{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and 1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser in Managing Nodules and Edema Following Cosmetic Injections: A Case Series and Systematic Literature Review.","authors":"Jieyi Wang, Jiaxu Gu, Zhuoying Wang, Peishi Yin, Xingling Jian, Bo Yu","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70883","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jocd.70883","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Advances in injectable techniques and materials have driven rapid growth in the esthetic injection market, with more products showing excellent efficacy and safety. Nevertheless, adverse reactions continue to be reported, among which chronic inflammatory nodules and swelling are particularly challenging to manage. Despite many etiological theories and diagnostic consensus, clinical treatment remains complex and difficult. Novel approaches are continually being explored. Among them, energy-based devices (EBDs) therapy has shown promising potential and clinical value, as evidenced by some clinical reports.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Evaluate the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in managing adverse reactions such as nodules and swelling following cosmetic injections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study demonstrates four treatment cases combining different energy-based devices, documenting therapeutic protocols and efficacy. A systematic literature review is incorporated to evaluate EBDs applications and therapeutic value.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All of the four cases recovered from nodules or swelling without side effects by receiving ESWT and 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, and the existing reports have demonstrated preliminary clinical experience with EBDs, showing promising efficacy and potential for broader applications in this field.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ESWT and 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser have demonstrated effectiveness in treating post-injection nodules and swelling, achieving high patient satisfaction with minimal side effects. Future studies should focus on elucidating their mechanisms and standardizing treatment protocols. Other energy-based devices (EBDs) may have potential in this field, which requires further clinical verification.</p>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"25 5","pages":"e70883"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13145303/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of a Dual-Wavelength 589/1319 nm Laser for the Treatment of Acne Erythema: A Split-Face Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Suphagan Boonpethkaew, Pimsiri Anansiripun, Warittha Maitrisathit, Yanisa Ratanapokasatit, Sonphet Chirasuthat, Panrudee Wechsuruk, Penpun Wattanakrai","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70894","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jocd.70894","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The 589/1319 nm solid-state dual-wavelength (SSDW) laser, which targets cutaneous vasculature, may be an effective treatment for acne erythema (AE).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To compare the efficacy and safety of the 589/1319 nm SSDW laser with topical soothing Aloe vera (AV) gel for the treatment of AE.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Thirty patients with bilateral AE were enrolled. One facial side received 6 sessions of 589/1319 nm SSDW laser treatment, while the contralateral side was treated with twice-daily AV gel for 18 weeks. Patients were followed for 8 weeks after the final laser session. AE severity, acne severity, and adverse events were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-nine patients completed the study. Both treatment modalities significantly reduced AE. The laser-treated side demonstrated a faster clinical response, with a significant reduction compared to baseline at 2 weeks, whereas AV gel required 4 weeks to achieve a comparable effect (within-group p < 0.05; no between-group difference). At the 8-week follow-up, the response rate was 72% for the laser-treated sides and 69% for the AV-treated sides. AE improvement correlated with reductions in acne severity in the laser-treated sides (r<sub>s</sub> = 0.47, p = 0.03). Patients reported higher satisfaction with laser treatment up to 4 weeks after the final laser session. Average pain score for the laser treatment was 1.52 out of 10. No serious adverse events were observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The 589/1319 nm SSDW laser may be an effective early adjunctive treatment for acne erythema, offering minimal discomfort with no downtime and may additionally improve acne severity.</p>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"25 5","pages":"e70894"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13145309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Victor R M Munoz-Lora, Danielle Dias, Fernanda Bezerra, Ana C N Carnevali, Rud Varela, Andrea D Tedesco, Pietra Roschel, Gabriela Giro, Patrícia Pauletto, Victor Rogerio, Marcelo Germani
{"title":"A Comprehensive Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Outcomes in Poly-L-Lactic Acid Treatments-A Randomized, Interventional, and Comparative Clinical Study.","authors":"Victor R M Munoz-Lora, Danielle Dias, Fernanda Bezerra, Ana C N Carnevali, Rud Varela, Andrea D Tedesco, Pietra Roschel, Gabriela Giro, Patrícia Pauletto, Victor Rogerio, Marcelo Germani","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70891","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jocd.70891","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is widely used in aesthetic medicine due to its bio-stimulatory properties. However, limited research has compared different PLLA formulations.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the impact of PLLA formulation and injection depth (subcutaneous vs. supraperiosteal) using objective and subjective assessments.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This randomized clinical trial with split-face and parallel components included 20 participants. Each participant received a single PLLA formulation of PLLA-SCA (Sculptra) or PLLA-ELL (Elleva), while the injection plane was alternated between hemifaces. Dermal thickness was assessed using ultrasonography at baseline, 60, and 120 days. