Fear Research Articles

Single‐center, assessor‐blind study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DA‐5520 topical gel in patients with acne scars: A pilot study

Unlike various topical treatment options for acne vulgaris, options for acne scars mostly involve invasive interventions. So far, only a few clinical trials have investigated the effects of topical treatment for acne scars. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of DA-5520, a recently developed topical gel for the treatment of different types of acne scars. A 12-week prospective, randomized, active-controlled, evaluator-blind, single-center study involving 36 participants with acne scars was performed. Participants were randomized into four different groups at a 1:1:1:1 ratio: laser resurfacing with DA-5520 application (test 1); laser resurfacing without DA-5520 application (control 1); comedone extraction with DA-5520 application (test 2); and comedone extraction without DA-5520 application (control 2). For 12weeks, participants in the two test groups applied DA-5520 twice daily, while participants in the control groups applied moisturizers alone. Participants in the test 1 and control 1groups received a single session of laser resurfacing at visit 1 (week 0). All participants were followed up at 1, 4, 8, and 12weeks, and objective scar evaluation using the échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné (ECCA) score was performed at each visit. Clinical improvement of acne scars, confirmed by the ECCA grading scale (1 for atrophic scar and 2 for hypertrophic scar), was observed after using DA-5520 when combined with laser resurfacing or individually, and no associated adverse reactions were noted. Preliminary results of this study revealed that DA-5520may be a promising new formulation for treating all type of acne scars.

Lupus vulgaris mimicking cutaneous leishmaniasis: A case report

Lupus vulgaris (LV) is a progressive, chronic form of cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB). The head and neck regions are the most commonly affected sites, followed by the arms and legs. Occurring in unusual sites may pose diagnostic difficulties. Herein, we report a case of LV present on the dorsal aspect of the right hand in a twenty-year-old Saudi male. It was misdiagnosed as leishmaniasis as the patient lived in an area in which it was endemic, and was treated accordingly with no benefit. A skin punch biopsy was taken and the diagnosis of LV was confirmed. The lesion responded well to anti-tubercular therapy (ATT), yet healed with atrophic scarring. Although rare, clinicians must be aware of the importance of considering CTB as an important differential, as misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of this entity may eventually cause prolonged morbidity.

Efekti trihlorsirćetne kiseline u tretmanu postaknoznih atrofičnih ožiljaka

Introduction: The atrophic scar treatment lasts for several months. The therapy should prevent or reduce scarring. The pathogenesis is the result of sebum hyperproduction, follicular epidermal hyperkeratinisation, the activity of Cutibacterium (Propionibacterium) acnes, and immune response. The TCA peeling stimulates tissue regeneration causing protein deposition, coagulation necrosis and exfoliation of photo-damaged cells. Goal: To demonstrate the effects of TCA peels and the significance of skin care in the treatment of atrophic scars. Methodology: The prepared skin was TCA solution-treated, in circular motions, in five steps. The eyes were covered and protected. The next peeling layers were applied in 3 steps. Case study: subject, skin phototype 3, with post-acne atrophic scars. The therapy: the treatment of TCA - 50% to atrophic regions, follow up on the frosting (coagulation of epidermal and dermal proteins) under the physician supervision. Results and Discussion: The first treatment decreased the number of active acne lesions and inflammation, atrophic scars were less visible. The skin was smooth and gentle. There were no postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. The chemical peels are simple to perform at the histological level, have a low complication rate, low costs. Skin care after surface chemical peeling involves gentle cleansing. Moisturizing, pH neutral creams are recommended for skin care. Sun protection is mandatory. Conclusion: TCA is stable, inexpensive, does not cause systemic toxicity. Peeling is easy to perform, the depth of peeling correlates with the intensity of frosting. There is no need to neutralize TCA. If performed correctly, TCA peels achieve histological and clinical improvement of the skin.

Clinical Features of Acne in Primary Care Patients Assessed Through Teledermatology.

