Aesthetic dermatology procedures in coronavirus days

The Volumetric Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection on the Parotid Gland: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BTX-A) to the masseter muscle is a useful tool for the aesthetic narrowing of the width of the lower face. The administration of BTX-A to visible parotid glands is also effective to reduce lower facial width. However, no studies have quantitatively analyzed the effect of BTX-A on the parotid glands.

METHODS

The purpose of this study was to confirm the impact of BTX-A injection on the parotid gland and to suggest the effective dosage of BTX-A in facial slimming. This study was conducted by selecting patients who desired facial slimming from among patients who required surgery for a facial bone fracture. Patients undergoing BTX-A injection were randomized to high-dose, low-dose, and placebo groups, and different doses of BTX-A for each group were injected into both parotid glands during facial bone surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients were enrolled in this study. Ten patients in the high-dose group, eight in the low-dose group, and nine in the control group completed the clinical trial. There were significant changes in both the high- and low-dose groups compared with the control group ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001), and in interaction of time and group ( P < 0.001). Volume recovery after 3 months was found in 7.6% in the high-dose group and in 4.8% in the low-dose group.

CONCLUSION

BTX-A injection into parotid glands can be an effective treatment option in managing salivary gland enlargement for lower face contouring.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, II.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on esthetic dermatology

In general, the world population interest has increased for maintaining youthfulness and having better appearance since this leads to a better mental wellbeing and self-estimate. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has revolutionized every field of medicine. As every specialty has been affected by limitations caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), this branch of medicine has also needed certain precautions for safer practice in the COVID era. With the global vaccination program against COVID-19, reports of some cutaneous reactions in patients have been undergone various esthetic procedures including filler or botox injection would be increasingly demonstrated. Although the end of pandemic was announced, the necessity of continuing COVID vaccination in future mandates gathering data regarding safety of vaccines. Herein, we presented a comprehensive review on various aspects of association between esthetic medicine or cosmetic dermatology and COVID-19.

Ethnopharmacology for Skin Diseases and Cosmetics during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lithuania

The documentation of ethnopharmaceutical knowledge has always been important for the preservation of countries’ cultural, social, and economic identity. The COVID-19 pandemic with the collapse of healthcare, which has left the individual health to self-care, has also forced us to look back at ethnopharmacology from a practical point of view. This is the first study in Lithuania, dedicated entirely to ethnopharmaceuticals used for skin diseases and cosmetics, and the first study to analyse ethnopharmacology as a Lithuanian phenomenon during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The main purpose of this study was to collect and evaluate ethnopharmaceutical knowledge regarding skin diseases and cosmetics in Šiauliai District, Lithuania during the COVID-19 pandemic from July 2020 to October 2021. This study surveyed 50 respondents; the survey was conducted using the deep interview method. The respondents mentioned 67 species of medicinal plants from 37 different families used for skin diseases (64.18%), cosmetics (13.44%) and cosmeceuticals (22.38%). Of the 67 plant species, 43 (64%) were not included in the European Medicines Agency monographs and only 14 species (21%) of all included species were used with European Medicines Agency approved medical indications for skin diseases. In terms of public health, the safety of “self-treatment” and recovery rituals for skin diseases are no less important than ethnopharmacological knowledge and its application, this being especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plastic Surgery Practice during COVID Times

Introduction  COVID-19 has affected plastic surgeons like never before. We conducted an all-India survey to find how the practice was affected among public/private sector, reconstructive/aesthetic practice, and consultants/residents. We have proposed some solutions to the identified problems, which are supported by previous literature.

Methods  A survey framed in Google forms was circulated through WhatsApp and emails in August 2020. Closed and semiopen questions regarding changes in personal and professional lives, coping strategies adopted, and open questions for suggestions in improving practice, academics and measures to tackle the pandemic were included. Responses were collected in an Excel sheet and analysis done using SPSS software.

Results  A total of 220 consented responses were obtained. Public hospital practitioners had to bear the COVID-related administrative as well as executive works, especially residents, which led to anxiety, family concern, burnout, and concern about the loss of skills and academics. Patient interaction was also reduced. Aesthetic surgeons bore more financial loss.

Conclusions  Plastic surgeons in India faced decrease in caseload, financial loss, COVID-related duties, workload for residents, reduced academics, family and mental health problems, difficulty with personal protection equipment (PPE) during surgeries, and queries from patients. These can be solved by doing cases within the limits of protocols and safety, pooling public and private sector for COVID duties, rotating residents' groups to reduce workload, using telemedicine for academics and patient consultations, and providing social support groups to surgeons.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed attitudes and behaviors concerning cosmetic care and procedures among patients presenting to the dermatology outpatient clinic? A multicenter study with 1437 participants

Background

The rate of cosmetic procedures and use of skincare products is considered to be affected during the pandemic period; however, this has not been investigated yet.