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Dermal thickness increased over time but showed no significant differences between products (p = 0.78) or injection planes (p = 0.83). GAIS scores were positive at 60 days but declined significantly at 120 days (p = 0.031), particularly for PLLA-ELL (p = 0.022). No significant correlation was found between dermal thickness and GAIS scores at 60 (ρ = -0.038, p = 0.819) or 120 days (ρ = 0.016, p = 0.927).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Injection depth did not significantly influence PLLA outcomes. However, differences in patient satisfaction between PLLA formulations highlight the role of physicochemical properties in treatment longevity. These findings emphasized the need to integrate objective and subjective measures in assessing bio-stimulatory treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"25 5","pages":"e70891"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13145310/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaolei Qin, Jinlong Zhai, Lingyan Liu, Hong Shu, Lin Zhu, Qi Shi, Yining Luo
{"title":"Effectiveness and Safety of Recombinant Type III Humanized Collagen Solution Injection Combined With Collagen-III Multi-Peptide Serum in Improving Signs of Photoaging: A Prospective, Split-Face Controlled Clinical Trial.","authors":"Xiaolei Qin, Jinlong Zhai, Lingyan Liu, Hong Shu, Lin Zhu, Qi Shi, Yining Luo","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70857","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jocd.70857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Skin aging is a multifactorial process involving the progressive deterioration of skin structure and function, marked by collagen degeneration, impairing the structural integrity of the dermis. Intradermal injection of recombinant type III humanized collagen (RhCol-III) solution is a promising anti-aging strategy through direct collagen replenishment, but its synergistic effects when combined with a collagen-III multi-peptide serum remain unexplored.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of a RhCol-III solution injection combined with a collagen-III multi-peptide serum in improving photoaging.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective, single-center, randomized, split-face, single-blind trial was conducted. Participants received an intradermal injection of 2 mg/mL RhCol-III solution with application of collagen-III multi-peptide serum on the test side and intradermal injection of RhCol-III solution only on the control side. The 12-week follow-up period assessed effectiveness and safety, with the primary endpoint being the participant-reported skin satisfaction score (FACE-Q satisfaction with skin) at 4 weeks post-treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 54 participants were enrolled. The primary endpoint, FACE-Q skin satisfaction score at week 4, significantly improved on both tested and control sides by 40.0% vs. 34.8% from baseline (both p < 0.0001; p < 0.05 between sides). By week 12, the tested side showed significantly better outcomes versus the control side in FACE-Q skin satisfaction scores, GAIS significant improvement rates, improvement rates of fine lines and skin firmness (all p < 0.05). No adverse events related to the RhCol-III solution injection were observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The combination of injectable RhCol-III and topical collagen-III multi-peptide serum is effective and safe in ameliorating photoaging of the forehead, periorbital and cheek areas among the Chinese population.</p>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"25 5","pages":"e70857"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13145300/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler-Associated Vascular Occlusion-A Review of Prevention and Management Strategies.","authors":"Stephen Lowe","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70884","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jocd.70884","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Significant complications are uncommon with aesthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers, but inadvertent injection of dermal filler into an artery can result in tissue damage, scarring, visual loss, and even stroke. Practitioners must therefore reduce this risk through proactive, preventative techniques. Early recognition of vascular occlusion (VO) is also crucial to minimize subsequent tissue injury.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To review and summarize evidence-based preventative measures and first aid management strategies for HA-associated peripheral cutaneous VO, explicitly excluding ocular and neurological complications.</p><p><strong>Patients/methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the BestBETs methodology to review the preventative measures available for reducing the risks of HA-associated peripheral VO, with ocular and neurological side effects considered beyond this review's scope. We then examined the pathophysiology of VO and the evidence for its management to establish an HA dermal filler VO \"first aid\" protocol.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our review underscored the importance of preventative strategies (practitioner skill and knowledge; cannula usage; microboluses of small filler volumes, low plunger pressure, and constant needle tip movement), along with the liberal usage of hyaluronidase, heat, and massage, and supports the addition of antiplatelet agents for acute management. Aspiration is controversial and cannot reliably exclude intravascular needle placement.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Prompt recognition and management of VO are critical to prevent skin necrosis, scarring, and long-term morbidity. Preventative practice, immediate treatment protocols, and further research are essential to enhance clinician confidence and improve patient safety in aesthetic HA filler procedures.</p>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"25 5","pages":"e70884"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13144706/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nark Kyoung Rho, Kwang Ho Han, Boncheol Leo Goo, Hei Sung Kim
