Cosmetic Procedures Research Articles

Aesthetic Considerations for Neuromodulator Use in Transgender Patients.

The aesthetic dimension of transgender experiences involves various aspects linked to the visual representation and expression of one's gender identity. Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, such as neuromodulators, have consequently become a viable treatment option for patients with gender dysphoria because of the ability to yield significant, although temporary, results with minimal associated risks and downtime. To comprehensively review literature pertaining to the aesthetic considerations for use of neuromodulators in transgender and nonbinary individuals. A literature review of PubMed/MEDLINE for studies was published through January 2024 for nonsurgical facial and body modification using neuromodulators. Searches were conducted with relevant keywords. Peer-reviewed articles and their references published within the past 10 years were given emphasis in the review. Based on the limited publications to date, the authors prepared a comprehensive review on indications for neuromodulator treatment in this population, including brow positioning, lower face contouring, lip eversion, trapezius slimming, and leg contouring. Dermatologists play a crucial role in facilitating the achievement of gender affirmation goals.

Cross-linked Sodium Hyaluronate Gel with PLLA-b-PEG Microsphere for Facial Contouring in Chinese: A Retrospective Study.

In Asia, the demand for cosmetic facial treatments has surged due to technological advancements, increased social acceptability, and affordability. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers, known for their biocompatibility and biodegradability, have emerged as a popular choice for facial contouring, yet studies specifically addressing their use in Asian populations are scarce. This retrospective study examined 30 Chinese patients who underwent facial contouring with PLLA fillers, focusing on product composition, injection techniques, and safety measures. A comprehensive clinical evaluation was performed, including the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and Global Impression of Change Scale (GICS) for effectiveness and patient satisfaction, respectively. No significant difference in GAIS scores was observed between injectors and blinded evaluators over a 12-month period, indicating consistent effectiveness. Patient satisfaction remained high, with GICS scores reflecting positive outcomes. The safety profile was favorable, with no serious adverse events reported. The study highlighted the importance of anatomical knowledge to avoid complications, particularly in areas prone to blindness. PLLA fillers offer a safe, effective option for facial contour correction in the Asian population, achieving high patient satisfaction and maintaining results over time. The study underscores the need for tailored approaches in cosmetic procedures for Asians, considering their unique facial structures and aesthetic goals. Further research with larger, multicenter cohorts is recommended to validate these findings and explore long-term effects. 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 .

Energy-based devices and hyaluronic acid filler, polymer filler, and threads: Cadaveric study.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the thermal effects on hyaluronic acid fillers, PCL fillers, and PDO threads when exposed to controlled heat. This study aims to provide insights into how these materials respond to thermal energy, which is crucial for safe and effective cosmetic procedures involving combined modalities. Cadaveric tissue was utilized to simulate clinical conditions. Hyaluronic acid fillers were injected at approximately 1 mm and 5 mm thicknesses, with variations in G' value (high and low). PCL fillers were similarly injected in 1 mm and 5 mm thicknesses. PDO threads were also inserted. All materials were injected at a depth of 2 cm. A thermometer was used to measure heat penetration, and a multi-wavelength laser was applied to the tissue. The temperature was maintained at 60°C for 5 min to assess whether heat penetrated more than 3 cm in thickness. Observations were made regarding the heat distribution and any physical changes in the fillers and threads. In thick layers, heat accumulated above the PCL filler without penetrating deeper layers. In thin layers, heat penetration was observed. For the HA fillers, heat energy was not blocked, regardless of the G' value or thickness. For the threads, no significant heat blockage effect was observed. For all materials, no visual changes were detected in any of the materials due to temperature exposure. The findings suggest that the thickness and composition of fillers significantly influence heat penetration. Thick PCL fillers act as a thermal barrier, whereas thin PCL fillers allow deeper heat penetration. Hyaluronic acid fillers do not impede heat transfer, regardless of their physical properties. PDO threads do not exhibit any notable thermal resistance. These insights are essential for optimizing the safety and efficacy of combined filler and energy-based device treatments in esthetic medicine.

Prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder, its clinical characteristics and psychiatric comorbidities in patients admitted to a plastic surgery outpatient clinic

Purpose The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), its clinical features, and comorbidities in patients applying for plastic and reconstructive surgery. Method Five-hundred and seventy nine participants who applied to the plastic and reconstructive surgery outpatient clinic completed a sociodemographic data form, and were subjected to the Body Perception Scale (seventy-nineBPS), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), TEMPS-A Temperament Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Participants who scored 135 or more on the BPS were included in a psychiatric interview. Next, the participants diagnosed with BDD were compared with participants with a high BPS scores but without a BDD diagnosis, along with a control group. Results The prevalence of BDD among all patients attending the plastic surgery outpatient clinic was found to be 4.7%, whereas the prevalence was 8.6% among those specifically seeking cosmetic procedures. The mean SAAS, BDI, TEMPS-A depressive, and anxious scores were higher in the BDD group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). The difference in the mean SAAS, BDI, TEMPS-A depressive, and anxious scores of the patients with a high BPS scores and the control group was comparable to the difference observed between the BDD and control groups. A regression analysis revealed that the SAAS and depressive temperament scores have an effect on the BPS score. Conclusion The significantly high comorbidity of BDD in patients seeking plastic and reconstructive surgery underscores the importance of identifying these patients to prevent unnecessary surgical procedures.

Nasal filling guided by high frequency ultrasound: Reducing risks.

Given the significant increase in the quantity of cosmetic procedures utilizing hyaluronic acid fillers, including in the nasal region, the initial evaluation of patients using high frequency ultrasound becomes a crucial instrument in evaluating and handling nonsurgical rhinoplasty. The aim of this article is to introduce an assessment methodology for nasal filling guided by high frequency ultrasound. A prospective and single-center study was conducted with 12 Latin American patients. The patients underwent nasal filling with hyaluronic acid following high power ultrasound mapping. In the evaluation of the GAIS scale, all patients reported improvement with the treatment. No infections, nodules, ischemia, or other relevant adverse effects were noted. Real-time ultrasound-guided filler techniques have been developed to reduce the risk of vascular compromise, confirming the distribution pattern of blood vessels. It's also crucial to visualize the cannula at the same moment as the vessels, even if the previous vascular mapping was performed. Therefore, the utilization of high frequency ultrasound can act as a pivotal tool in augmenting procedure safety.

Using Microeconomic Spending Traits to Inform Trends in Utilization of Cosmetic Procedures by Race and Ethnicity.

Cosmetic plastic surgery in the United States is underutilized by African American and Hispanic populations compared with their White and Asian counterparts. This study evaluated whether microeconomic spending traits as a representation of financial stability can inform trends in cosmetic procedure volumes by racial group. Annual volumes for the top five cosmetic surgical and cosmetic minimally invasive procedures by racial/ethnic group from 2012 to 2020 were collected from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' annual reports. Factor analysis was used to calculate inflexible and flexible consumer spending by racial/ethnic groupings from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' consumer expenditure data. All four factors were calculated across US Bureau of Labor Statistics-defined racial/ethnic groupings and standardized so they could be interpreted relative to each other. Compared with the other groupings, the White/Asian/other grouping spent significantly more on average for inflexible consumer spending (P = 0.0097), flexible consumer spending (P < 0.0001), cosmetic surgical procedures (P < 0.0001), and cosmetic minimally invasive procedures (P = 0.0006). In contrast, African American people spent significantly less on average for all four factors (all P < 0.01). For Hispanic people, values were significantly less on average for flexible consumer spending (P = 0.0023), cosmetic surgical procedures (P < 0.0001), and cosmetic minimally invasive procedures (P = 0.0002). This study demonstrates that inflexible and flexible consumer spending follow trends in utilization of cosmetic surgical and minimally invasive procedures by racial/ethnic groups. These microeconomic spending inequities may help further contextualize the racial/ethnic variation in access to cosmetic surgery.

ABCD Classification of Skin Types.

