Regulating invasive cosmetic procedures to reduce harm.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an emerging mental health concern among young adults, particularly in urban settings where social media exposure intensifies appearance-related pressures. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of BDD among individuals aged 18-25 years in Vadodara and to examine its association with cognitive-behavioral patterns, psychiatric comorbidities, and social media influence. A cross-sectional study was conducted among college students using validated self-report questionnaires to assess BDD symptoms, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, and patterns of digital media use. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Approximately 10% of participants screened positive for BDD. Individuals with BDD demonstrated significantly higher levels of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, and negative social media impact compared to those without BDD (p < 0.05). Strong positive correlations were observed between BDD severity and psychological distress, supporting a cognitive-behavioral framework of the disorder. Social media exposure appeared to reinforce distorted self-image and maladaptive behaviors, contributing to symptom severity. The findings highlight the importance of early identification of BDD in academic and primary care settings. Routine screening, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and media literacy interventions are recommended to address both core symptoms and associated psychological comorbidities. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to reduce unnecessary cosmetic procedures and improve mental health outcomes. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported measures. Future longitudinal and culturally sensitive studies using clinical interviews are warranted.

Introduction: Ayurveda emphasises both preventive and curative aspects of disease, with an extensive repertoire of treatments, including those with cosmetic applications. Striae gravidarum, a prevalent dermatological condition, affects 75- 90% of pregnant women globally. In Ayurveda, striae gravidarum is referred to as “Kikkisa,” and is attributed to the stretching and tearing of the skin during pregnancy. Need of the study: Many cosmetic products and procedures claim to improve the appearance of striae; however, most merely alter superficial appearance rather than addressing the underlying physical characteristics of the condition. In some cases, they may even lead to undesirable side effects. Therefore, there is a pressing need to explore safe and reliable treatments grounded in Ayurveda. The external application of Varuna (Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham) patra kalka with ghrita, following gomaya gharshana, holds significant potential and is supported by classical textual references for use in the management of striae gravidarum (Kikkisa). Despite this, the formulation has not yet been thoroughly evaluated. Hence, the present study aims to document and establish the specific therapeutic effects of this Ayurvedic remedy in the management of striae gravidarum, emphasising both safety and Ayurvedic principles. Aim: The aim of the present comparative study is to evaluate the efficacy of external application of Varuna (Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham) leaf paste with ghee after cow dung rubbing; Varuna leaf medicated ghee; and Manjistha medicated ghee in the management of striae gravidarum. Materials and Methods: The present interventional, openlabelled, randomised controlled trial will employ a three-arm study design from June 2025 to September 2026 at Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Salod (Hirapur), Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Sixty female participants aged 25-45 years with a history of striae gravidarum will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. Group A: Varuna patra kalka with ghrita after gomaya gharshana; Group B: Varuna patra siddha ghrita, and Group C: Manjistha ghrita. Treatments will be administered over 8 weeks, with biweekly assessments. Parameters will include subjective evaluations {such as kandu (itching), vidaha (burning sensation), twak bheda (skin tearing), rekha swaroopa / twak sankocha (linear stretch marks), and vaivarnya (discolouration)}, and objective assessments {such as photographic documentation, lesion count, lesion dimensions, and the Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS)}.

Introduction: Laser Iris Depigmentation (LID) is a cosmetic procedure designed to alter eye color by reducing iris pigment using an Nd:YAG laser. While this procedure is increasingly popular, it carries risk of serious, sight-threatening complications. This report highlights two cases that emphasize these potential complications. Case Presentation: Two patients presented after undergoing multiple sessions of LID performed abroad. They exhibited similar symptoms, including blurry vision, nausea, and eye pain. Case 1 had intraocular pressure (IOP) of 34 mmHg in both eyes and later developed herpes simplex keratitis, which resulted in corneal scarring. Case 2 presented with IOP of 60 mmHg in one eye. Both patients were admitted for topical IOP-lowering treatment and received systemic administration of acetazolamide and mannitol, resulting in normalized IOP levels. However, in the first patient, corneal scarring led to a marked decline in visual acuity. Conclusions: LID may be associated with serious, sight-threatening complications, including significant increases in IOP and corneal scarring. It is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to be fully aware of these potential risks, which may outweigh the potential aesthetic benefits of the procedure, and to actively monitor postoperatively for any signs of these adverse effects.