{"title":"Real-World Use of Polynucleotide Injections in Scar Prevention and Management: A Nationwide Survey of Korean Society for Anti-Aging Dermatology (KAAD) Dermatologists.","authors":"Nark Kyoung Rho, Kwang Ho Han, Boncheol Leo Goo, Hei Sung Kim","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70887","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jocd.70887","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Scarring is a common dermatologic concern with both aesthetic and functional implications. Polynucleotide (PN)-based injectables have emerged as medical devices in dermatologic practice; however, real-world evidence on their use in scar management remains limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe current clinical practices, application patterns, and perceived roles of PN injections in scar prevention and management among dermatologists belonging to the Korean Society for Anti-Aging Dermatology (KAAD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A nationwide, cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among KAAD dermatologists. The questionnaire assessed PN use by scar type and etiology, injection techniques, combination strategies, and barriers to adoption. Data were analyzed descriptively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 501 respondents, 73.0% reported using PN for scar management. PN was most commonly used for scar prevention (81.4%) and atrophic scars (74.9%), with limited use in hypertrophic scars (10.1%). Intradermal injection over three sessions was the most common approach. PN was frequently incorporated into multimodal protocols, including botulinum toxin, fillers, corticosteroids, bleomycin, and energy-based devices. Reported benefits included improved tissue response, enhanced skin texture, and accelerated wound recovery. Key barriers to PN adoption were product cost (66.7%), limited awareness of its role in scar management (52.6%), and injection discomfort (25.2%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PN injections are commonly incorporated into scar prevention and management among KAAD dermatologists participating in this survey, particularly for acne-related, surgical, and traumatic scars. These findings provide real-world insight into current practice patterns and are hypothesis-generating. Prospective studies are needed to define optimal treatment protocols, including dosing, treatment intervals, and combination strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"25 5","pages":"e70887"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13144716/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yixuan He, Manru Ning, Feifei Wang, Yihuai Liang, Shuxian Yan
{"title":"Efficacy of 1064-Nm Picosecond Nd: YAG Laser in Treating Facial Photoaging and Improving Skin Barrier Enhanced by a Multi-Beneficial Composition Formulation: A Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial Study.","authors":"Yixuan He, Manru Ning, Feifei Wang, Yihuai Liang, Shuxian Yan","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70886","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jocd.70886","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In recent years, skin photoaging has received increasing attention, and laser therapy has become the most commonly used treatment due to its safety and efficacy; emerging evidence suggests that adjunctive \"integrated skincare\" may enhance treatment benefits by reducing post-procedural reactions and supporting skin barrier repair.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The split-face, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, monocentric clinical trial was conducted to validate the potential efficacy of anti-photoaging and skin repair of a multifunctional serum formulation following a one-session therapy of 1064-nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of twenty-four participants requesting picosecond laser therapy to address age-associated facial alterations were recruited for the study. Following a two-week washout period, participants underwent a single laser session on Day 1 (T1d) and applied either the multi-beneficial serum or the placebo to the designated facial side twice daily for eight weeks. Their facial skin manifestations were assessed by two dermatologists at baseline, T0, T15d, T29d, and T57d, and the Symptom Score Reduction Index (SSRI) was analyzed later. Non-invasive measurements and self-assessments were also administered at each visit.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-four women aged 30-48 years completed the trial. The scores for all other manifestations of skin photoaging, with the exception of coarse wrinkles, decreased on both the test and control sides throughout follow-up. Based on SSRI values for individual photoaging signs, clinical efficacy rates for the test sides were superior to their counterparts. Regarding skin barrier function, decreasing transepidermal water loss and increasing stratum corneum hydration were observed on the test side during the period of recovery, with significant intergroup differences on T29d and T57d. Skin tone indicators (erythema index, melanin index, and tone evenness) rose shortly after the laser treatment and then declined on both sides; the magnitudes of reductions were greater on the test sides than on the control ones. Even though the improvement of skin surface evenness was found due to the therapy, the test sides exhibited more favorable changes than the controls, for instance, a reduction in the area proportion of crow's feet. No adverse events related to the test product were found during the study.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The test serum enhanced the efficacy of 1064-nm picosecond laser treatment for facial photoaging and supported skin barrier recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"25 5","pages":"e70886"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13144715/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancement of Skin Barrier Function Using DYNAMiQ Technology: A Clinical Evaluation.","authors":"Klaus Fritz, Mariya Genova, Carmen Salavastru","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70889","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jocd.70889","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The integrity of the skin barrier is fundamental to maintaining overall skin health, serving as the primary defense against environmental insults. Disruption of this barrier is linked to various dermatological issues, including inflammation, sensitivity, and premature aging. Therefore, technologies designed to reinforce the skin barrier and enhance moisture retention hold a significant promise for improving skin condition, resilience, and overall function.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To evaluate the restorative effect of DYNAMiQ technology on skin barrier function.