Objective

To determine whether the ongoing pandemic has changed people's habits related to skincare products and cosmetic procedures.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter survey study covering both private and public hospitals. Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical diagnoses of the patients were noted by dermatologists. A survey was used to determine the type and application areas of skincare products and cosmetic procedures before and during the pandemic, whether the patients were concerned about being infected, and any change in the make‐up habits of female patients.

Results

Of the 1437 patients, 86.7% presented to the hospital due to dermatological complaints and 13.3% for cosmetic procedures. The rate of those that did not use skincare products was 0.05% before and 0.06% during the pandemic. Of the participants, 43.2% had undergone cosmetic procedures before and 38.1% during the pandemic. For both periods, the most frequent cosmetic procedure applied was laser epilation, followed by skincare treatment and chemical peeling. While undergoing these procedures, 34.9% of the patients were concerned about contracting coronavirus.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the use of skincare products and cosmetic procedures before and during the pandemic. The majority of the patients continued to undergo these procedures despite their fear of being infected. This shows that during the pandemic period, patients are concerned with their appearance and continue to undergo cosmetic procedures and pay attention to their skincare.

Perception and attitude of adults toward cosmetic products amid COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia

BACKGROUND

The use of cosmetics is growing among both male and female consumers due to the availability of different brands. While there is an increase in the usage of cosmetic products, it is concerning whether the consumers are aware of the safety of the products.

AIMS

This study aimed to widely explore consumers' perceptions and attitudes toward cosmetics within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out among adults in Selangor, Malaysia. Thirty-three questions divided into three dimensions (socio-demographic parameters, assessment of perception, and assessment of attitude) were developed and validated to be answered by cosmetics consumers. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using SPSS.

RESULTS

A response rate of 87% was achieved, and the mean age of participants was 33 ± 7.2. The overall perception of consumers indicates low levels of perception and moderate level of attitude toward cosmetic products. There was a positive correlation and high relationship between participants' perception and attitude (p = 0.001, r = 0.72). A significant association was observed between demographic data of respondents and their attitude and perception toward cosmetic products. Participants were unaware that sharing of cosmetic products could lead to bacterial infection and possibly increased the chance of contracting COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

This study displayed a nonchalant perception and attitude of Malaysian adults toward cosmetic products by focusing on aesthetics rather than health safety. Therefore, it is recommended to raise awareness on the composition and effects of cosmetic products, increase the practice of hygiene and dissuade the sharing of cosmetics to reduce transmissions of COVID-19.

Recognition and the development potential of mobile shopping of customized cosmetic on untact coronavirus disease 2019 period: Focused on 40's to 60's women in Seoul, Republic of Korea

BACKGROUND

Our research results will be helpful in the development of the K-beauty customized cosmetics industry as well as consumers who are having difficulty in purchasing cosmetics due to the rapid transition to a non-face-to-face society due to COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES

This paper attempted to investigate the recognition and development potential of customized cosmetics, focusing on mobile shopping in the era of COVID-19 untact period.

METHODS

The women included in the study consumer Seoul residence in the mobile shopping experience 40-60 targets for women 380 were the people. Statistical processing of data collected by the data analysis method is analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) WIN25.0 statistical package program through the process of data coding and data cleaning.

RESULTS

As the untact era enters, the frequency of using non-face-to-face mobile shopping for customized cosmetics is increasing, and it is believed to be deeply related to the level of interest in skin and recognition of customized cosmetics, such as the use of hands-on apps that incorporate new technologies of the 4th industrial revolution. Looking at the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin to confirm the normality and validity of the population proved its validity. January 2020 (after COVID-19 spread), the use of mobile shopping was increased. In the future, it was significantly higher to continue shopping for cosmetics using mobile devices p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

The present study focused on the recognition and development potential of customized cosmetics on mobile shopping in the era of COVID-19 untact period. Our results suggested that the possibility of developing customized cosmetics through mobile shopping in the untact era after COVID-19 will be endless, and it is believed that various marketing strategies will be supported in the future.

How dermatology has changed in the COVID-19 pandemic

The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to a change in the whole world order. The key actors and occupational groups most at risk during this period have been health care professionals. In this pandemic, we, as dermatologists, also have many responsibilities regarding patients, ourselves, and society. Dermatologists have to protect themselves, their families, and their patients while working in pandemic services and outpatient clinics, as well as in their practices. One of their roles is to inform the public about protective measures for cutaneous side effects associated with the intensive use of disinfectants and long-term use of masks. In hospitals, only emergency patients had been admitted for treatment in all units during the pandemic, and elective operations and procedures were delayed. In this context, it is very important to determine what procedures will be carried out during this period in the follow up and treatment of chronic dermatologic diseases, as well as what interventional and cosmetic procedures may performed. Guidelines issued by various medical societies have made valuable contributions. The benefits and associated issues of teledermatology have pros and cons. Finally, one of the issues to ponder in the long term seems to be how we should pursue online education.