The classification of an individual's skin type is important because it helps dermatologists and aesthetic clinicians select the most effective methods for treating the skin. To select suitable cosmetic products and procedures that help ensure healthy and beautiful skin, clinicians must consider the patient's skin type. An individualized classification of skin types allows the clinician to develop personalized skin care recommendations that consider an individual's genetic and physiological characteristics. In the fields of dermatology and aesthetics, the classification of skin types is the basis for scientific research. Skin type classification systems are additionally important for both dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners because they influence the selection of cosmetic products, procedures, and treatments. The purpose of this paper was to provide a detailed review and evaluation of the relevance, suitability, and benefits of the new ABCD Classification of Skin Types, to compare it with other systems for classifying skin types, and to identify parameters for its improvement.

What comes first: teeth or face? Recommendations for an interdisciplinary collaboration between facial esthetic surgery and dentistry

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to provide recommendations in order to facilitate communication between dental professionals and surgeons who are collaborating in the field of dentofacial esthetics.Clinical ConsiderationsSmile esthetics are beyond the scope, both of the surgeons who are collaborating with facial esthetics and of the dentists, as a wide range of treatment options from both sides is available. It can be difficult for the surgeon or the dentist that first comes in contact with the patient to conduct an individualized global treatment plan, in order to find out how the various phases of the treatment can be sequenced, as a workflow for an efficient interaction between facial surgery and dentistry still does not exist in the scientific literature.ConclusionsFacial cosmetic procedures and dental treatment have to be planned as individual elements of the whole dentofacial esthetic rehabilitation. The treatment has to be initiated with the design of the smile and the intraoral mock‐up, followed by the required surgical interventions, and to be finished with the delivery of the definitive dental restoration.Clinical SignificanceDentofacial esthetics require comprehensive communication between surgeons and dentists. Following the proposed recommendations, an individualized interdisciplinary treatment plan can be conducted, defining the role of each specialty.

Social Media Influence on Body Image and Cosmetic Surgery Considerations: A Systematic Review.

Social media platforms like Instagram (Meta Platforms, Inc.,Menlo Park, California, United States) and Snapchat(SnapInc., California, United States) significantly influence motivations for aesthetic surgery by promoting idealized and digitally enhanced images. Understanding their impact on body image dissatisfaction and acceptance of cosmetic procedures is crucial. A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines explored the link between social media, body image dissatisfaction, and cosmetic surgery. The review included 25 studies with 13,731 participants. Specific findings revealed that 70% of young adult women and 60% of young adult men report dissatisfaction with their bodies, leading to increased surgical considerations. The search process utilized databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, employing keywords like "cosmetic surgery," "social media," and "body image dissatisfaction" for articles published between January 2013 and December 2023. Both men and women show increased dissatisfaction with body parts, leading to surgical considerations. Social media's emphasis on visual aesthetics fosters body dissatisfaction and social appearance anxiety, especially through selfies. Cultural norms and celebrity influence further shape beauty perceptions. While social media promotes cosmetic surgery acceptance, ethical concerns about misleading advertisements, unrealistic beauty standards, and patient privacy persist. This underscores the need for strategies to promote healthy body image and informed choices in the digital age.

