Development and validation of a new clinically-meaningful rating scale for measuring lateral canthal line severity

Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin type A (BontA) is the most frequent treatment for facial wrinkles, but its effectiveness and safety have not previously been assessed in a Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of all commercially available botulinum toxin type A products for the treatment of any type of facial wrinkles.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases up to May 2020: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS. We also searched five trials registers, and checked the reference lists of included studies for further references to relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs with over 50 participants, comparing BontA versus placebo, other types of BontA, or fillers (hyaluronic acid), for treating facial wrinkles in adults.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Primary outcomes were participant assessment of success and major adverse events (AEs) (eyelid ptosis, eyelid sensory disorder, strabismus). Secondary outcomes included physician assessment of success; proportion of participants with at least one AE and duration of treatment effect. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 65 RCTs, involving 14,919 randomised participants. Most participants were female, aged 18 to 65 years. All participants were outpatients (private office or day clinic). Study duration was between one week and one year. No studies were assessed as low risk of bias in all domains; the overall risk of bias was unclear for most studies. The most common comparator was placebo (36 studies). An active control was used in 19 studies. There were eight dose-ranging studies of onabotulinumtoxinA, and a small number of studies compared against fillers. Treatment was given in one cycle (54 studies), two cycles (three studies), or three or more cycles (eight studies). The treated regions were glabella (43 studies), crow's feet (seven studies), forehead (two studies), perioral (two studies), full face (one study), or more than two regions (nine studies). Most studies analysed moderate to severe wrinkles; mean duration of treatment was 20 weeks. The following results summarise the main comparisons, based on studies of one treatment cycle for the glabella. AEs were collected over the duration of these studies (over four to 24 weeks). Compared to placebo, onabotulinumtoxinA-20 U probably has a higher success rate when assessed by participants (risk ratio (RR) 19.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.60 to 43.99; 575 participants; 4 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) or physicians (RR 17.10, 95% CI 10.07 to 29.05; 1339 participants; 7 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) at week four. Major AEs are probably higher with onabotulinumtoxinA-20 U (Peto OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.50 to 8.74; 1390 participants; 8 studies; moderate-certainty evidence), but there may be no difference in any AEs (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.45; 1388 participants; 8 studies; low-certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, abobotulinumtoxinA-50 U has a higher participant-assessed success rate at week four (RR 21.22, 95% CI 7.40 to 60.56; 915 participants; 6 studies; high-certainty evidence); and probably has a higher physician-assessed success rate (RR 14.93, 95% CI 8.09 to 27.55; 1059 participants; 7 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). There are probably more major AEs with abobotulinumtoxinA-50 U (Peto OR 3.36, 95% CI 0.88 to 12.87; 1294 participants; 7 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Any AE may be more common with abobotulinumtoxinA-50 U (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.49; 1471 participants; 8 studies; low-certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, incobotulinumtoxinA-20 U probably has a higher participant-assessed success rate at week four (RR 66.57, 95% CI 13.50 to 328.28; 547 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence), and physician-assessed success rate (RR 134.62, 95% CI 19.05 to 951.45; 547 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Major AEs were not observed (547 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be no difference between groups in any AEs (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.53; 547 participants; 2 studies; low-certainty evidence). AbobotulinumtoxinA-50 U is no different to onabotulinumtoxinA-20 U in participant-assessed success rate (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.08, 388 participants, 1 study, high-certainty evidence) and physician-assessed success rate (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.06; 388 participants; 1 study; high-certainty evidence) at week four. Major AEs are probably more likely in the abobotulinumtoxinA-50 U group than the onabotulinumtoxinA-20 U group (Peto OR 2.65, 95% CI 0.77 to 9.09; 433 participants; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence). There is probably no difference in any AE (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.54; 492 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). IncobotulinumtoxinA-24 U may be no different to onabotulinumtoxinA-24 U in physician-assessed success rate at week four (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.05; 381 participants; 1 study; low-certainty evidence) (participant assessment was not measured). One participant reported ptosis with onabotulinumtoxinA, but we are uncertain of the risk of AEs (Peto OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.77; 381 participants; 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, daxibotulinumtoxinA-40 U probably has a higher participant-assessed success rate (RR 21.10, 95% CI 11.31 to 39.34; 683 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) and physician-assessed success rate (RR 23.40, 95% CI 12.56 to 43.61; 683 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) at week four. Major AEs were not observed (716 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be an increase in any AE with daxibotulinumtoxinA compared to placebo (RR 2.23, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.40; 716 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Major AEs reported were mainly ptosis; BontA is also known to carry a risk of strabismus or eyelid sensory disorders.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