Introduction/Objectives:Acne is present in about 90% of teenagers and 12% to 14% of adults. Face and trunk are the most affected areas. Lesions can result in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring, leading to reduced quality of life. Asynchronous teledermatology has been increasingly used around the world, facilitating patient access to dermatologists. Our objectives were to assess: (1) clinical features of acne patients according to gender, age, severity, site of lesions, excoriation, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and atrophic scar (AS) and (2) how many referrals to in-person consultations with dermatologists could be avoided using asynchronous teledermatology in primary care attention?Methods:We analyzed images, demographic and clinical data of 2459 acne patients assisted by teledermatology, with the aim to confirm the diagnoses, to classify acne severity according to grades I to IV, and to search for the presence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, atrophic scars, and/or excoriated acne (EA). We compared the clinical and biological data, looking for associations among them.Results:Acne severity and age were associated with the most common sequels: postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (mainly on the trunk and in females, P < .0001) and atrophic scars (mainly on the face and in males, P < .0001). We also observed different frequencies according to age and sex: 13 to 24 years in males (P = .0023); and <12 (P = .0023) and 25 to 64 years old (P <.0001) for females; 68% of the patients had no need for in-person dermatologists’ referral, being kept at primary care attention with proper diagnosis and treatment.Conclusion:Clinical features of acne and its sequels differ according to gender, age, site, and severity. The new findings of PIH associated with women and AS, with men, may help offer a more personalized management to patients. Teledermatology was suitable for the majority of the acne cases in primary care.

A Split Face Study to Compare the Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma Versus Normal Saline Injections in Acne Scars and to Assess the Utility of Ultrabiomicroscopic Sonography in Evaluation of Treatment Response.

Multiple studies have proposed the effectiveness of Platelet rich plasma (PRP) in treatment of atrophic acne scars. But an unanswered question is - whether it is the presence of growth factors in PRP or the mechanical factors during the injection that are responsible for its effectiveness? Also, no study compares PRP as a monotherapy against inert solution like normal saline (NS), that too, in a split face pattern using a non-invasive objective evaluation method. Primary - To compare the efficacy of intralesional PRP and NS injections, in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Secondary - To assess the side effect profile of the PRP injections. Prospective Interventional Comparative Split Face study. 30 out of 33 patients completed the study and 20 of them were subjected to Ultrabiomicroscopic (UBM) analysis. Each patient received intralesional injections of NS and PRP in a split face pattern at two weekly intervals for five sittings. Treatment response was assessed using Goodman And Baron qualitative grading system, photographic evaluation by two blinded dermatologist and UBM analysis (scar depth & length). All the three methods showed a statistically significant treatment response. However, there was no significant inter group difference and PRP and NS had similar efficacy in treating acne scars. We conclude that subscision like mechanical effect of injecting solution is more important than the nature of the solution in treatment of atrophic acne scars and UBM sonography can be proposed as an objective assessment tool for such studies.

An objective assessment of microneedling therapy in atrophic facial acne scars.

Microneedling therapy is one of the recent advances in treating acne facial scars. To evaluate the efficacy of microneedling therapy in the treatment of atrophic acne facial scars. A total number of 10 patients between the age group of 20 and 40 years (8 women and 2 men) who complained of acne scars from November 2012 to August 2014 were selected for the study. Microneedling therapy was performed following the application of the Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics in an interval of 2 months. All patients underwent three sessions. A follow-up of 2 months after the last sitting was carried out. Cochran's Q-paired test, Kendall's W-test, and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis. Patients in our study had three forms of acne scars: box-scar, icepick form, and rolling scars. Patients were told to rate the outcome of the treatment at the end of the follow-up. Three observers randomly selected were shown the pre- and postoperative photographs of the patients to rate the treatment outcome. Statistically there was no interobserver bias. Ninety percent reduction in number of scars and depth of scars was noted at the end of three sittings. The improvement in pigmentation was insignificant. Seventy percent improvement in the skin texture was noted. Nine patients suffered from transient postinflammatory erythema and six patients had postoperative swelling. Microneedling therapy is a safe and effective method of treating acne scars.

Monotherapy of Biofiller for Atrophic Acne Scars: A Prospective Nonrandomized Study.

Atrophic acne scarring is an unpleasant and often permanent complication and a therapeutic challenge for dermatologists. Platelet-poor plasma (PPP) gel injections are derived from the patient's own blood and used as a "biofiller" for skin rejuvenation. The objective was to study the efficacy and safety profile of PPP gel in atrophic acne scars. Thirty patients with atrophic acne scars were included in the study. Topical anesthesia was applied on the area of interest 45 min prior to the procedure. 20 mL of blood was collected in eight sodium citrate bulbs and centrifuged to get PPP that is coagulated with heat to form gel. This gel (biofiller) was injected in the scarred areas monthly for 6 months. Patients were evaluated using Goodman and Baron Scar (GBS) scale (quantitative and qualitative), Physician Global Assessment, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at each visit. The final visit was after 3 months of the last procedure. The mean value of GBS at the first visit was 28, which reduced to 8.2 at the final visit. The analysis of variance test was applied to the quantitative scale from the baseline visit to the final visit. The F value was 462.55 with a P value < 0.0001. The paired t-test was applied for the GBS quantitative scale, which showed a value of 22.86 with a P value of <0.001. Transient local side effects were noted. Biofiller is efficacious in improving atrophic acne scars. It is a simple, minimally invasive, cost-effective procedure with no risk of immunogenic reaction.

