Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis
A split-face randomized, double-blind study demonstrates that a glycerol-containing HA filler outperforms standard HA for reducing facial pore volume with sustained hydration and mild adverse events. Pediatric ABNOM shows high clearance with picosecond alexandrite laser, with better initial response when treated earlier and in Fitzpatrick III skin. A single-arm study suggests that blunt separation plus uncrosslinked HA improves sunken upper eyelids through 12 months with minimal side effects.
Summary
A split-face randomized, double-blind study demonstrates that a glycerol-containing HA filler outperforms standard HA for reducing facial pore volume with sustained hydration and mild adverse events. Pediatric ABNOM shows high clearance with picosecond alexandrite laser, with better initial response when treated earlier and in Fitzpatrick III skin. A single-arm study suggests that blunt separation plus uncrosslinked HA improves sunken upper eyelids through 12 months with minimal side effects.
Research Themes
- Injectable skin-quality treatments and pore minimization
- Pediatric pigmentary laser therapy outcomes
- Minimally invasive periorbital rejuvenation techniques
Selected Articles
1. Superficial Intradermal Injections of Cohesive Polydensified Matrix Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for the Improvement of Facial Pores and Skin Quality: A Split-Face Randomized Study.
In a randomized, double-blind, split-face study (n=30; 29 completers), both CPM-HA20 and CPM-HA20G reduced pore volume and improved hydration at Week 32. CPM-HA20G achieved a 24.2% greater reduction in pore volume versus CPM-HA20 (p=0.038), with only mild transient adverse events and no difference in satisfaction.
Impact: Provides controlled, objective evidence that adding glycerol to an HA filler enhances pore-minimizing efficacy while maintaining safety and hydration benefits.
Clinical Implications: For patients seeking pore reduction and skin hydration, CPM-HA20G may be preferred over CPM-HA20. A regimen of three superficial intradermal injections at 4-week intervals is effective, with expectations set for mild, transient AEs and similar satisfaction.
Key Findings
- CPM-HA20G produced a 24.2% greater reduction in mean pore volume than CPM-HA20 at Week 32 (p=0.038).
- Both formulations improved skin hydration through Week 32.
- Adverse events were mild (pain, edema, bruising), and patient satisfaction did not differ between sides.
Methodological Strengths
- Randomized, double-blind, split-face design controlling interindividual variability
- Objective 3D imaging (Antera 3D) and 32-week follow-up
Limitations
- Small, single-center study with limited generalizability
- No mechanistic or histologic assessments; satisfaction outcomes were not superior despite objective differences
Future Directions: Multicenter RCTs with larger, diverse populations; longer-term durability beyond 32 weeks; mechanistic biomarkers (e.g., sebum, collagen/elastin remodeling) and patient-reported outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Various therapeutic options have been introduced for enlarged facial pores including low cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. Newer formulations of HA-based dermal fillers are continuously introduced into the market, but their effectiveness in reducing enlarged facial pores has not yet been determined. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of HA-based dermal fillers (Cohesive Polydensified Matrix HA filler; CPM-HA20) versus CPM-HA20 with glycerol (CPM-HA20G) in terms of minimizing enlarged facial pores and skin quality improvement. METHODS: Thirty subjects with enlarged facial pores were enrolled in this randomized, double-blinded, split-face study. Participants were randomly assigned to be injected with 1 mL of CPM-HA20 filler on one side of their medial cheek and 1 mL of CPM-HA20G on the contralateral side for 3 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. Pore volume was objectively measured by an Antera 3D. Skin biophysical properties were evaluated. Participant satisfaction and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants completed the study. Both treatment groups showed a reduction in the mean pore volume from the baseline through Week 32. The CPM-HA20G treated side showed a 24.2% higher reduction in mean pore volume from baseline compared to the CPM-HA20 treated side (p = 0.038). Both treatment groups showed improvement in skin hydration from baseline to Week 32. There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction between the CPM-HA20G and CPM-HA20 treated sides. Only mild adverse events such as pain, edema, and bruising were reported. CONCLUSION: Three-monthly injections of CPM-HA20G and CPM-HA20 were effective in minimizing enlarged face pores and improving skin hydration. CPM-HA20G demonstrated superior efficacy in terms of pore size reduction. Adverse events were generally mild and tolerable.
2. A Retrospective Study of Picosecond Alexandrite Laser Treatment for Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-Like Macules in Children.
In 49 children with ABNOM, a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser yielded an average 76% pigment clearance after about two sessions, with six cases clearing after the first session. Initial efficacy was better in Fitzpatrick III versus IV and was inversely related to age at first treatment and disease duration; PIH occurred in 16.3%.
Impact: This pediatric cohort provides practical efficacy, safety, and predictor data for picosecond alexandrite laser in ABNOM, informing timing and counseling in early-life treatment.