BontA treatment reduces wrinkles within four weeks of treatment, but probably increases risk of ptosis. We found several heterogeneous studies (different types or doses of BontA, number of cycles, and different facial regions) hindering meta-analyses. The certainty of the evidence for effectiveness outcomes was high, low or moderate; for AEs, very low to moderate. Future RCTs should compare the most common BontA (onabotulinumtoxinA, abobotulinumtoxinA, incobotulinumtoxinA, daxibotulinumtoxinA, prabotulinumtoxinA) and evaluate long-term outcomes. There is a lack of evidence about the effects of multiple cycles of BontA, frequency of major AEs, duration of effect, efficacy of recently-approved BontA and comparisons with other treatments.

Defining Skin Quality: Clinical Relevance, Terminology, and Assessment

BACKGROUND

Flawless skin is one of the most universally desired features, and demand for improvements in skin quality is growing rapidly. Skin quality has been shown to substantially impact emotional health, quality of life, self-perception, and interactions with others. Although skin quality improvements are a common end point in studies of cosmeceuticals, they are rarely assessed in clinical studies of other aesthetic treatments and products. Descriptive terminology for skin quality parameters also varies considerably within the aesthetic field, relying on a range of redundant and occasionally contradictory descriptors. In short, skin quality has not been clearly defined.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this review is to highlight the importance of skin quality to patients and physicians, explore known and unknown factors comprising skin quality, and provide clarity regarding terminology, descriptors, and evaluation tools for assessing skin quality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of the literature on skin quality was performed without limitation on publication date. Relevant articles are presented.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We propose a framework of attributes contributing to skin quality rooted in 3 fundamental categories-visible, mechanical, and topographical-with the aim to provide information to help guide clinicians and inform future clinical studies.

The Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of A Radiofrequency Hydro-Injector Device for the Skin around the Eye Area

In recent years, variable rejuvenation techniques, such as hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and radiofrequency (RF) devices, have become popular. We evaluated the RF hydro-injector (RFHI) device that simultaneously delivers both a microneedle intradermal RF treatment and a HA filler injection to overcome the disadvantages of HA filler and RF devices alone. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the RFHI device for the rejuvenation of the periorbital area, including the lateral canthal lines (LCLs) and the infraorbital area. A total of 24 subjects were enrolled in this study and underwent 2 to 3 treatments using the RFHI device. The investigator's global assessment of the lateral canthal line (IGA-LCL) and the global esthetic improvement scale (GAIS) were used to evaluate the improvement in the LCL. Cutometer^® was used to evaluate the skin's elasticity, and the Antera 3D image capture system^® was used to evaluate the degree of wrinkles, roughness, and pore volume. At the 8 week follow-up after the first treatment session, both the IGA-LCL and GAIS showed significant improvement. The improvement in the wrinkles, roughness, and pore volume, measured by the Antera 3D image capture system^®, was statistically significant. No serious adverse event was reported. This RFHI device, which delivers both microneedle intradermal RF treatment and HA filler injection, is effective and safe for periorbital rejuvenation.

AbobotulinumtoxinA for Facial Rejuvenation: What Affects the Duration of Efficacy?

AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport) has a long history as a safe and effective treatment option for aesthetic rejuvenation. One of the key measures of botulinum toxin efficacy is the persistence of clinically meaningful results. The duration of efficacy depends on different factors, many of which can be controlled by the clinician to better achieve their desired results. In this review, we discuss how dose, individual patient variation, and injection technique affect the duration of botulinum toxins. Increased duration may result from increased dose or more precise placement of the toxin in the muscle. The varying anatomy and behavior of patients can affect duration as well. Measures of duration in clinical studies vary, but both a 1-grade improvement on the glabellar line severity scale and patient-reported outcomes are key measures. The clinical effects of Dysport can last up to 5 months, and patients in Dysport clinical studies remained satisfied with treatment for up to 6 months. Dysport has a legacy of safety, efficacy, and high subject satisfaction demonstrated through studies and clinical experience. Building on that legacy by correctly dosing the subject, properly accounting for the individual subject anatomy and behavior, and using specific injection techniques can help ensure that your patients have the longest lasting results.