Survey among women using Botox, Filler, and plasma injections in Basrah

Objective. Cosmetic procedures are popular in the world and practiced by both male and female. The origin of Botox is botulinum toxin of Clostridium botulinum, two main commercial types of botulinum (A and B) have been used in cosmetic clinics. The present study studied the distribution of the women according to types of cosmetic procedures, age groups, marital status, job status, and their knowledge about these procedures and its side effects. Methods. A total of 100 women were included with age group between (≤30 - &gt;30) years. 54 (54%) have obtained cosmetic procedures (Botox, Filler, and plasma injections) while 46 (46%) have not obtained any cosmetic procedure. Platelets rich plasma was done by cosmetic specialized physician in private cosmetic clinic by using (Regen Kit BCT A-PRP). Platelets count was done in private Hematology laboratory by specialized Hematology physician. The device used for platelet count was (System XS 500). Collected data was subjected to statistical analysis by using SPSS version 20. Results. 51.85% women obtained their cosmetic procedures at a doctor clinic, (37.04%) at a Beauty Salon, and (11.11%) at both doctor clinic and Beauty Salon. Women within age group (≤30), (12%) have Botox only, (20%) have Filler only, (20%) have plasma injections only, (32%) Botox and Filler, (16%) have Botox, Filler, and plasma injections. 24.14% of women within age group (&gt; 30), have Botox only, (6.90%) have Filler only, (13.79%) have plasma injections only, (31.03%) Botox and Filler, (6.90%) have Botox and plasma in­jections, (17.24%) have Botox, Filler, and plasma injections. Platelets count in PRP samples in stage 1 sample from woman no.1 was 373 × 109/L, while in (stage 2) sample was 724 × 109/L. Platelets count in whole blood of woman no.1 was (202 × 109/L). Platelets count in stage 1 sample from woman no.2 was 413x 109/L, while in (stage 2) sample was 808 × 109/L, Platelets count in whole blood of woman no.1 was 320 × 109/L. There was statistically significant increase in platelets count in stage 1 and stage 2 in both samples (P-value=0.05). Conclusions. Women within age group (≤30) prefer to do cosmetic treatment even if they do not need that. Many women have awareness and confidence in doing these cosmetic treatments in doctor clinic rather than beauty salon. PRP platelets count indicated that using (Regen Kit BCT A-PRP) was successful in obtaining concentrated PRP from woman’s blood sample, comparing with the normal platelets count in whole blood. Results also explained that increasing the speed and period of centrifugation in the method of (Regen Kit BCT A-PRP) might give high concentrate of PRP.

Basics of Diagnosis and Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome During Refractive Surgery

Given the prevalence of refractive surgery in modern ophthalmological practice, when preparing a patient for this type of surgery, it is important to understand the multifactorial mechanism of the development of dry eye syndrome in this group of patients. Analysis of the literature data made it possible to identify key factors in the disruption of the tear formation process after refractive surgery, which include the intersection of the nerve endings of the cornea, which in turn reduces the frequency of blinking and the distribution of the tear film over the ocular surface, and also causes a violation regarding neurotrophic factors secreted by the nerve endings of the cornea . The presence of a postoperative inflammatory reaction, which has a specific course, manifested in a change in the biochemical properties of the tear, damage to the goblet cells of the conjunctiva during the creation of a vacuum during LASIK and SMILE, leading to a subsequent deficiency of mucin in the tear, changes in the curvature of the cornea caused by laser refractive surgery are factors influencing the development of dry eye syndrome after refractive surgery. When preparing a patient for refractive surgery, to reduce the risk of developing severe forms of dry eye syndrome, including corneal ulceration, it is necessary to take into account a history of systemic diseases and allergic reactions, especially in patients with high myopia. The influence of cosmetic procedures, such as eyelash extensions, eyelid tattooing, blepharoplasty, and the use of botulinum toxin in the periorbital area on the course of the postoperative period during refractive surgery, has been poorly studied. Research in this area opens up a new range of opportunities to reduce the incidence of dry eye syndrome in patients after refractive surgery and improve the quality of life of patients and patient satisfaction with the surgical intervention.

Integrated Approach in Evaluating the Results of Cosmetic Procedures Using Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Tomography (Clinical Study)

Aim. To investigate the capabilities of comprehensive assessment using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the results of cosmetic procedures.Materials and Methods. A study of the soft tissues of the anterior abdominal wall of a 43-year-old woman complaining of skin atony and postpartum stretch marks using highresolution ultrasound and MRI.Results. At ultrasonography in the projection of injection of polylactic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite preparations and radiofrequency treatment, an increase in echogenicity of hypodermis with the presence of acoustic shadow was noted. On MRI at the level of derma and hypoderma of periumbilical region in the projection of radiofrequency treatment, injections of preparations based on polylactic acid on the left, calcium hydroxyapatite on the right in 3 months after subdermal injection, areas of hyperintense MR-signal in T2 weight image (WI) and STIR programs, hypointense in T1 WI, without diffusion limitation on DWI b=1000 were determined. In SWI mode, the focus of hypointense MR signal of rounded shape with clear and smooth contours was visualized on the right side of the image.Conclusion. The clinical study demonstrates the possibilities of an integrated approach in evaluating the results of cosmetic procedures using ultrasonography and MRI.