ABSTRACT Objective Social media practices have been linked to body dissatisfaction, lower self-esteem, and acceptance of cosmetic procedures among women. This study examined the relationship between selfie photo-editing frequency, body image concerns, and acceptance of cosmetic surgery, while considering the effects of self-esteem. Method Participants (N = 169) consisted of Australian women aged 18–35 with an active social media account. A one-way MANCOVA was conducted to investigate the effect of selfie photo-editing frequency on fear of negative evaluation, body dissatisfaction, and acceptance of cosmetic surgery, while statistically controlling for self-esteem. Results After controlling for self-esteem, results indicated a significant effect of photo-editing frequency on fear of negative evaluation, F(2, 165) = 4.16, p = .017, partial η2 = .05 and acceptance of cosmetic surgery, F(2, 165) = 13.71, p < .001, partial η2 = .14. Follow-up univariate tests revealed that women who reported frequently using photo-editing applications before posting selfies on social media had significantly greater fear of negative evaluation than those who never used photo-editing applications, and significantly higher acceptance of cosmetic surgery than individuals who edited selfies infrequently or not at all, after controlling for self-esteem. However, photo-editing frequency was not associated with body dissatisfaction, suggesting that self-esteem might explain this effect. Conclusion Frequent selfie photo-editing may be associated with increased fear of social evaluation and greater openness to cosmetic procedures. Findings support the need for psychosocial screening in cosmetic settings and preventative social media literacy interventions for young women active on social media.

BackgroundFemale genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS), particularly labiaplasty, has gained increasing visibility and demand in clinical practice.AimTo examine the perceptions of gynecology physicians and residents regarding ethical aspects and knowledge related to FGCS, with a focus on labiaplasty.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 404 physicians, including 327 (80.9%) women and 77 (19.1%) men. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing their ethical perspectives on vulvovaginal cosmetic procedures and their specific knowledge of interventions such as labiaplasty, hymenoplasty, clitoroplasty, and others.OutcomesDifferences in ethical views and knowledge levels between experienced physicians and residents were evaluated.ResultsThe findings revealed no significant differences between physicians and residents in ethical perceptions of labiaplasty. However, more experienced physicians reported greater exposure to patients seeking these procedures and demonstrated higher levels of knowledge regarding specific techniques.Clinical ImplicationsDespite greater clinical exposure, ethical perspectives seem to be shaped early during academic training, underscoring the importance of formal education on FGCS.Strengths and LimitationsThis study provides insights into a relatively underexplored topic in medical education. However, the use of self-reported measures and a cross-sectional design may limit causal interpretations.ConclusionEthical perceptions of FGCS are consistent across levels of clinical experience, suggesting a strong influence of medical training and reinforcing the need for structured discussions on the topic in educational curricula.

Aesthetic satisfaction and willingness for future non-invasive cosmetic procedures: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Breast augmentation remains one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures worldwide to achieve a youthful and beautiful breast appearance. We describe a technique that preserves glandular tissue and muscle-glandular junctions of a submuscular pocket through a periareolar approach, providing stable implant coverage. Prospective data collection of all patients with mild and moderate breast atrophy who underwent the preservation breast augmentation technique were included, and procedures were performed from February 2019 to August 2021. Demographic characteristics and peri- and postoperative variables were collected. Sixty-four patients were included in the study. The mean age at the time of the breast augmentation surgery was 26 years. The size of the breast implants used ranged from 275 to 375 cc. At one year postoperative follow-up only one patient required surgical correction for breast asymmetry and another patient experienced a self-resolving subcutaneous hematoma. No infections or wound dehiscence was observed. Sensation in both breasts was normal in all patients at the two-month mark, surgical results were deemed satisfactory according to the BREAST-Q score, and the BAKER score for all patients was one. Preserving the anatomy and function of the glandular muscle unit leads to the preservation of the breast glands and the creation of more stable sub-muscular mammary pockets. This results in implants with greater muscle-glandular coverage throughout their entire extent and significantly reduces glandular atrophy. These advantages distinguish the technique and make it highly reproducible, with a short learning curve.