Tratamento de cicatriz de acne com peelings, subcisão, fios de polidioxanona (PDO) e fibrina rica em plaquetas – relato de caso

Acne scarring results from tissue loss and increased tissue proliferation. Atrophic scarring is caused by the loss of collagen that occurs in the inflammatory process of acne. All scars have psychological consequences, as they can affect self-esteem and cause physical pain when moving the affected area. Chemical peels are widely used to treat acne and acne scarring. They cause an injury to the skin or accelerated exfoliation, induced by caustic agents that cause controlled damage, followed by the release of cytokines and mediators of inflammation, resulting in thickening of the epidermis, collagen deposition, reorganization of structural elements and increase in dermal volume. Among the therapeutic modalities of acne scars, subcision is a simple and safe procedure. Subcision frees the scar surfaces and induces the formation of connective tissue directly below the scar. Another method used is the application of plasma rich in platelets and fibrin that release growth factor, essential for wound healing and synthesis of extracellular matrix remodeling. Polydioxanone (PDO) threads induce collagen production, increasing the number of fibroblasts in the tissue where it was inserted. This work presented a case of acne scarring, firstly treated with two applications of 10% ATA peeling and 10% retinoic acid. Then a subcision was made with a duckbill cannula and insertion of PDO wires with PRP in the scar region.

Prevalence and Pattern of Dermatological Manifestations Among Substance Users Across Kashmir Valley in North India.

Background:Substance use has turned out to be one of the growing social problems of the present society cutting across all sorts of boundaries of the world with Kashmir Valley being no exception to this growing pathological phenomenon.Aims and Objectives:To find the prevalence and pattern of dermatological manifestations among substance users across Kashmir Valley.Materials and Methods:Cross-sectional study where patients of all age-groups, irrespective of gender, were enrolled in the three largest districts of Kashmir Valley over a span of 18 months.Results:Sample size was 710 with a male/female ratio of 12.4:1. The mean age of the cases was 25.2 ± 7.05 years. Heroin, one of the opioids, was the most common substance used (n = 515), followed by cannabis (n = 334). Pruritus was found to be the most common dermatological manifestation overall and statistically significant among heroin users. Stigmata of injection drug use (IDU) with the presence of track marks and sooting tattoos (93.1%), atrophic scars secondary to skin popping (30.7%), active skin ulcers (18.8%), and puffy hand syndrome (8.7%) were specifically seen among injection drug users. Oral involvement was seen in 48.5%, including periodontal disease, oral thrush, and stomatitis nicotinica. Hyperhidrosis was present in 30%, and hesitation cuts over arms in 16.3% of all substance users.Conclusion:Dermatological manifestations are quite prevalent among substance users in the population of Kashmir. Pruritus with temporal relation to substance use, stigmata of injectable drug use including track marks and sooting tattoos, atrophic scars at injection sites, active skin ulcers, and skin and soft tissue infections, and hyperhidrosis are among important dermatological clues for detecting substance use. Recognition of such cutaneous signs is important in these cases for more effective diagnosis and treatment.

The Use of Botulinum Toxin-A as an Adjunctive Treatment for Facial Atrophic and Hypertrophic Scars After Surgical Correction.

Background:Facial wounds, especially the ones lying perpendicular to the Lines of Langer, heal poorly. Several methods have been attempted to rectify this, but most of them do not target the underlying pathological process of scarring. Botulinum Toxin-A (BTA) has been successfully used for atrophic and hypertrophic scars.Materials and Methods:This is a prospective study, where 30 patients who were operated for facial scar revision were divided into two equal groups: The first group was injected with BTA, but the second group was not. They were followed up for three months, and the results were analyzed.Results:Manchester scar scale (MSS) was used to assess the scars. In all the cases, the MSS score reduced after surgical correction, which further reduced after the injection of BTA in the first group of patients. The results are statistically significant (P < 0.01).Conclusion:The BTA plays an important role in the treatment of scars after scar revision surgeries.