Clinical Implications: Consider early initiation of picosecond alexandrite laser for ABNOM, particularly in Fitzpatrick III skin, and counsel Fitzpatrick IV patients on potentially slower initial response. Monitor and manage PIH (~16%). Parameter ranges (2.34–4.07 J/cm²; 2.5–3.3 mm) are a useful reference.
Key Findings
- Average pigment clearance was 76% after a mean of two sessions; six patients cleared after the first session.
- Initial efficacy was better in Fitzpatrick III than IV skin (p<0.05).
- Younger age at first treatment and shorter disease duration correlated with better initial response (p<0.05).
- Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred in 16.3%.
Methodological Strengths
- Relatively large pediatric cohort with standardized clearance grading
- Analysis of predictors (skin type, age at first treatment, disease duration)
Limitations
- Retrospective design without a control group; heterogeneity in parameters and intervals
- Limited reporting of long-term durability beyond initial sessions
Future Directions: Prospective, standardized protocols with defined follow-up to assess long-term clearance and recurrence; comparative studies across skin types and device parameters; strategies to minimize PIH.
BACKGROUND: Picosecond lasers have been increasingly applied to the treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOMs), and proved safe and effective for adult patients. But there has been limited data concerned with their use in children. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy, safety, and correlative influencing factors of a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser in treating ABNOMs in children. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed children with ABNOMs from January 2017 to July 2023 who received the treatment using a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser. Treatment parameters used were as follows: 750 ps pulse duration, 2.34-4.07 J/cm² fluence, and 2.5-3.3 mm spot size. The mean treatment interval was 7 months. The efficacy was evaluated based on a five-point scale according to the percentage of pigmentation clearance. RESULTS: A total of 49 pediatric patients were included in this retrospective study. The average age at the beginning of treatment was 16.87 months old (range of 4 months to 59 months). These patients received an average of two treatments, achieving an average of 76% pigment clearance, which corresponded to excellent improvement (75%-94%). After the first treatment, six cases reached clinical clearance, and an average of pigment clearance was 61%. The initial efficacy was positively correlated with Fitzpatrick type (p < 0.05). Patients with Fitzpatrick III skin type responded better than patients with Fitzpatrick IV skin type. Besides, the initial efficacy was negatively correlated with the first treatment age and disease duration (p < 0.05). Eight cases developed postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, accounting for 16.3% of the cases. CONCLUSION: The 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser is safe and effective in treating ABNOMs in children. Being younger at the initial treatment, having Fitzpatrick III skin type, and experiencing a shorter disease duration are beneficial for initial efficacy.
3. Efficacy analysis of blunt separation combined with uncrosslinked sodium hyaluronate compound solution injection for sunken upper eyelid treatment in Asians.
In 27 Asian patients with sunken upper eyelids, combining blunt separation to release adhesions with intradermal uncrosslinked sodium hyaluronate led to significant improvements in Park S grading immediately post-treatment, at 6 months, and at 1 year, with minimal side effects and good satisfaction.
Impact: Introduces a combined mechanical-release and biostimulatory filler approach with 12-month outcomes for SUE, addressing durability limitations of filler-only techniques.
Clinical Implications: For Asian patients with SUE characterized by adhesions, consider blunt separation plus uncrosslinked HA to improve contour with minimal AEs and year-long benefit; however, comparative trials are needed before broad adoption.
Key Findings
- Significant improvement in Park S grading immediately post-treatment, at 6 months, and at 1 year.
- Combination of blunt separation and uncrosslinked sodium hyaluronate was well tolerated with minimal adverse events.
- Patient satisfaction was favorable, suggesting acceptable aesthetic outcomes.
Methodological Strengths
- Defined procedural protocol combining mechanical release with biostimulatory filler
- Longitudinal assessment up to 12 months
Limitations
- Single-arm, small sample size without control or randomization
- Incomplete statistical reporting in abstract and lack of objective volumetric imaging
Future Directions: Randomized comparative trials versus cross-linked HA or fat grafting, objective imaging (e.g., 3D volumetry), and histologic/biomarker studies to confirm collagen regeneration.
AIM OF THE STUDY: Injectable fillers are a popular treatment for sunken upper eyelid (SUE) deformity, but their efficacy and duration are limited. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of blunt separation combined with an uncrosslinked sodium hyaluronate compound solution for treating SUE in Asians. METHODS: Twenty-seven Chinese patients (22 women, five men) with SUE underwent blunt separation to loosen subcutaneous adhesions. After disrupting the dermal layer, an uncrosslinked sodium hyaluronate solution was injected to stimulate collagen regeneration. Symptom improvement, recurrence, safety, and patient satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: Park S grading scores significantly improved after-treatment, 6 months, and 1 year ( CONCLUSIONS: This single-arm trial suggests that blunt separation with uncrosslinked sodium hyaluronate is a safe and effective SUE treatment with minimal side effects, the findings indicate potential for clinical application.