Data and recommendations for best practices for aesthetic procedures are relatively limited and this, in turn, can adversely affect treatment outcomes for patients with SOC.3,4 According to the advisors, outcomes of medical aesthetic procedures for people with SOC depend on pre- and post-procedure precautions and interventions, individualized treatment selection, and optimal technique.3,4
Surveys of aesthetic medicine providers confirmed a lack of consistency in the types and duration of periprocedural measures to improve outcomes associated with facial rejuvenation lasers, nonenergy devices, and cosmetic injections.5-7 Following the surveys, two broad algorithms were designed to guide pre- and post-procedure treatment with the aim of reducing procedural side effects.8,9 One algorithm involves facial cosmetic procedures using facial lasers and other energy devices.8 The second algorithm covers nonenergy-based and injectable skin treatments.9 An evidence-based periprocedural algorithm is warranted to address the unique considerations of patients with SOC.
The current algorithm focused on the care of patients with SOC is presented here as a tool for clinicians when treating patients with various skin types with laser/other energy-based devices, nonenergy-based devices/procedures, and injectables for facial rejuvenation.
Surveys of aesthetic medicine providers confirmed a lack of consistency in the types and duration of periprocedural measures to improve outcomes associated with facial rejuvenation lasers, nonenergy devices, and cosmetic injections.5-7 Following the surveys, two broad algorithms were designed to guide pre- and post-procedure treatment with the aim of reducing procedural side effects.8,9 One algorithm involves facial cosmetic procedures using facial lasers and other energy devices.8 The second algorithm covers nonenergy-based and injectable skin treatments.9 An evidence-based periprocedural algorithm is warranted to address the unique considerations of patients with SOC.
The current algorithm focused on the care of patients with SOC is presented here as a tool for clinicians when treating patients with various skin types with laser/other energy-based devices, nonenergy-based devices/procedures, and injectables for facial rejuvenation.
METHODS
The Process
Following the publication of 3 surveys and 2 algorithms that established standards for periprocedural measures,5-9 a panel of 8 dermatologists and plastic surgeons (advisors) convened a meeting on February 12th, 2022. The participants are members of a Pre-/Post-procedure Measures (PrePoM) Project. The goal of the meeting was to develop an algorithm on periprocedural measures for facial laser treatments and facial nonenergy-based and injectable treatments specific for ethnic-skinned individuals. The panel's previously developed algorithms became the framework for the development of the current algorithm.8,9
A modified Delphi approach, an interactive decision-making technique for medical projects, was used.10 Decision-making started with a face-to-face meeting with a later online follow-up. The outcome of literature searches was discussed during the meetings, including the 5 publications of the PrePoM group.5-9
Based on literature searches and the 5 PrePoM publications, the panel developed a proposed design for the current algorithm. After presentations of literature summaries and agreement on a proposed algorithm, the panel worked in small groups to design, edit, and revise the current algorithm. They then reconvened into a plenary group to reach a consensus through blinded reiterations and votes to customize the final algorithm. The panel obtained consensus through unanimous votes. Reviewing, editing, and discussing this manuscript took place online (Figure 1).
Literature Searches
Prior to the expert panel meeting, a systematic literature review was conducted, selecting best-practice approaches for pre- and post-procedure measures for people with SOC treated with facial lasers, nonenergy devices, or injectables. Literature was clinically relevant to pre-/post-procedure measures for aesthetic treatments in ethnic individuals and those with SOC. Inclusion criteria were English language studies, consensus papers, and other reviews with current best practice measures published from 2010 to 2022.
Following the publication of 3 surveys and 2 algorithms that established standards for periprocedural measures,5-9 a panel of 8 dermatologists and plastic surgeons (advisors) convened a meeting on February 12th, 2022. The participants are members of a Pre-/Post-procedure Measures (PrePoM) Project. The goal of the meeting was to develop an algorithm on periprocedural measures for facial laser treatments and facial nonenergy-based and injectable treatments specific for ethnic-skinned individuals. The panel's previously developed algorithms became the framework for the development of the current algorithm.8,9
A modified Delphi approach, an interactive decision-making technique for medical projects, was used.10 Decision-making started with a face-to-face meeting with a later online follow-up. The outcome of literature searches was discussed during the meetings, including the 5 publications of the PrePoM group.5-9
Based on literature searches and the 5 PrePoM publications, the panel developed a proposed design for the current algorithm. After presentations of literature summaries and agreement on a proposed algorithm, the panel worked in small groups to design, edit, and revise the current algorithm. They then reconvened into a plenary group to reach a consensus through blinded reiterations and votes to customize the final algorithm. The panel obtained consensus through unanimous votes. Reviewing, editing, and discussing this manuscript took place online (Figure 1).
Literature Searches
Prior to the expert panel meeting, a systematic literature review was conducted, selecting best-practice approaches for pre- and post-procedure measures for people with SOC treated with facial lasers, nonenergy devices, or injectables. Literature was clinically relevant to pre-/post-procedure measures for aesthetic treatments in ethnic individuals and those with SOC. Inclusion criteria were English language studies, consensus papers, and other reviews with current best practice measures published from 2010 to 2022.