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective, single-center study enrolled 24 female subjects (n = 24, 26-64 years). Each subject received one DYNAMiQ treatment, with a follow-up assessment performed 7 days later. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured before treatment, immediately after, and at follow-up. Subject-reported outcomes were collected using comfort and satisfaction questionnaires, and standardized photographs were taken.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>TEWL increased slightly from a baseline of 11.95 ± 0.24 g/m<sup>2</sup>/h to 12.70 ± 0.19 g/m<sup>2</sup>/h immediately post-treatment. By day 7, TEWL decreased significantly to 6.63 ± 0.18 g/m<sup>2</sup>/h, representing an 80.3% improvement in water vapor loss. All subjects (100%) expressed satisfaction with the results, and 96% reported that their skin felt more hydrated and nourished.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>DYNAMiQ technology effectively improves skin barrier function by significantly reducing TEWL. These findings are supported by high subject satisfaction and perceived hydration improvements.</p>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"25 5","pages":"e70889"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13145301/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy Versus Cryotherapy for Actinic Keratosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials","authors":"Saleh Aldraibi, Maya Alharbi, Kholoud Alzubaidi, Omar Turkistani, Abdulmalik Bin Kassim, Dhai Almutairi, Majid Alhammadi, Jumanah Makhtoum, Fadi Alghamdi","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70749","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jocd.70749","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Photodynamic therapy and cryotherapy are treatment options for actinic keratosis; however, their efficacy and safety remain debated.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To perform a high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy and cryotherapy in actinic keratosis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A systematic search was performed applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Science Direct, Ovid, EBSCO, Wiley, and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of seven studies with 1233 patients were identified. PDT and cryotherapy showed similar success in clearing lesions (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.92–1.13; <i>p</i> = 0.74). While both treatments performed comparably on the head and face (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.94–1.28; <i>p</i> = 0.24), data from one trial suggested cryotherapy might be more effective for lesions on the arms and legs (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82–0.94; <i>p</i> < 0.05). However, more research is needed to confirm this finding. Cosmetic outcomes were significantly better for PDT (74.62% vs. 49.11%: RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.4–1.65; <i>p</i> < 0.00001) than cryotherapy. Similarly, PDT was superior to cryotherapy in patient satisfaction though the overall difference was not statistically significant (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.91–2.25; <i>p</i> = 0.12). PDT was associated with a significantly higher risk of burning sensations and pain (RR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.27–3.02; <i>p</i> = 0.002), whereas cryotherapy more frequently led to vesicles and blisters.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Lesion clearance may depend on location. It is comparable for head and face lesions, while data from one trial suggests cryotherapy may be better for extremity lesions. PDT is associated with a higher occurrence of pain/burning, while cryotherapy leads to more vesicles/blisters. Future research should focus on standardized protocols, including blinded post-treatment assessments to improve reliability and minimize bias.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"25 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13069436/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147654351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Katarzyna Beutler, Danuta Nowicka, Michael H. Gold, Karolina Chilicka-Hebel
{"title":"Procedural Treatments as Adjuncts in the Management of Acne Vulgaris: A Narrative Review","authors":"Katarzyna Beutler, Danuta Nowicka, Michael H. Gold, Karolina Chilicka-Hebel","doi":"10.1111/jocd.70832","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jocd.70832","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit and one of the most prevalent dermatological conditions globally. Its multifactorial pathogenesis and variable clinical presentation necessitate a multimodal therapeutic approach. While pharmacological interventions remain first-line therapy, cosmetic and dermatologic procedures are increasingly utilized as adjunctive strategies to enhance clinical outcomes. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on four commonly employed cosmetic modalities in acne management: chemical peels, mechanical peels, light-based therapies, and radiofrequency-assisted microneedling.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of procedural treatments as adjunctive options in the management of acne vulgaris.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus with no time restrictions, focusing on patients with acne vulgaris and adjunct cosmetic/procedural interventions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Given the narrative scope, this was a non-comprehensive, non-exhaustive evidence synthesis, with treatment options organized thematically. Overall, these cosmetic procedures can provide meaningful adjunctive benefits when integrated into individualized acne treatment plans. However, variability in study designs, procedural parameters, and outcome measures limits direct comparison across modalities. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish standardized protocols and to determine long-term safety and efficacy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Procedural treatments can serve as valuable adjuncts in the management of acne vulgaris by enhancing therapeutic outcomes and addressing treatment-resistant cases. However, individualized treatment selection and further high-quality studies are needed to optimize their use and long-term benefits.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":15546,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology","volume":"25 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13066915/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}