Global impact on dermatology practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic

This contribution focuses on the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on dermatology practice. We discuss the impact on practice volume and procedures and on the considerable increase in teledermatology use. We also describe the important roles that dermatologists have played in enhancing infection prevention and on the frontline. During the crisis, dermatologists have faced the challenge of a shortage of resources, such as personal protective equipment, in the health care system. In addition, they have been involved in managing cutaneous manifestations related to COVID-19 and occupational disease caused by personal protective equipment. Dermatologists have made a diligent effort to identify melanoma and to ensure the treatment of high-risk skin cancers. Safety guidelines have been suggested to minimize the potential risks associated with the systemic use of immunosuppressant agents and immunomodulators in patients with severe inflammatory skin disease during the pandemic. Finally, social distancing necessitated that dermatology conferences take place virtually and teaching via e-learning increased.

Improving aseptic injection standards in aesthetic clinical practice

The rise in popularity and demand for nonsurgical injectable aesthetic procedures is inherently accompanied by an increase in reported complications, particularly those related to infection. Aseptic technique is under the control of aesthetic practitioners and can be modified to minimize the potential for cross-contamination and infection. This should be a key consideration during all clinical procedures, particularly those involving breach of the skin's natural defenses and the use of soft tissue filler. A consensus group of five UK expert aesthetic clinicians were convened to discuss current best practice for aseptic techniques in medical aesthetics. The aim of the consensus group was to recommend a step-by-step procedure to achieve optimal aseptic practice in private clinics, and define important considerations for reducing infection risk during the whole patient journey: pre-, during- and postaesthetic procedure. Recommendations were based on current evidence and extensive clinical experience. Various procedure recommendations were made to achieve and maintain a high standard of asepsis and infection control. Guidance was divided into three phases for patients and health care professionals, covering preprocedure (including patient selection), during-procedure, and postprocedure considerations. Although adherence to standard hospital guidance on handwashing and cleanliness measures is a cornerstone of controlling cross-contamination, aesthetic clinics carry a high potential risk of infection-particularly as popular treatments with dermal fillers primarily involve the face. This expert consensus guidance recommends procedures to mitigate the potential risks of asepsis.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the anxiety and depression levels in patients who applied to the cosmetology unit

The relationship between the skin and the brain is based on their origin from the same ectodermal structure, as well as being affected by similar hormones and neurotransmitters. At this point, psychodermatology forms a common field of study based on the relationship and interaction between psychiatry and dermatology. Cosmetology is a special group within dermatology, and the psychosocial needs of this group differ. In this study, it was aimed to examine the moods such as anxiety, fear and depression experienced by the patients during their application to the cosmetology unit during the COVID‐19 pandemic process and to compare them with the control group. A total of 162 cases, 80 cases from the cosmetology unit meeting the specified conditions and 82 cases as the control group, were retrospectively evaluated. In all participants, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) scores decreased significantly compared to the beginning of the pandemic (P = .001). In the study, while depression (HAM‐D) and general anxiety (HAM‐A) were higher in the cosmetology group compared to the control group (P = .049 and P = .001, respectively), there was no difference in coronavirus anxiety scores (CAS) (P = .24). It should be known that patients who underwent cosmetological procedures during the pandemic period may have anxiety and depression. In this patient group, which requires a special psychodermatological approach, pandemic effects should also be considered. In patients who apply to cosmetology units during the pandemic period, attention should be paid to the relationship between surreal cosmetological process requests and their anxiety and depression state.

Medical and socioeconomic challenges of private dermatocosmetology clinics during COVID-19 pandemic: A survey from Turkey

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease has rapidly spread worldwide with a multitude effects on daily life. Since the transmission risk increases with close contact, some cosmetic procedures are considered high risk and majority of them had to be postponed or canceled in private dermatocosmetology clinics especially during the heavy period of the outbreak.

AIMS

We aimed to document the medical and socioeconomic problems emerged in dermatocosmetology clinics in Turkey caused by COVID-19 pandemic and to discuss the management strategies taken by dermatologists.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This survey research was conducted with 100 dermatologists who work in private dermatocosmetology clinics. The survey included 38 questions about office re-arrangements including patient admission and office environment, safety precautions taken for cosmetic procedures, management of clinic staff, and financial impact of the pandemic.

RESULTS

A remarkable decrease in major cosmetic interest was reported in private clinics; meanwhile, there was an increase in applicants for noncosmetic dermatological complaints. The most avoided cosmetic procedures were application of skin care devices, lasers, chemical peeling, and thread lifting, while botulinum toxin injection was the most performed procedure. Nearly half of the participants had severe financial damage. Of the participants, 55% reported that they worked anxiously during this period and 60% believed that they managed the early period of the pandemic successfully.

CONCLUSION

Private dermatocosmetology clinics have to work in a totally different period that they have never experienced before. The pandemic has had serious impacts on both medical and socioeconomic issues which had to be managed carefully.