Aesthetic treatments are evolving faster than ever, from fillers and sunscreens to the promise (and debate) of exosomes. This month’s Re:View spotlights the studies shaping today’s practice and tomorrow’s possibilities.
Aesthetic Treatments
Among the most remarkable evolutions in modern medicine is the rapid proliferation of aesthetic treatments. While this is a broad category, with many advances, two of the most rapidly evolving treatment categories are dermal fillers and topical treatments.
Dermal Fillers: From Volume to Technique
One of the first publications to address the proliferation of dermal fillers was by Carruthers et al. They describe the emerging field of dermal fillers with an emphasis on which agents are directly volumizing versus bio-stimulating and contrast those agents to surgical interventions. Lip rejuvenation is one of the most common cosmetic procedures to date and an area where practitioners tend to see some of the best results with injectables. Among others, two seminal works are of great importance in modern aesthetic medicine for lip rejuvenation. Solish and Swift’s pilot study on using hyaluronic acid injections to restore lip fullness was one of the first studies to thoroughly investigate the tolerability and clinical success of lip augmentation. Chiu et al added to the discussion by examining the injection technique for lip augmentation. Aside from direct dermal augmentation, perioral rejuvenation has increased in prevalence and popularity among practitioners and patients. Poleva discusses an updated protocol for rejuvenating the perioral region with injectable hyaluronic acid.
Topical Therapies: Sun Protection and Beyond
The field of topical therapy has also proliferated with an emphasis on sun protection and exosomes. Cohen et al examined the benefits of a mineral sunscreen across all skin types for cosmesis and photoprotection. This is an important work with the current emphasis on mineral sunscreen as opposed to chemical, as well as ensuring that these products can be used in patients with darker skin.
Exosomes: Promise and Debate
Lastly, most practitioners and patients are likely familiar with exosomes as well as strong opinions surrounding them. While those in the fields of dermatology and aesthetic medicine may have conflicting opinions on the uses and safety, it is imperative to reference the literature on these treatments. Peredo et al discuss the efficacy of topical exosomes derived from human placental mesenchymal stem cells following cosmetic procedures or trauma with promising results. Summarizing the existing literature on exosomes, Haykal et al nicely summarize the potential for exosome treatments in cosmetic dermatology as well as mechanisms of action.
With the rapid proliferation of treatments, it is important to remain current with the literature!
Interested in reading more? Check out the referenced articles:
The Science and Art of Dermal Fillers forSoft-Tissue Augmentation
Lip Injection Techniques Using Small-Particle Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler
Exosomes in Cosmetic Dermatology: A Review of Benefits and Challenges