Academic visualization study of aesthetic medicine management and related legal research since 2000.

Aesthetics medicine, a controversial branch of clinical medicine known for its high degree of commercialization, faces numerous conflicts, particularly in some developing countries. The global aesthetics medicine industry requires enhancements of its legal and supervision framework and risk management systems. This paper aimed to provide a comprehensive visual analysis of academic achievements related to regulatory and legal issues in the field of aesthetic medicine and to identify its development trends and research hotspots. The Web of Science Core Collection was employed to retrieve relevant studies, resulting in a total of 602 research articles after selection. Utilizing bibliometric methods and CiteSpace, this study analyzed the primary countries, institutions, authors, journals, hotspots, frontiers, and trends in this domain. The findings indicated rapid increases in the number of published papers. The United States emerged as the leading contributor with 131 research papers and the highest intermediate centrality. Eleven keyword clusters were identified, with "adolescence" and "office-based surgery" being the most recent topics. We also analyzed the trends and frontiers of legal research in medical aesthetics. The importance of informed consent has been increasingly emphasized, and research in the field of medical aesthetics has been gradually expanding beyond individual cosmetic procedures. The management system has become more comprehensive, moreover, guidelines and medical laws have been continually published, with research shifting toward a holistic perspective that encompasses patients, medical aesthetic providers, and regulatory authorities in the study of medical aesthetics regulation and legislation. This paper also proposes some innovative directions for future research and applications.

Understanding cosmetic consumers: exploring consumption patterns and predictors through a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundPrevious reports have provided (some) demographics of the cosmetic consumer; however, findings are not unequivocal. This relates to differences in the studies’ categorizations, samples, and contextual factors.MethodsEmploying a cross-sectional survey design, which was disseminated by 11 cosmetic clinics and consumer platforms in the Netherlands, this study provides a clear overview of a total of 734 Dutch cosmetic consumers’ (a) demographic characteristics; (b) motivations for undergoing a range of specific cosmetic procedures; (c) cosmetic procedure frequency, i.e., how frequently they undergo particular procedures; and (d) frequency of, and motivations for, switching clinics. Relations between cosmetic consumers’ demographics, motivations for cosmetic procedures, and different procedures chosen were also established.ResultsThere is no unequivocal characterization of ‘the’ cosmetic consumer in the Netherlands, although they mostly identified as heterosexual women from Dutch descent with relatively high educational attainment levels and a high income. Some regional differences in terms of cosmetic procedure engagement were observed. Motivations for cosmetic procedure engagement were multifaceted, and responses varied between open- and closed-ended questions. Few relations between predictors and (a selection of) cosmetic procedures proved significant. (Higher) age and high educational attainment positively correlated with undergoing botulinum toxin injections and eyelid corrections. Gender and daily use of highly visual social media positively correlated with undergoing dermal filler injections. Lastly, lower-educated consumers were significantly more likely to have breast enlargements than higher-educated consumers.ConclusionsThis study provides a comprehensive overview of the demographic characteristics and motivations of a varied sample of cosmetic consumers, and the types and quantities of cosmetic procedures they undergo. In terms of demographics, we can conclude that there is no unequivocal characterization of ‘the’ cosmetic consumer in the Netherlands, although she frequently identifies as a heterosexual female of Dutch descent.Level of EvidenceNot gradable

Exploring Dermatofunctional Perspectives beyond Aesthetics: An Integrative Literature Review

