title: Confocal microscopy and imaging profilometry: A new tool aimed to evaluate aesthetic procedures.
abstract: According to the American Academy of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, more than 11 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed by board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists and otolaryngologists in the United States, totaling more than 12 billion dollars. We performed a retrospective observational multi-centric study on patients treated with a non-animal origin cross-linked hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights for nasolabial folds, evaluating through a new imaging system, profilometric techniques with the confocal microscopy, the durability, the efficacy and the safety of this product. From 25 patients, 150 silicone casts were obtained: 75 casts of the right nasolabial fold and 75 casts of the left nasolabial fold. Roughness arithmetical average of the right fold at T2 decreased by 50% versus T0 and by 40% compared to T1; at T2, it decreased by the 45% versus T0 and by 35% compared to T1. No side effects were reported. Results proved that the analysis of the skin microreliefs through confocal microscopy is a new imaging system that allows to evaluate with precision and safety the results of aesthetic treatments such as fillers objectively.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , Section of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fabbrocini
authors.affiliation: a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , Section of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Caterina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mazzella
authors.affiliation: b Department of Chemical Sciences , University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Montagnaro
authors.affiliation: c Dermatology, Nigrisoli Private Hospital , Bologna , Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Pia
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: De Padova
authors.affiliation: d Department of Dermatology , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lorenzi
authors.affiliation: e Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania , Catania , Italy.
authors.forename: Aurora
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tedeschi
authors.affiliation: f Dermatology Clinic, Ascalesi Hospital , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Forgione
authors.affiliation: a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , Section of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Capasso
authors.affiliation: g Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences , University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sivero
authors.affiliation: h Department of Chemical Engineering , Materials and Industrial Production, University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Velotti
authors.affiliation: i Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences , Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.affiliation: b Department of Chemical Sciences , University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vitiello
authors.affiliation: i Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences , Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Gennaro
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ilardi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D000067548:Dermal Fillers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D060052:Nasolabial Fold; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000067548:Dermal Fillers; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid
keywords: Confocal microscopy; hyaluronic acid fillers; profilometry