Topical enzymatic therapy of atrophic acne scars

<h3>АКТУАЛЬНОСТЬ</h3> Акне — социально значимое дерматовенерологическое заболевание с высокой распространенностью среди детского и взрослого населения. В результате разрешения воспалительных элементов формируется симптомокомплекс постакне, в ряде случаев завершающийся неблагоприятным исходом с формированием рубцовых деформаций. <h3>ЦЕЛЬ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ</h3> Изучение эффективности и безопасности применения ферментного геля в терапии атрофических рубцов постакне. <h3>МАТЕРИАЛ И МЕТОДЫ</h3> Клиническое продольное неконтролируемое исследование (before-after study), включившее 22 пациента с акне в анамнезе и поствоспалительными симптомами постакне. Пациенты наружно использовали гель с аквакомплексом глицеросольвата титана, коллагеназой и папаином 2 раза в день на участки кожи лица с атрофическими рубцами на протяжении 3 мес с ежемесячными контрольными осмотрами. Оценку эффективности терапии проводили после 3 мес применения препарата (с помощью оценочных шкал G.J. Goodman и Manchester Scar Scale). Влияние симптомокомплекса постакне на качество жизни пациентов изучали с помощью использования дерматологического индекса качества жизни (DLQI). <h3>РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ</h3> В ходе исследования применения ферментного препарата обнаружены статистически значимые различия при оценке степени выраженности рубцов (G.J. Goodman, <i>p</i>&lt;0,05) и оценке клинико-функциональных параметров (Manchester Scar Scale, <i>p</i>&lt;0,05). После окончания терапии в результате опроса пациентов установлено улучшение качества жизни пациентов (DLQI, <i>p</i>&lt;0,001). <h3>ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ</h3> В терапии атрофических рубцов постакне ферментный гель показал выраженную эффективность и безопасность применения.

Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta - dilemmas in diagnosis and choice of therapy: A case report

Introduction. Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta is a rare inflammatory skin disease of unknown etiology and its diagnosis is sometimes established by eliminating diseases that are considered in the differential diagnosis. Given the lack of randomized clinical trials, recommendations for therapy remain based on case reports and case series. Case Report. We present a 63-year-old female patient with generalized skin lesions including, papules, papulonecrotic lesions, and atrophic scars accompanied by a subjective feeling of itching that occurred 2 months before admission. The histopathological findings showed a mixed perivascular inflammatory cellular infiltrate and capillary blood vessels with thickened walls in the superficial part of the dermis as signs of vasculitis. The infiltrate was dominated by lymphocytes, neutrophils were admixed, but there were no signs of cellular atypia, which supported the clinical diagnosis of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta. Therapy with systemic corticosteroids and doxycycline was applied, which led to the resolution of lesions. Conclusion. The authors would like to bring to the readers? attention a rare skin disease, pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, point to papulonecrotic tuberculids in differential diagnosis due to similar clinical presentation, remind them of the dilemmas that may arise in case of the described lymphocytic vasculitis based on the findings of histopathological analysis, and highlight the effectiveness of doxycycline and prednisone in the therapy.

Plasma Radiofrequency Ablation for Scar Treatment.

Scars are a common disfiguring sequela of various events such as acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, surgery, trauma, and burns, which can lead to serious psychosocial problems with a negative effect on the quality of life. Many conventional approaches have been proposed for the treatment of scars, including surgical techniques, dermabrasion, chemical peels, topical silicone gel, 5-fluorouracile and dermal fillers injection or autologous fat transfer for atrophic scars, and corticosteroids injection for hypertrophic and keloid scars; however, they have sporadic effects. Ablative lasers, such as carbon dioxide laser or Erbium Yag laser, are associated with many collateral effects limiting their application. Non-ablative laser treatments have been shown to be safer and to have fewer side effects, but they have a reduction of clinical efficacy compared to ablative lasers and a minimal improvement of scars. The demand for minimal invasive and safe technology for the treatment of a scars has stimulated the search for more effective novel therapy with fewer collateral effects. Plasma radiofrequency ablation is a new technique consisting of the generation of plasma energy through the production of ionized energy, which thermally heats tissue in a uniform and controlled manner, through a plasma radiofrequency device, inducing a sublimation of the tissue. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of P-RF ablation in the treatment of scars performed with D.A.S. Medical device (Technolux, Italia), which is a tool working with the long-wave plasma radiofrequency principle.