Upper blepharoplasty is the most common cosmetic procedure in East Asia. A natural Asian double eyelid features specific crease characteristics. AI advancements, such as UNet and PointRend, enhance medical image segmentation, aiding in post-blepharoplasty evaluation. This study applies deep neural networks to analyze facial images, providing morphological parameters to assist surgeons in assessing outcomes and planning revisions. This study included 102 eyes from 51 patients seeking for revisional blepharoplasty and 100 eyes from 50 volunteers with inborn double eyelid. Standardized images and videos were collected. The deep learning-based image analysis automatically evaluated four eyelid morphological parameters, including pre-tarsal show, corneal visibility ratio, dynamic value, and crease depth. Analysis was done on the agreement between the automated measures and the manual measurements. The parameters of the patients' and volunteers' eyelids were compared. FACE-Q surveys were used to measure patient-reported esthetic outcomes. The intraclass correlation coefficients between manual measures and automated measurements of pre-tarsal show, corneal visibility ratio, and dynamic value were 0.973, 0.975, and 0.965. At the long-term follow-up, the pre-tarsal show and crease depth decreased significantly, whereas the corneal visibility ratio and dynamic value increased significantly. FACE-Q scores demonstrated a high level of patient satisfaction for facial appearance (87.6) and were negatively correlated with pre-tarsal show (r = - 0.814, p = 0.000). The deep neural network technique automatically measured the eyelid morphology with excellent precision and reproducibility, enabling an objective evaluation of the surgical outcomes for blepharoplasty. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Objective: Due to the increasing prevalence of rheumatological conditions worldwide, especially among women, and their known negative impact on body image, there is a growing demand for cosmetic procedures. Therefore, it is imperative to develop an evidence-based understanding of the safety of these procedures and their potential effects on the disease course to prevent undesirable exacerbations. Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult patients diagnosed with rheumatic diseases. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire that addressed demographics, disease characteristics, comorbidities, and perceptions of cosmetic procedures. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of King Saud University and King Saud University Medical City. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Results: A total of 212 participants were included; among them, 92 participants considered or underwent cosmetic procedures, while 120 did not. A significant difference was observed between groups regarding disease-related impact on self-confidence (p = 0.01). Factors associated with undergoing cosmetic procedures included gender (female sex) (OR 12.02; 95% CI: 1.55-93.17; p = 0.017), higher educational level (OR 14.00; 95% CI: 1.32-147.42; p = 0.028), a monthly income of SAR 1000-5000 (OR 2.39; 95% CI: 1.03-5.53; p = 0.041) or SAR 5000-10,000 (OR 2.75; 95% CI: 1.19-6.33; p = 0.017), and employment status (OR 1.81; 95% CI: 1.03-3.18; p = 0.038). Conclusions: A substantial proportion of patients with rheumatic diseases considered or had undergone cosmetic procedures, primarily driven by appearance-related concerns and reduced self-confidence. Female sex, higher education, higher income, and employment status were significant predictors. Fear of disease flare-ups and potential side effects were the most common reasons for avoiding cosmetic procedures.

Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) is a rare pigmentary disorder primarily affecting patients with skin of color. Currently, comprehensive evaluations for procedural interventions for LPP are limited in the literature. In this review, we assess current procedural options for LPP treatment, focusing on their efficacy, safety, and practical considerations. A comprehensive literature search using PubMed and Embase identified English studies published through December 2024 that examined cosmetic procedures for the treatment of LPP. Keywords included &ldquo;lichen planus pigmentosus,&rdquo; &ldquo;laser,&rdquo; &ldquo;chemical peel,&rdquo; &ldquo;glycolic acid,&rdquo; &ldquo;salicylic acid,&rdquo; &ldquo;TCA,&rdquo; &ldquo;jessner,&rdquo; &ldquo;VI,&rdquo; &ldquo;cosmetic procedure,&rdquo; &ldquo;procedure&rdquo;, and related terms. Articles without original data, sufficient results, or human participants were excluded. Data on study design, participant characteristics, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were extracted and reported in this descriptive review. A total of 16 studies were reviewed, which highlighted procedural approaches to managing LPP, including chemical peels (eg, phenol and glycolic acid), laser therapy (eg, Q-switched Nd:YAG, CO2 fractional, Picosecond Nd:YAG, erbium-doped fiber), and platelet-rich plasma therapy. Evidence was limited by small sample sizes, lack of randomized controlled trials, and reliance on case reports and series. Most studies included fewer than 20 participants, limiting the generalizability of findings. In conclusion, procedural interventions can serve as an alternative treatment option for LPP, especially for those unresponsive to standard treatments. Further research with larger cohorts and comparative trials are needed to further elucidate current findings. J Drugs Dermatol. 2026;25(2): doi:10.36849/JDD.9209.

Determining patients' price sensitivity and willingness to pay for aesthetic surgery: A contingent valuation study.

Thermal Comfort comparison between cosmetic procedure recipients and accompanying persons: Evidence from plastic surgery department of Xijing Hospital

It is impractical and unhelpful to enforce universal screening for body dysmorphic disorder in patients undergoing cosmetic procedures.

Injectable fillers have become an integral component of contemporary aesthetic plastic surgery, accounting for a substantial proportion of non-surgical cosmetic procedures worldwide. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current injectable filler trends in China, with a particular focus on material characteristics, facial contour stabilization injection strategies, emerging treatment areas, and safety considerations. Commonly used materials include hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen fillers, and collagen stimulators such as calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, poly-D,L-lactic acid, and polycaprolactone. Each material exhibits distinct rheological and biological properties that influence clinical indications, injection depth, longevity, and associated risk profiles. In particular, collagen fillers and collagen stimulators have received increasing attention for subtle contour refinement and tissue quality improvement in delicate or large-surface areas. A facial contour stabilization philosophy that differentiates outer and inner facial aesthetic units is increasingly adopted to achieve balanced rejuvenation while minimizing the risk of overfilling. Beyond facial contour refinement, injectable fillers are increasingly utilized for hand, knee, and auricular rejuvenation. Finally, safety issues, particularly facial overfilled syndrome, are discussed, underscoring the importance of conservative planning, anatomical precision, and evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Background:Deep vein thrombosis is a complication that can be fatal if left untreated, especially after a surgical procedure. In a previous case-control study, we identified thrombogenic factors generated during cosmetic surgery procedures and found a high incidence of thrombosis. Subsequently, following a consensus of experts and with the participation of 22 judges, the thrombosis risk scale (Appert Total Thrombosis Risk Scale) was developed.Methods:This was a descriptive, prospective, observational study of patients who underwent aesthetic plastic surgery in a 3-year period from June 2021 to June 2024. Demographic variables, such as age and sex, as well as the use of chemoprophylaxis, the result of the Appert scale, the presence of complications, defined as thrombosis events (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), and postoperative bleeding, were considered.Results:Statistical associations were evaluated using the Pearson χ2 test; when expected frequencies were less than 5 in more than 20% of the cells, the Fisher exact test was used. Statistical significance was set at a P value of less than 0.05. A total of 345 patients who underwent aesthetic plastic surgery were included in the analysis. According to the dichotomous classification of the Appert scale, 46.4% of patients were classified as low risk and 53.6% as moderate risk. All complications occurred in the moderate-risk group, whereas no events were reported in the low-risk group.Conclusions:This finding suggested a possible clinical relationship between the level of risk identified using the Appert scale and the occurrence of complications.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic pain disorder characterized by severe orofacial pain. The underlying pathophysiological nuances remain under study, and their understanding is key to developing new and more effective therapies for this debilitating disease. The field of cellular therapies for neurological diseases is continuously evolving. This systematic review was performed after the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We sought studies on the preclinical and clinical uses of cellular therapies for trigeminal neuralgia. We included 8 studies encompassing 1 clinical and 7 preclinical applications. Of the preclinical studies, four used Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHED), two used Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs), and one used Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs). All preclinical studies showed a statistically significant behavioral improvement in groups receiving cellular therapies compared to controls (p < 0.05), with either local or systemic delivery. In addition, cellular therapies have the potential to mitigate TN by promoting myelin repair, reducing neuroinflammation, and modulating pain-related pathways. The only clinical report in the literature described the incidental use of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) during a facial cosmetic procedure in a 60-year-old female with a long history of TN, who remained pain-free at 2-year follow-up. These findings highlight the promising role of cellular therapies in the treatment of TN, demonstrating significant behavioral and molecular benefits in preclinical models and a compelling clinical case. Further rigorous clinical studies are necessary to establish their safety, efficacy, and long-term therapeutic impact.

Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures consistently lead the aesthetic landscape year after year. Men are increasingly requesting aesthetic interventions with a focus on maintaining a youthful, powerful, and natural look. There are significant anatomical, physiological, and behavioral differences in the aging male face that warrant specific treatment considerations.Literature review of male gender-specific facial anatomy, aging patterns, treatment motivations/preferences. Description of the author's preferred injection techniques.Male and female faces are shaped by different aesthetic standards, impacting what is deemed attractive. Men are keenly aware of the sexual dimorphism in facial characteristics and often seek to preserve or enhance traits associated with traditional masculinity. Minimally invasive procedures can be customized to enhance or retain masculine features.Gaining a deeper understanding of factors affecting male rejuvenation patterns and learning specific injectable techniques will empower aesthetic providers to tailor cosmetic treatments for men, achieving success and encouraging continued growth of this burgeoning demographic.

The resident aesthetic clinic is a practice in which plastic surgery residents oversee patient care, thereby gaining autonomy and hands-on experience in cosmetic surgery. This study evaluates outcomes of resident-led cosmetic breast surgeries in a resident aesthetic clinic compared to attending-led procedures. A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent cosmetic breast surgery at a single institution's resident clinic from 2012 to 2021. Resident-led cases were matched with attending-led cases, and comparisons in demographic information, procedure type, operation details, follow-up, re-operations, and complications were performed. Among 134 female patients at a resident aesthetic clinic, 27 (20.1%) underwent breast augmentation, 7 (5.2%) had mastopexy, and 12 (9.0%) received augmentation mastopexy, with a matched control group of attending-led cases. Residents favored silicone implants and inframammary incisions, while the attending preferred saline implants and peri-areolar incisions (p<0.001). For breast augmentation, complication rates for breast augmentation were similar between residents and attendings (18.5% vs. 11.1%, p=0.704), with identical re-operation rates (11.1%; p=1.000). In mastopexy, residents had no complications, while attendings had a 25% complication rate (p=0.467). In augmentation mastopexy, complication rates were 25.0% for residents and 33.3% for attendings (p=0.500), with lower re-operation rates in residents (0.0% vs. 16.7%, p=0.238). Resident-led cosmetic breast procedures demonstrate comparable safety outcomes to attending-led surgeries, supporting the efficacy of resident training in aesthetic surgery and highlighting the importance of resident-led clinics in surgical education. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

IntroductionManagement of ingrown toenails encompasses a wide range of methods, from conservative to surgical approaches, which vary in terms of final aesthetic outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.AimThis study aimed to assess patient aesthetic satisfaction following surgical correction of nail folds preceded by conservative nail plate reconstruction.Materials and methodsA total of 550 procedures were performed in 340 patients, involving plastic surgery of the nail folds combined with conservative nail plate reconstruction. Patients evaluated their satisfaction with the aesthetic and functional outcomes of the operated toes.ResultsThe final aesthetic appearance of the treated toes was rated as good (34.4%) or very good (59.4%) by approximately 95% of patients. Significant relationships were observed between the final aesthetic outcome and post-treatment effectiveness (p = 0.003), severity of ingrown toenail prior to treatment, need for additional cosmetic and conservative procedures (p = 0.008), patient age (p < 0.0001), and type of occupation (p = 0.0016).ConclusionPlastic surgery of the nail folds combined with conservative nail plate reconstruction achieved favorable final aesthetic outcomes for the toes and nail plates, contributing to high patient satisfaction.