger than that obtained with 2.5 U, (3.46 ± 1.39 vs. 2.05 ± 1.29 mm; p = 0.004). All groups of GS severity presented statistically significant reduction in the gingival exposure 4 and 12 weeks after ABO injections. Twelve weeks after treatment, more than 80% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied. There were no treatment-related adverse events reported by the patients or noticed by the investigators. Gingival smile can be safely and effectively managed with BoNT-A injections and specifically with ABO injections to target the LLSAN muscle. Further and larger studies may determine the exact influence of each factor on BoNT-A treatments of GS.

Avaliação dos efeitos da terapia por ondas acústicas em queloides / Evaluation of the effects of acoustic wave therapy on keloids

Introdução: A terapia por ondas acústicas estimula os processos de regeneração e recuperação dos tecidos. Nesse sentido, espera-se que esse equipamento possa atuar em cicatrizes. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia e segurança da terapia por ondas acústicas na melhora de queloides. Métodos: Estudo aberto, prospectivo, unicêntrico que incluiu 20 participantes com diagnóstico clínico de queloide. Foram realizadas oito sessões de terapia por ondas acústicas, uma por semana, durante oito semanas. Os participantes foram avaliados no momento basal e uma e 12 semanas após o término do tratamento. Medidas de elasticidade e avaliação clínica pela Escala de Cicatrizes de Vancouver foram realizadas. Ao final do tratamento foi observada a satisfação dos participantes com o tratamento. Resultados: Após o tratamento, a percentagem de participantes com espessura do queloide entre dois e 5mm caiu de 71% para 47%, aumentando a percentagem de participantes com espessura menor do queloide na amostra total (<2mm, de 24% para 41%). Os aspectos da vascularização e flexibilidade também apresentaram melhora em alguns participantes. Não foram relatados eventos adversos relacionados ao tratamento. Conclusões: O tratamento por ondas acústicas é seguro e pode ser eficaz na melhora funcional de lesões de queloide e de alguns aspectos clínicos da lesão.

Introduction: Acoustic wave therapy stimulates tissue regeneration and healing processes. Therefore, it is expected that this treatment modality might have effects on scars. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acoustic wave therapy in the improvement of keloids. Methods: An open, prospective, monocentric study was carried out with 20 participants with clinical diagnosis of keloid. Weekly sessions of acoustic wave therapy were performed, for eight weeks. Participants were assessed at baseline and at 1 and 12 weeks after the end of the treatment. The investigators took measurements of elasticity and performed clinical evaluations based on the Vancouver Scars Scale. At the end of the treatment the participants' satisfaction with the treatment was evaluated. Results: After the treatment, the percentage of participants with keloid thickness between 2mm and 5mm decreased to 47% (from 71%), increasing the percentage of participants with reduced keloid thickness in the total sample (<2mm, to 41% from 24%). Some participants also had improvement in the keloids' vascularization and pliability. No treatment-related adverse events have been reported. Conclusions: Acoustic wave treatment is safe and can be effective in the improvement of the keloid's functionality and some clinical aspects.

Acoustic wave therapy for cellulite, body shaping and fat reduction.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite is a common aesthetic condition that affects almost every woman. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of acoustic wave therapy (AWT) for cellulite and body shaping. METHODS: In this open-label, single-centre trial, 30 women presenting moderate or severe cellulite underwent 12 sessions of AWT on the gluteus and back of the thighs, over six weeks. The following assessments were performed at baseline, and up to 12 weeks after treatment: Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS), body circumference measurements, subcutaneous fat thickness by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), quality of life related by Celluqol® and a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: The treatment reduced cellulite severity from baseline up to 12 weeks after the last treatment session (subjects presenting severe cellulite: 60% to 38%). The mean CSS shifted from 11.1 to 9.5 (p < 0.001). Hips circumferences reduced from 99.7 and 103.2 cm to 96.2 and 100.3 cm (respectively, p < 0.001). The average thickness of the subcutaneous fat tissue also decreased (28.3 ± 6.5 mm to 26.7 ± 6.1mm; p < 0.001). The treatment also improved quality of life. More than 90% of the subjects would undergo the treatment again and 89% were satisfied with the results. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: AWT is a safe treatment to improve cellulite appearance and reduce body circumferences.

Redução de medidas corporais após nove sessões de tratamento com laser de baixa intensidade / Reduction of body measures after a ninesession protocol with Low Level Laser Therapy

Introdução: A terapia com laser de baixa intensidade tem sido considerada alternativa não invasiva para remodelamento corporal e redução do tecido subcutâneo. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do laser de baixa intensidade na redução de medidas corporais e do tecido adiposo subcutâneo da região do abdômen e do quadril. Métodos: Estudo aberto, prospectivo, unicêntrico incluiu 25 mulheres com acúmulo de gordura localizada na região do quadril e abdômen. Nove sessões de low level laser therapy foram realizadas ao longo de três semanas. As participantes foram avaliadas no basal e em 1, 4 e 12 semanas após o tratamento. Aferição de peso e medidas de circunferência corporal, exames de perfil lipídico e de ressonância magnética foram realizados. Resultados: As medidas de circunferência abdominal apresentaram redução significativa até 12 semanas após o tratamento. Na região do quadril, as participantes apresentaram redução mais marcante uma semana após a última sessão. Também uma semana após a finalização do tratamento, 80% das participantes consideraram que o tratamento melhorou o contorno do seu corpo. Nenhum evento adverso relacionado ao tratamento foi relatado. Conclusões: O tratamento com a low level laser therapy é seguro e eficaz na redução das medidas de circunferência, principalmente na região abdominal.

Introduction: Low level laser therapy has been considered a non-invasive treatment alternative to body remodeling and fat tissue reduction. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of low level laser therapy in reducing body circumference measures and subcutaneous adipose tissue of the abdomen and hips areas. Methods: An open, prospective, monocentric study was performed including 25 women with localized fat on the hips and abdomen. Nine sessions of low level laser therapy were performed over 3 weeks. The participants were assessed at baseline and at 1, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Assessment of weight and body circumferences, lipid profile tests and MRI were performed. Results: The abdominal circumference measurements showed a significant reduction up to 12 weeks after the treatment. Participants showed a more marked reduction in the hips region one week after the last session. Also one week after the completion of the treatment, 80% of the participants considered that the treatment improved their body contour. There was absence of reports of adverse events related to the treatment. Conclusion: Low level laser therapy is safe and effective in reducing the circumference measurements, particularly in the abdominal region.

Geosmin induces genomic instability in the mammalian cell microplate-based comet assay.

Geosmin (GEO) (trans-1,10-dimethyl-trans-9-decalol) is a metabolite that renders earthy and musty taste and odor to water. Data of GEO genotoxicity on mammalian cells are scarce in the literature. Thus, the present study assessed the genotoxicity of GEO on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in the microplate-based comet assay. The percent of tail DNA (tail intensity (TI)), tail moment (TM), and tail length (TL) were used as parameters for DNA damage assessment. The results demonstrated that concentrations of GEO of 30 and 60 µg/mL were genotoxic to CHO cells after 4- and 24-h exposure periods, in all parameters evaluated, such as TI, TM, and TL. Additionally, GEO 15 µg/mL was genotoxic in the three parameters only in the 24-h exposure time. The same was observed for GEO 7.5 µg/mL, which induced significant DNA damage observed as TI in the 24-h treatment. The results present evidence that exposure to GEO may be associated with genomic instability in mammalian cells.