Evaluation of psychological well-being and social impact of atrophic acne scarring: A multinational, mixed-methods study

BackgroundMost people with acne are at risk of developing acne scars, but the impact of these scars on patients' quality of life is poorly researched.ObjectiveTo assess the perspective of patients with acne scars and the impact of these scars on their emotional well-being and social functioning.MethodsA 60-minute interview of 30 adults with acne scars informed and contextualized the development of a cross-sectional survey of 723 adults with atrophic acne scars.ResultsThe main themes identified in the qualitative interviews included acceptability to self and others, social functioning, and emotional well-being. In the cross-sectional survey, 31.6%, 49.6%, and 18.8% of the participants had mild, moderate, and severe/very severe acne scarring. The survey revealed that 25.7% of the participants felt less attractive, 27.5% were embarrassed or self-conscious because of their scars, 8.3% reported being verbally and/or physically abused because of their scars on a regular basis, and 15.9% felt that they were unfairly dismissed from work. In addition, 37.5% of the participants believed that their scars affected people's perceptions about them, and 19.7% of the participants were very bothered about hiding their scars daily. Moreover, 35.5% of the participants avoided public appearances, and 43.2% felt that their scars had negatively impacted their relationships.LimitationsThe temporal evaluation of the impact was not estimated.ConclusionEven mild atrophic acne scarring can evoke substantial emotional, social, and functional concerns.

A combined approach of subcision with either cross-linked hyaluronic acid or threads in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

Acne scars are one of the most common cosmetic concerns causing psychosocial distress. To evaluate the efficacy of subcision versus its combination with either cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) or poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) threads in the treatment of atrophic post-acne scars. Forty patients of both genders with atrophic acne scars were subjected to subcision 1month apart for 3sessions. After the last session of subcision, the patients were reclassified randomly into 2equal groups each received either HA or threads in one side of the face leaving the other side that underwent subcision before as a control. Clinical assessment was carried out by the physicians and patients. Photographs and skin biopsies were obtained. Follow-up was 6months. A significant clinical improvement was achieved in 67.3% of patients after subcision alone compared to 94.1%, 82.4% of subcision combined with HA or threads, respectively. Patients' satisfaction was higher in the combined groups compared to subcision alone (p<0.0001). Side effects were tolerable and transient. Subcision combined with HA or threads could offer a higher significant clinical improvement of acne scars than subcision alone.

Transforming growth factor beta-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in the recovery and formation of skin scars

Relevance. Scars are multi-tissue structures that significantly reduce the quality of life of the young, able-bodied population. The most socially significant variants are represented by hypertrophic and keloid postoperative scars and scars after burns, atrophic scars after acne vulgaris and striae. Growth factors, which are also used for their treatment, play a significant role in their formation and progression. The aim of this work is to summarize data on the participation of growth factors (transforming growth factor beta-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor) in the formation of a hypertrophic or atrophic scar. Materials and Methods. The study of literary sources of scientometric scientific bases was carried out. Results and Discussion . The study showed that the duration of the scarring phases preceding it is of great importance in scar formation, their prolongation leads to chronic inflammation and the attachment of an autoimmune component, an increase in the number of myofibroblasts due to inhibition of apoptosis and an increase in the synthesis of intercellular substance and immature forms of collagen, as well as thinning of the epidermis over scar. Growth factors such as growth factor beta-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor are capable of shifting the balance of these two main pathways or towards proliferative processes, contributing to an increase in the number of blood vessels in the hemomicrocirculatory bed, the number of mast cells and total cellularity, as well as, in some cases, the synthesis of keloid - that is, the formation of a hypertrophic or keloid scar. On the contrary, the prevalence of inflammatory processes leads to a decrease in cellularity, a decrease in blood vessels and intercellular substance, as well as damage to elastin and collagen fibers, forming the phenotype of an atrophic scar or striae. Conclusion. Growth factors play a key role in scar formation, contributing to an increase in the number of blood vessels in the hemomicrocirculatory bed, the number of mast cells and total cellularity, as well as, in some cases, the synthesis of keloid - that is, the formation of a hypertrophic or keloid scar.

OPPORTUNITIES OF PLATELET RICH PLASMA APPLICATION IN THE TREATMENT OF SKIN SCARS

The number of patients with hypertrophic skin scars is increasing every year. Scar tissue is formed as a result of healing of a wound defect. Therefore, in order to develop optimal methods for the treatment of scarring skin changes, it is necessary to understand the pathogenesis of the wound process. The purpose of this work was to analyze the literature data on the effectiveness of the use of plateletrich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of scarring that appeared in patients with acne. PRP contains epidermis growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, which help accelerate the healing of skin wounds. Conclusion: PRP can be successfully used in the treatment of atrophic scars on the skin after acne. Therefore, this method can be used both in monotherapy and in combination with surgical methods of treatment.