Introduction: Dermatofunctional Physiotherapy is an area of physiotherapeutic specialty that aims to promote, prevent, and treat integumentary injuries. However, this field of action is usually erroneously limited to aesthetic and cosmetic procedures. However, the scope of Physical Therapy goes beyond aesthetic procedures. Objective: To identify the scope of dermatofunctional physiotherapy beyond aesthetics. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review with the objective of summarizing and exploring the proposed theme. For this, the PRISMA guidelines were used, as well as the PICOT strategy for a better delineation of the research question and research theme. Results and discussions: It was observed that the role of the physiotherapist in this field is directly related to aesthetics, which is one of the most prosperous segments within the health area, due to the great demand for aesthetic procedures. Among the main resources evidenced in this study, lymphatic drainage, electrothermophototherapeutic resources, myofascial release, and manual techniques were observed. Final considerations: The area of physical therapy is not exclusively dedicated to the aesthetic environment, it was observed that this specialty acts strongly in the promotion, and prevention of rehabilitation of patients with metabolic, integumentary, and musculoskeletal alterations, in addition to promoting and preventing diseases related to obesity, scars, geloid edema, flaccidity, and other integumentary dysfunctions.

Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Private Aesthetic Clinical Settings in Four Latin American Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by persistent concern with non-existent or minor defects in one's physical appearance. BDD can be difficult to identify as patients often have limited insight into the condition. We aimed to determine the prevalence of BDD in patients presenting to private aesthetic clinical settings in four Latin American countries. We conducted a cross-sectional study From August to October 2022 to evaluate the prevalence of BDD among 360 patients seeking nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in Chile, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia using the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ). We reported prevalence estimates for the lowest and highest previously proposed DCQ cutoff points. The DCQ total scores in the study population ranged from 0 to 21, with a mean total score of 5.1±3.4. The prevalence of positive screening results for BDD (total DCQ score ≥9) was 15.8%. The prevalence of a likely diagnosis of BDD (total DCQ score of ¥ 17) was 0.83%. The convenience sample limited the generalizability of the findings to Latin America. We encourage colleagues to be more mindful of this diagnosis and to facilitate earlier psychological evaluation in patients who are positive for BDD. 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 .

Practices in Pediatric Cosmetic Dermatologic Procedures: A National Survey.

Adult populations have traditionally been the primary recipients of cosmetic treatments, but a growing trend shows an increase in such procedures among pediatric patients. The objective of the authors' study was to investigate types of procedures currently being performed by pediatric and cosmetic dermatologists and factors that may influence their choice of treatments in a pediatric population. The authors conducted an anonymous online survey targeting healthcare practitioners who frequently use lasers for pediatric cutaneous conditions. The survey collected information on participants' primary scope of practice, pediatric cosmetic procedures they performed, counseling topics, and procedural details. Of 85 survey respondents, 73 (86.00%) completed all questions. Most respondents identified as pediatric dermatologists (77.65%), followed by general dermatologists (18.82%), cosmetic dermatologists (8.24%), and dermatologic/Mohs surgeons (1.18%). Top pediatric cosmetic conditions treated included hypertrophic/traumatic scars (95.29%), acne (89.41%), axillary and facial hyperhidrosis (77.65%), hypertrichosis/hirsutism (67.06%), and pigmented lesion removal (64.71%). Commonly performed procedures were vascular lasers (77.65%), laser hair removal (50.59%), and pigmented lasers (28.24%), among others. Respondents prioritized understanding risks/benefits, clinically indicated treatment, and the natural course of the condition. As the first multisociety, national survey, these results offer valuable insight into the current landscape of pediatric cosmetic treatments from the perspective of dermatologists.

Chemical burns to scalp from hair bleach: a retrospective case series

Background: Hair bleaching has become a common cosmetic procedure and the use of cytotoxic chemicals can cause serious burns to the skin. Methods: A retrospective case series from 2016 to 2020 in the two major statewide tertiary referral burns centres in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Results: We present 14 patients (mean age 27 years) with skin burns secondary to hair-bleaching procedures. The majority of these burns had full thickness components (71%, n = 10) requiring grafting surgery (n = 6). The mean size of all burns was 0.6 per cent (0.1%–2.5%) of total body surface area. One patient received adequate first aid at the time of injury. Most burns occurred in a professional setting (71%, n = 10). Conclusion: This case series highlights the dangerous nature of hair-bleaching chemicals. Rigorous education, training, first aid management, and clear informed consent between proceduralists and clients are needed in order to prevent this physiologically and psychologically debilitating accidental injury.