Proposed Guide to Lip Treatment in Caucasian Women Using Objective and Measurable Parameters

BACKGROUND

The lips are a focal point of the face; however, their aesthetic proportions and effect on perceived facial beauty remain poorly defined. Perioral aging is highly individual, with several distinct and often simultaneous processes contributing to changes in lip contour and surface. These processes can affect lip volume and length, shape, and the degree of vermilion inversion.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to develop a treatment guide for Caucasian women that combined a complete analysis of the lips (including the effects of aging) with consideration of the rheological characteristics of the products used to assist practitioners in tailoring rejuvenation treatment to individual patients.

METHODS

We reviewed existing literature to analyze the parameters that make the lips of Caucasian women "attractive" and investigated the rheological characteristics of different hyaluronic fillers to provide guidance on the optimal treatment for each woman.

RESULTS

Our numerical definition of the lips is based on 4 specific parameters: philtrum height, upper vermillion height, ratio between philtrum and upper vermillion height, and golden ratio between upper and lower vermillion height. In our opinion, conserving the length of hyaluronic acid chains results in dynamic fillers that may provide better results with lower risk of asymmetry compared with conventional products.

CONCLUSIONS

This new classification and associated treatment guideline aims to allow accurate assessment and enable practitioners to customize treatment for individual patients.

A Comparative In Vivo Study on Three Treatment Approaches to Applying Topical Botulinum Toxin A for Crow's Feet

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of three treatment approaches to applying Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNTA) for crow's Feet.

Methods

Thirty female subjects with moderate-to-severe crow's feet were included in this comparative in vivo study. They were randomly divided into three groups, including the local intramuscular, intradermal microdroplet injection, and nanomicroneedle delivered with BoNTA therapy group. After one session, evaluations were done at the time points of weeks one, four, and twelve after the treatment. The assessments included subjective satisfaction, blinded clinical assessment, and the biophysical parameters (skin collagen content, elasticity, hydration, and sebum contents).

Results

For dynamic wrinkles, intramuscular injection and intradermal microdroplets injection were more effective than nanomicroneedles. For static wrinkles, nanomicroneedles and intradermal microdroplets injection were more effective. However, the intramuscular injection had no significant effect on static wrinkles. At one week and four weeks after the treatment, the skin elasticity, collagen content, and hydration of nanomicroneedle group and intradermal microdroplet group increased more significantly than those of the intramuscular injection group; at twelve weeks after the treatment, the skin elasticity, collagen content, and hydration of intradermal microdroplet group were higher than those of other two groups. However we observed no statistically significant difference in sebum content between the three groups before and after the treatment.

Conclusion

BoNTA delivered through nanomicroneedles and intradermal microdroplets injection can effectively treat crow's feet. This trial is registered with [2016]KY018-01, registered 16 Feb 2016.

Key Parameters for the Use of AbobotulinumtoxinA in Aesthetics: Onset and Duration

Time to onset of response and duration of response are key measures of botulinum toxin efficacy that have a considerable influence on patient satisfaction with aesthetic treatment. However, there is no overall accepted definition of efficacy for aesthetic uses of botulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A). Mechanical methods of assessment do not lend themselves to clinical practice and clinicians rely instead on assessment scales such as the Frontalis Activity Measurement Standard, Frontalis Rating Scale, Wrinkle Severity Scale, and Subject Global Assessment Scale, but not all of these have been fully validated. Onset of activity is typically seen within 5 days of injection, but has also been recorded within 12 hours with abobotulinumtoxinA. Duration of effect is more variable, and is influenced by parameters such as muscle mass (including the effects of age and sex) and type of product used. Even when larger muscles are treated with higher doses of BoNT-A, the duration of effect is still shorter than that for smaller muscles. Muscle injection technique, including dilution of the toxin, the volume of solution injected, and the positioning of the injections, can also have an important influence on onset and duration of activity. Comparison of the efficacy of different forms of BoNT-A must be made with the full understanding that the dosing units are not equivalent. Range of equivalence studies for abobotulinumtoxinA (Azzalure; Ipsen Limited, Slough UK/Galderma, Lausanne CH/Dysport, Ipsen Biopharm Limited, Wrexham UK/Galderma LP, Fort Worth, TX) and onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox; Allergan, Parsippany, NJ) have been conducted, and results indicate that the number of units of abobotulinumtoxinA needs to be approximately twice as high as that of onabotulinumtoxinA to achieve the same effect. An appreciation of the potential influence of all of the parameters that influence onset and duration of activity of BoNT-A, along with a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the face and potency of doses, are essential to tailoring treatment to individual patient needs and expectations.

Development and Validation of a Photonumeric Scale for Evaluation of Facial Fine Lines

BACKGROUND

A validated scale is needed for objective and reproducible comparisons of facial fine lines before and after treatment in practice and clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the development and validation of the 5-point photonumeric Allergan Fine Lines Scale.