OPPORTUNITIES OF PLATELET RICH PLASMA APPLICATION IN THETREATMENT OF SKIN SCARS

The number of patients with hypertrophic skin scars is increasing every year. Scar tissue is formed as a result of healing of a wound defect. Therefore, in order to develop optimal methods for the treatment of scarring skin changes, it is necessary to understand the pathogenesis of the wound process. The purpose of this work was to analyze the literature data on the effectiveness of the use of plateletrich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of scarring that appeared in patients with acne. PRP contains epidermis growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, which help accelerate the healing of skin wounds. Conclusion: PRP can be successfully used in the treatment of atrophic scars on the skin after acne. Therefore, this method can be used both in monotherapy and in combination with surgical methods of treatment.

New outreach of ultrasound in aesthetic medicine: a systematic review

Background. Aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery accrue with new methods for aging correction by year. Research is aimed at reducing the acute complications risk of aesthetic surgeries and finding effective routes of their diagnosis and treatment. Vascular and non-vascular contouring complications imaging, thread implantation, atrophic postacne scars, postpartum striae, posttraumatic and postoperative scars remain the topical issues. Objectives. A review of current imaging techniques in aesthetic medicine to outline promising avenues in the diagnostics of atrophia cicatrix using high-resolution ultrasound methods. Methods . Bibliography was mined and analysed in the PubMed, eLibrary, Web of Science, Cyberleninka and Cochrane Library databases for the period of 2017–2021. Content analysis was used with the keyword queries: facial ultrasound [ультразвуковая диагностика кожи], ultrasound in dermatology [диагностика в косметологии], contouring complications [осложнения контурной пластики], complications in cosmetology, complications of hardware rejuvenation [осложнения аппаратного омоложения], atrophic scar diagnostics [диагностика рубцовых атрофий]. Results . Among 351 studied, 57 sources were included in the review. An analysis of past-decade national and foreign literature revealed prevalence of surface linear array 12 and 14 MHz transducers in ultrasonic (US) cosmetology. High-frequency transducers in dermatology and aesthetic medicine have actively developed in recent years. Evidence is published on vascular and non-vascular facial contouring complications diagnosis, aesthetic thread implantation, aging dynamics, psoriasis and onychomycosis control. Scar imaging studies are sparse and not uncovering the full US potential to control their various-stage treatment. Conclusion . A dynamic advancement of high-resolution US in aesthetic medicine paves the promising ways of research into the US capacities for various-origin atrophic scar diagnosis, informative diagnostic criteria elaboration and the development of prognostic and treatment efficacy control techniques.

Study of the effectiveness of fractional laser ablation in patients with atrophic postacne scars using the quantitative scar index

Introduction. Atrophic scars are common in acne patients. Regardless of their number and size, they are persistent defects and reduce patients' quality of life. With a variety of treatment options, effective scar correction remains a challenge. Laser technology continues to evolve and is considered promising for the treatment of scars.The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the fractional laser ablation method in patients with atrophic postacne scars using the quantitative postacne scar index.Materials and methods. The study involved 60 patients with ARP of II-IV severity, 35 women and 25 men. The patients underwent fractional ablation of scars with an Erbium laser (2940 nm). To assess the scars before and after treatment, we used the post-acne scar severity index according to the quantitative assessment scale according to G.J. Goodman et al. Goodman et al. (2006). The international scales Patient's Satisfaction Score, Physician's Satisfaction Score, and Definitive Graduated Score were used to assess physician and patient satisfaction with the results of the procedures.Results. The quantitative index of postacne scars before treatment ranged from 4.0 to 16.0 points and averaged 10.9±3.56 points; median was 12.0 points (8.0±13.0 points). After fractional laser ablation procedures, improvement of quantitative indexes scores (p&lt;0.05), positive dynamics of the doctor's and patients' evaluation of procedure results were noted; no gender differences were noted.Discussion. Quantitative indices of scar expression reflect the severity of the affected skin areas in patients with postacne. This study confirms the effectiveness of fractional ablation with the Erbium laser in patients with ARP, which is confirmed by a decrease in quantitative scar severity indices. Dynamic growth of PSS, PhSS, DGS indices testifies to high satisfaction of the physician and the patient with the results of treatment and correlates with regression of clinical manifestations in these patients.Conclusion. Despite the limitations and laboriousness of counting quantitative indices of postacne scars, this approach allowed to establish and objectify the clinical efficacy of treatment of patients with ARP by fractionated ablation.