A Systemic Review of the “Informed Consent” Process for Aesthetic Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Informed consent is a foundational component of ethical patient care and may be effectively provided when a competent patient is given pertinent information to make well-informed decisions on their health care. Various studies have considered patients’ experiences with surgery for aesthetic reasons, rather than plastic surgery procedures which are medically warranted for reasons such as restoring form and function. Current empirical discourse on the consenting process, and ultimately how informed patients undergoing cosmetic surgical procedures are, is scant, particularly in Australia. The key aim of this review was to synthesize qualitative and quantitative research which considers the consenting process and the factors which impact on the patient’s decision-making process to undergo invasive cosmetic procedures. Eligible studies were identified via systematic searching across the PubMed and Medline databases; and hand searches were conducted of gray literature databases including university databases and Google Scholar. Reference lists of included studies were also examined for relevant studies. Eligible studies had to meet specific participant criteria including an age requirement of 19 to 64 years and discuss factors or present discussion surrounding the “informed consent” process for invasive cosmetic procedures. The characteristics and findings of each study were extracted. The studies were analyzed and presented under question categories. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of evidence. Thirty-one studies were eligible for inclusion. Most studies were quantitative (90.3%). The highest proportion of these studies were focused on the United States (51.6%), followed by the United Kingdom (12.9%). The dominant methodology utilized by these studies was questionnaires/surveys (37.5%). The literature identified was classed into one of the 5 groups based on their overall concepts and objective. These 5 categories included (1) articles focusing on the types of information which should be communicated to a patient before they undergo their procedure or provide consent; (2) legal claims and cases based on a lacking informed consent; (3) sources of information patients access to become “informed” on their procedure; (4) studies exploring the readability of online information on certain invasive cosmetic procedures; and (5) studies focusing on the most effective methods of obtaining patient consent for cosmetic surgery procedures. These categories were reformulated into research questions and addressed in the section “Results of the Findings.” Most of the studies included in this review were quantitative (90.3%). Most studies (where gender was mentioned) had a higher population of female participants or respondents. Women have a greater tendency to have cosmetic surgery opposed to men. There are few studies (particularly qualitative studies) exploring the pre-operative patient experience in Australia for those having or seeking cosmetic surgery. A key stage in this process is obtaining and providing informed consent. A “lack of informed consent” is one of the more dominant factors identified consistently throughout these studies which focus on legal case reviews and claims. A significant source of information patients use to become informed of their procedure is through the Internet. This may be problematic as the readability of online materials is most commonly above the recommended reading level in multiple jurisdictions; and some online materials may have questionable accuracy or validity. Whether or not patients verify the information they access through external sources such as this, is of concern. There have been minimal studies identified exploring the patient experience pre-operatively including during their consultations and decision to provide consent.

Anti-aging trends in Australia.

Anti-aging trends in Australia have changed considerably since the country emerged from the lockdowns associated with the SARS-Cov2 pandemic. People now rely on social media influencers for skin care advice and skin care products, including professional skin care treatments that can be purchased on Internet platforms. The quest for the perfect 'zoom face' led to a 300% rise in cosmetic procedures across Australia in the year to April 2021. People now want to use less products on their skin, while looking healthy and natural (termed 'skin minimalism'). The popularity of retinoid derivatives for preventing wrinkles has been superseded by non-irritating actives like hyaluronic acid (HA) and niacinamide that provide skin barrier protection, skin hydration, plumping and anti-inflammatory effects. Botulinum toxin injections remain the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure, followed by HA fillers, and biostimulators that promote the synthesis of collagen and give longer lasting but more gradual results than HA fillers. Laser resurfacing is widely used for epidermal resurfacing and skin tightening, as well as non-ablative lasers, intense pulsed light and radiofrequency or ultrasound skin tightening devices. Superficial chemical peels are still popular because they are relatively gentle, inexpensive, and require no downtime, whereas medium-to-deep chemical peels have largely been superseded by laser technology. However, the most efficient approach to prevent skin aging is adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking action against all factors of the skin aging exposome.