METHODS

The Allergan Fine Lines Scale was developed to include an assessment guide, verbal descriptors, morphed images, and real subject images for each scale grade. The clinical significance of a 1-point score difference was evaluated in a review of multiple image pairs representing varying differences in severity. Interrater and intrarater reliability was evaluated in a live subject validation study (N = 289) completed during 2 sessions occurring 3 weeks apart.

RESULTS

A score difference of ≥1 point was shown to reflect a clinically significant difference (mean [95% CI] absolute score difference, 1.06 [0.92-1.21] for clinically different image pairs and 0.50 [0.38-0.61] for not clinically different pairs). Intrarater agreement between the 2 live subject validation sessions was almost perfect (weighted kappa = 0.85). Interrater agreement was substantial during the second rating session (0.76, primary end point).

CONCLUSION

The Allergan Fine Lines Scale is a validated and reliable scale for physician rating of severity of superficial fine lines.

Development and Validation of a Photonumeric Scale for Evaluation of Infraorbital Hollows

BACKGROUND

A validated scale is needed for objective and reproducible comparisons of infraorbital hollows (i.e., tear troughs) before and after treatment in practice and clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the development and validation of the 5-point photonumeric Allergan Infraorbital Hollows Scale.

METHODS

The scale was developed to include an assessment guide, verbal descriptors, morphed images, and real subject images for each grade. The clinical significance of a 1-point score difference was evaluated in a review of image pairs representing varying differences in severity. Interrater and intrarater reliability was evaluated in a live-subject validation study (N = 297) completed during 2 sessions occurring 3 weeks apart.

RESULTS

A score difference of ≥1 point was shown to reflect a clinically significant difference (mean [95% confidence interval] absolute score difference, 0.90 [0.79-1.02] for clinically different image pairs and 0.33 [0.19-0.46] for not clinically different pairs). Intrarater agreement between the 2 validation sessions was substantial (mean weighted kappa = 0.79). Interrater agreement was substantial during the second rating session (0.70, primary end point).

CONCLUSION

The Allergan Infraorbital Hollows Scale is a validated and reliable scale for physician rating severity of hollowing in the infraorbital area.

Evaluation of skin ageing: a systematic review of clinical scales

Clinical scales are widely used in anti-ageing research and practice. More than 100 skin ageing scales exist, which makes it difficult to choose outcome measures and to compare study results. The objectives were to assess and evaluate the quality of measurement properties of available clinical skin ageing scales. A systematic review was conducted. Electronic databases including Medline (1970 to June 2013) and EMBASE (1974 to June 2013) were searched via Ovid SP. To enhance the sensitivity forward searches were conducted in Scopus and Web of Science. We identified 111 scales in 52 included publications. Thirty studies had good methodology for at least one measurement property. Forty-two scales were evaluated for their test-retest or interrater reliability. Nineteen showed high reliability coefficients. A further 15 instruments were partly supported by content and/or structural and/or criterion validity and/or hypotheses-testing evidence. The majority of existing clinical skin ageing scales were developed for evaluating facial characteristics. Many scales quantify similar constructs. In contrast to the high number of available scales there is limited evidence supporting their measurement properties. Recommendations for the use of specific skin ageing scales for clinical studies must be made with caution because of the high number of studies with poor methodology. Development of new instruments should be justified, and existing ones investigated for scale behaviour using appropriate methods. Future research should aim to select and/or adapt existing scales to identify the 'best' to improve clinical research and practice.

Validity, reliability, and the questionable role of psychometrics in plastic surgery

SUMMARY

This report examines the meaning of validity and reliability and the role of psychometrics in plastic surgery. Study titles increasingly include the word "valid" to support the authors' claims. Studies by other investigators may be labeled "not validated." Validity simply refers to the ability of a device to measure what it intends to measure. Validity is not an intrinsic test property. It is a relative term most credibly assigned by the independent user. Similarly, the word "reliable" is subject to interpretation. In psychometrics, its meaning is synonymous with "reproducible." The definitions of valid and reliable are analogous to accuracy and precision. Reliability (both the reliability of the data and the consistency of measurements) is a prerequisite for validity. Outcome measures in plastic surgery are intended to be surveys, not tests. The role of psychometric modeling in plastic surgery is unclear, and this discipline introduces difficult jargon that can discourage investigators. Standard statistical tests suffice. The unambiguous term "reproducible" is preferred when discussing data consistency. Study design and methodology are essential considerations when assessing a study's validity.