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Background: Tranexamic acid (TA) is a new and promising drug for the treatment of melasma. Objectives: This network meta‐analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of various ways of administration of TA on melasma. Methods: We collected researches from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Melasma area severity index (MASI) is used to evaluate the severity of melasma. After treatment with different TA administration methods, a difference in MASI is named ΔMASI. We evaluate the curative effect by comparing the ΔMASI of different TA administration methods at a certain time point. Results: At the Weeks 4, 8, and 12 and the last follow‐up, the ΔMASI of oral TA combined with routine topical agents (oTA + RTA) was higher than that of intradermal TA (iTA), topical TA (tTA) as well as microneedling TA (MNsTA), with statistical significance. At the 8th week, the ΔMASI of oTA was higher than that of iTA, with statistical significance. Compared with placebo, oTA showed statistically significant differences at Week 4, while tTA, iTA, and MNsTA showed statistically significant differences starting from Week 8. Conclusions: Among various ways of administration of TA, oTA + RTA has the best effect on melasma. In the short term, the curative effect of oTA is better than that of iTA, and the onset time of oTA is faster than that of tTA, iTA and MNsTA. In the long run, the curative effect of TA alone has nothing to do with the mode of administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since there is currently no conclusion on the efficacy and adverse effects of oxymetazoline, this meta‐analysis attempts to explore its efficacy and adverse events, so as to provide guidance for clinical medication. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the establishment of the database to May 2021. We included studies that patients were randomly assigned to receive oxymetazoline or vehicle, and we excluded duplicate publications, research without full text, incomplete information or inability to conduct data extraction, animal experiments, reviews, and systematic reviews. STATA 15.1 was used to analyze the data. Results: The pooled results show that the 3 (RR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.53–2.03), 6 (RR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.47–2.00), 9 (RR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.40–1.90), 12 (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18–1.67) ‐hours CEA success rate and the 3 (RR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.34–2.03), 6 (RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.43–2.14), 9 (RR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.33–2.00), 12 (RR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.45–2.18) ‐hours SSA success rate after oxymetazoline treatment for rosacea is significantly higher than that of vehicle. Additionally, the pooled results show that the incidence of TEAEs after treatment with oxymetazoline is significantly higher than that of vehicle (RR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.10–1.2). However, our analysis of specific adverse events found that the oxymetazoline group was only significantly higher than the vehicle group in the incidence of application‐site dermatitis (RR = 8.91, 95% CI: 1.76–45.23), and there was no statistical significance in the difference in the incidence of other adverse events. Conclusion: Oxymetazoline is effective and can be selected for the treatment of persistent facial erythema of rosacea. Additionally, application‐site dermatitis was the most important one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the connection between beverage consumption and facial aging, using Mendelian randomization analysis to explore the potential causal relationship between the two. However, the article raises concerns about the methodology used. The study utilized data from the same database, which can lead to sample overlap and bias. The authors also did not disclose specific information about instrumental variables and did not conduct certain tests that could impact the results. The article suggests that further research is needed to establish a stronger causal relationship, including large-scale prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Laser hair reduction gained popularity in the last decade and is presently the most frequently used long‐term hair removal method. It works on the principle of selective photothermolysis—the laser damages the hair follicle without damaging the skin. Shorter Nd:YAG pulses are also effective in hair reduction, while maintaining better comfort for the patient. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the short and long pulsed methods of Nd:YAG for facial hair removal on darker Fitzpatrick skin types (IV–V). Patients/Methods: This prospective split face, evaluator‐blinded comparison of short‐pulse Nd:YAG laser versus long‐pulse Nd:YAG laser study included 10 untanned healthy women. There were two outcome measers, two blinded dermatologists compared baseline photographs with those taken 3 months after last session and FotoFinder was used to compare the terminal hair count reduction at the baseline and 3 months after 6th session. Results: Both blinded assesors observed significant hair reduction with both lasers; excellent results were achieved in 20% with long pulse and in 55% with short pulse. Both treatment options showed reduction in number of terminal hair with statistical significance using FotoFinder. Comparison of the efficacy of the two pulse durations measured by percent reduction in the number of terminal hair 3 months after the last session showed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Hair reduction using 1064 nm Nd:YAG is a safe and effective method of hair reduction especially in darker skin types. We have shown that short pulses are better or at least equally safe and effective as the "gold standard" long pulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To the knowledge of the authors, no data about the reproducibility and accuracy of 3‐dimensional surface imaging of the face using a whole‐body scanner are available. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to assess the reproducibility of facial scans acquired using a whole‐body imaging device. Material and Methods: This investigation investigated 220 3‐D scans of a total of 22 healthy volunteers (with a mean age of 29.36 years). Two consecutive 3‐D images using a Vectra WB360 of the volunteers were obtained utilizing a whole‐body imaging device. Predefined distances in the face were performed in each scan and compared. Furthermore, surface deviation between two consecutively captured scans was assessed. Results: The distance with the smallest statistical significance was found to be at the nose with p = 0.998, while the biggest statistical significance was found in the midface with p = 0.658. The area with the biggest surface deviation between the superimposed scans was the neck with a root mean square (RMS) of 1.62 ± 1.71, and the area with the smallest surface deviation was the forehead with a RMS of 0.17 ± 0.05. Conclusion: The whole‐body imaging device investigated in this study can be utilized to capture the face and provides enough accuracy to compare scans. Even though not directly investigated, it can be hypothesized that the error caused by repositioning the patient between a baseline and a follow‐up scan will not be too big to consider measurements performed with the whole‐body imaging device as impractical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Auricular melanomas are rare malignancies, and conflicting reports regarding their clinical behaviors have been published so far. Objective: In this study, we investigated the clinical features of the auricular melanomas and compared them with periauricular skin melanomas. Methods: Data of 53 primary melanomas arising in auricular (n = 25) and periauricular regions (n = 28) were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Demographic, histopathological, and clinical characteristics were found similar between auricular and periauricular melanomas (p > 0.05). Likewise, the recurrence rates for both groups were found to be similar (30%) (p = 0.9). The 5‐year relapse‐free survival rate of all patients was 57.4%, and no statistical difference was observed between the two groups—63.9% for auricular melanomas and 51.7% for periauricular melanomas (p = 0.5). Moreover, the 5‐year overall survival rate of all melanomas was 46.9%, and there was no statistical significance between the two groups—56.1% and 37.4% for auricular and periauricular melanomas, respectively (p = 0.4). Conclusion: Auricular and periauricular melanomas share similar clinicopathologic features and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to assess the effectiveness of a non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid based soft‐tissue filler in the correction of lateral canthal lines and periorbital lines. Material and methods: A total of 59 female Caucasian patients with a mean age of 52.6 ± 9.0 years were enrolled in this prospective open‐label, multicentre study and received intradermal injections of a soft‐tissue filler at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks. Aesthetic improvement and patient satisfaction, skin hydration, skin firmness and skin elasticity, as well as adverse events were assessed at 3, 6, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Results: At baseline, the lateral canthal skin firmness was 0.206 ± 0.07 mm and increased after 8 weeks to 0.087 ± 0.08 mm with p < 0.001, while the perioral skin firmness was 0.205 ± 0.09 mm and increased after 8 weeks to 0.116 ± 0.08 mm with p < 0.001. Increases in skin hydration were observed after 8 weeks in both areas, however, did not reach statistical significance at any point. At week 8, 12 and 16 a majority (93.1%, 91.1% and 73.7% respectively) of the patients stated that they were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with the treatment. Conclusion: Overall, the skin firmness and skin visco‐elasticity showed significant increases in the lateral canthal and perioral region. Moreover, albeit not statistically significant, skin hydration increased in both areas after 8 weeks. The procedure has been shown to be safe and satisfactory for the treated patients; however, emergence of oral herpes should be added to the safety profile of intradermally applied hyaluronic acid treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The hairline is an essential component of the human face. Disfigurement of the hairline may cause physical and psychological problems. Standard guidelines do not exist for female hairline designs, average values of infratemporal portion, hairline classifications, and preferences. Aims: We aimed to study hairline characteristics in Thai females and further compare the values with previous studies in different populations. Furthermore, we aimed to introduce a comprehensive hairline classification system that allowed an easy and detailed phenotypic characterization of female hairline. Patients/Methods: Healthy Thai females aged over 18 years were included in the study. Collection of demographic data, infratemporal measurements, and standard photography was performed. All collected data were analyzed to determine the standard values of each hairline dimension for comparison to previous studies. Results: Two hundred and twenty‐nine females, with a mean age of 32.4 ± 8.6 years, participated in this study. The mean mid‐frontal line was 6.45 ± 0.89 cm, which was not correlated with age. Lateral mounds, widow's peaks, and cowlicks were observed in 42.35%, 24.45%, and 1.74% participants, respectively. Our study revealed five patterns of the frontal hairline and four patterns of the temporal hairline. The mid‐frontal line in Asian females trended longer than that in Caucasians, without statistical significance. Conclusions: Measurements of the infratemporal portions in Thai females revealed no change with age, and the mid‐frontal line showed no statistically significant differences between Korean and Turkish participants. The hairline classification system introduced in our study was comprehensive and would be easily applicable in clinical practice. Female hairline dimensions and patterns reported in our study could provide reference values for hairline design in hairline restoration surgery as well as assist in accurate diagnosis of hair disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microneedle devices have been used to reduce scarring and wrinkling as well as for the treatment of pattern hair loss. Aims: Here, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a newly developed home‐use microneedle device for the treatment of pattern hair loss. Methods: Twenty‐nine patients were assigned into three groups based on block randomization: home‐use microneedle device only, a combination of home‐use microneedle device and 5% minoxidil solution and 5% minoxidil topical solution only. Each treatment was performed twice a week. The study outcomes included hair counts, patient self‐assessments, and adverse events at baseline and at 6 months. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), repeated measures ANOVA and Kruskal‐Wallis test. Results: The improvements in hair count were seen in the combination group at month 6, but the differences observed did not reach statistical significance in each group and among the three groups. The patient self‐assessment showed the highest score in the combination group, but it did not reveal a statistically significant difference among the three groups. Mild and transient pruritus were reported by one patient who was using the microneedle device only. Conclusions: Our study shows that the home‐use microneedle device may be a safe and 5% minoxidil solution penetration‐enhancing therapeutic modality for stimulating hair growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Midface rejuvenation is an important component of overall facial rejuvenation. Traditionally, midfacial skin laxity and volume loss have been addressed with surgical midfacial lifting and soft tissue augmentation with dermal fillers. We present a novel noninvasive approach to midface rejuvenation with a bipolar fractionated radiofrequency (FRF) device that addresses both volume loss and improves skin laxity. Methods: An institutional review board‐approved retrospective review was performed and included subjects who received midfacial treatment with a bipolar FRF device. Follow‐up photographs were objectively assessed by a blinded evaluator using a validated scale, the Facial Laxity Rating Scale. Paired t tests were used to evaluate the results for statistical significance. Results: A total of 15 subjects were included in the study. The average age was 64 and ranged from 48 to 73. The average midface laxity score prior to treatment was 5.6 and post‐treatment was 6.3 (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Bipolar FRF is a promising noninvasive intervention for midface rejuvenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periorbital hyperchromia (POH), popularly known as "dark circles," is a very frequent complaint in dermatological appointments. It affects all phototypes, genders, and ages, and it is associated with a tired and aged aspect to the face, which may lead to esthetic concerns and impairments in the quality of life. Its etiology is multifactorial, and it is believed that sleep disorders may be considered as precipitating or aggravating factors. Aims: Our objective is to compare sleep quality (using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index—PSQI) of patients with POH to patients without this complaint. Methods: A single‐center, case‐control study. Patients from both genders were included. Cases were patients with POH, and controls had no POH. Demographic data, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and PSQI were collected. A power of 80% and statistical significance when a P‐value was lower than.05 were stipulated. Results: Out of 303 patients, 149 cases and 154 controls, with a mean age of 35.83 ± 11.38 for cases and 37.52 ± 14.89 for controls, there was no significant difference between groups. The DLQI revealed a mean of 4.86 ± 4.89 for cases and 2.25 ± 3.73 for controls (P <.0001), which translates into a modest effect in life quality. The PSQI mean was 5.93 ± 2.52 for cases and 6.14 ± 3.58 for controls (P =.633), which characterizes the poor quality of sleep. Conclusions: Dark circles impact negatively on the quality of life of affected patients, especially in women. Contrary to what has been believed, sleep alone does not seem to influence the appearance of POH. NCT03393624. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Changes induced by intrinsic and extrinsic photoaging result in signs of skin aging including altered pigmentation and wrinkles. A 3‐in‐1 night facial serum (NFS) was developed to treat skin aging by antioxidative and retinoid‐like mechanisms. Objective: To determine the clinical and histological effects of the 3‐in‐1 NFS on signs of skin aging, clinically and histologically. Methods & Materials: Twenty‐four subjects applied serum nightly for 12 weeks, and 12 subjects continued an extension study to 24 weeks. Clinical assessment of skin quality was performed by dermatologists. Skin biopsy was performed at 12 weeks to assess histological changes. Results: There was a global aesthetic improvement over the duration of the study: +1.21 points at 12 weeks; +1.25 at 24 weeks. Skin texture, pigmentation, erythema, skin tone, complexion, lines, and wrinkles all significantly improved (P <.05). There was also a significant reduction in photodamage, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkle scores, most notably horizontal forehead expression lines, and marionette lines (P <.05 for all). Dermal and epidermal thickness increased without reaching statistical significance. Conclusion: The 3‐in‐1 NFS had clinically and statistically significant effects on signs of skin aging after 12 weeks, which became more pronounced after 24 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have proven the efficacy and safety of 0.01% and 0.03% bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis; however, there is no comparison study between both concentrations. Aims: To compare the efficacy and safety between 0.01% and 0.03% bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis. Patients/Methods: This prospective, randomized, double‐blind, split‐face clinical study was conducted in 30 patients with eyebrow hypotrichosis. Each side of eyebrow of individual patients was randomly assigned for 0.01% and 0.03% bimatoprost, applied on each eyebrow once daily. Eyebrow density, diameter, the Global Eyebrow Assessment scale, 7‐point rating scale, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Side effects were also recorded. Results: Both 0.01% and 0.03% bimatoprost significantly improved eyebrow density and diameter (P <.05), although there were no statistically significant differences in changes in eyebrow density and diameter from baseline between both concentrations (P =.96 and.84, respectively). Additionally, patients significantly preferred 0.03% bimatoprost in terms of clinical improvement and satisfaction (P =.04 and.003, respectively). Conclusions: Both 0.01% and 0.03% bimatoprost are effective and safe for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis. Bimatoprost 0.03% is superior to its 0.01% counterpart, albeit without statistical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]