Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis
Three studies highlight clinically relevant advances in aesthetic and oncoplastic care: a large prospective cohort shows that neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with fewer complications than adjuvant therapy in endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy with direct-to-implant reconstruction; a randomized trial supports injectable recombinant humanized type III collagen for facial rejuvenation; and a retrospective comparative study indicates ultrasound-guided microwave ablation as a safe, efficient
Summary
Three studies highlight clinically relevant advances in aesthetic and oncoplastic care: a large prospective cohort shows that neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with fewer complications than adjuvant therapy in endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy with direct-to-implant reconstruction; a randomized trial supports injectable recombinant humanized type III collagen for facial rejuvenation; and a retrospective comparative study indicates ultrasound-guided microwave ablation as a safe, efficient alternative to surgery for granulomatous mastitis.
Research Themes
- Minimally invasive and endoscopic breast oncology with cosmetic outcomes
- Innovative biomaterials for facial skin rejuvenation
- Energy-based ablation as surgical alternatives in inflammatory breast disease
Selected Articles
1. One-year surgical complications and cosmetic outcomes of neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy in reverse-sequence endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy with direct-to-implant reconstruction.
In a 692-patient prospective cohort of reverse-sequence endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy with direct-to-implant reconstruction, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with higher early complication and SSI rates than no chemotherapy, whereas neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed lower overall postoperative risk without compromising cosmetic outcomes. Patient- and physician-reported aesthetics (BREAST-Q, Ueda score) did not differ across chemotherapy strategies.
Impact: This large prospective analysis informs sequencing of chemotherapy around endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy with implants, balancing safety and cosmetic outcomes. It suggests neoadjuvant therapy may reduce complications without sacrificing aesthetics.
Clinical Implications: For candidates of endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy with direct-to-implant reconstruction, neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be preferable to reduce early postoperative complications while maintaining cosmetic satisfaction. Multidisciplinary planning should consider timing to optimize recovery and aesthetics.
Key Findings
- Adjuvant chemotherapy increased CDC≥2 complications versus no chemotherapy (20.7% vs 12.6%; OR 1.820 [1.144–2.895], P=0.036).
- Adjuvant chemotherapy increased surgical site infections versus no chemotherapy (18.0% vs 8.8%; OR 2.240 [1.322–3.797], P=0.003).
- Most complications occurred within 30 days; cosmetic outcomes (BREAST-Q, Ueda score) did not differ among NAC, NC, and AC groups.
Methodological Strengths
- Prospective cohort with large sample size (n=692).
- Use of standardized patient- and physician-reported aesthetic measures (BREAST-Q, Ueda score) and multivariable analyses.
Limitations
- Single-center design and nonrandomized allocation may introduce selection and center bias.
- Follow-up limited to at least 12 months; long-term implant and oncologic outcomes beyond 1 year are not reported.
Future Directions: Randomized or multicenter prospective studies with longer follow-up should validate the advantage of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and assess long-term reconstructive and oncologic outcomes.
BACKGROUND: The reverse-sequence endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy (R-E-NSM) with direct-to-implant breast reconstruction (DIBR) is increasingly popular in China. It is critical to assess the impact of chemotherapy on postoperative outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was conducted between April 2020 and December 2023 at the Breast Center, XXX. Patients were followed for complications and cosmetic outcomes for at least 12 months post-surgery. RESULTS: A total of 692 patients were enrolled: 241 (34.8%) received no chemotherapy (NC), 113 (16.3%) underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and 338 (48.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). Compared to the NC group, the AC group had higher rates of CDC≥2 complications (20.7% vs. 12.6%, 1.820 [1.144-2.895], P = 0.036) and SSI (18.0% vs. 8.8%, 2.240 [1.322-3.797], P = 0.003). Further analysis revealed that most complications occurred within 30 days (any, CDC ≥ 2, SSI, P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis showed a significant increase in any complications over time (OR, 1.680 [95% CI, 1.015-2.711], p = 0.044) and SSI after 30 days (OR, 2.346 [95% CI, 0.991-5.556], p = 0.052) in the AC group. After controlling for clinical covariates, no significant differences were observed among the NAC, NC, and AC groups in the BREAST-Q subscales and Ueda score. CONCLUSIONS: In R-E-NSM with DIBR, compared to AC, NAC was associated with a lower overall risk of postoperative complications. Neither NAC nor AC impaired patient- or physician-reported cosmetic outcomes. These results suggest NAC may be preferable for chemotherapy patients with implant reconstruction, but require validation in larger, longer-term studies.
2. Translational Application of Recombinant Humanized Type III Collagen in Facial Rejuvenation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
In a randomized controlled setting, intradermal injections of recombinant humanized type III collagen improved GAIS and multiple VISIA-derived photoaging parameters at 90 days, with no serious adverse events. Modeling suggested a cumulative time-dependent benefit.
Impact: Introduces a novel biomaterial with clinical evidence for facial rejuvenation, combining objective imaging with clinician- and patient-reported outcomes.
Clinical Implications: Recombinant humanized type III collagen may be considered for patients seeking minimally invasive skin quality improvement, with expected benefits across wrinkles, texture, and pigmentation over approximately 3 months.
Key Findings
- GAIS improved significantly at day 90 in the treatment group, with no notable change in controls.
- VISIA imaging showed significant improvements in spots, wrinkles, texture, and porphyrins (corrected p<0.00625).
- No serious adverse events; GEE indicated a time-dependent cumulative effect.
Methodological Strengths
- Randomized controlled design with multimodal outcomes (VISIA, clinician ratings, self-assessments).
- Statistical rigor including CMH chi-square and GEE modeling.
Limitations
- Small sample size with imbalanced groups (39 vs 13) limits power.
- Short follow-up (~90 days) and likely open-label design may inflate subjective outcomes.
Future Directions: Larger, blinded, multicenter RCTs with longer follow-up should confirm durability, dose-response, and comparative effectiveness versus established injectables.
BACKGROUND: Skin aging is a common aesthetic concern that drives the demand for new therapeutic strategies. Lyophilized injectable recombinant humanized type III collagen (rhCol III) is an emerging biomaterial with promising regenerative potential; however, clinical data on its efficacy is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of rhCol III in improving the signs of skin aging. METHODS: A total of 55 participants were enrolled in the study. Those in the treatment group received "water-light" intradermal injections of the study product alongside their routine skincare regimen. The control group continued with the routine skincare regimen alone. Clinical efficacy was assessed after treatment using VISIA imaging, evaluations by professional dermatologists, and self-assessments by the participants. RESULTS: Of the 52 participants who completed the follow-up (39 in the treatment group, 13 in the control group), scores on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) improved significantly in the treatment group at day 90 ± 7 (from 3.17 ± 0.39 to 2.97 ± 0.58), with no notable change in the control group. CMH chi-square analysis revealed a significant difference in response rates (71.8%; 95% CI: 54.2%-89.4%). VISIA analysis showed significant improvements in spots, wrinkles, texture, and porphyrins (corrected p < 0.00625). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling supported a time-dependent cumulative effect. The treatment was well tolerated, with stable visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and no serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study indicates that lyophilized rhCol III can significantly improve the appearance of the skin and is safe to use.
3. Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation of granulomatous mastitis: An effective therapeutic tool.
Compared with surgery, ultrasound-guided microwave ablation reduced operative time, blood loss, postoperative pain, and hospital stay, with similar clinical cure and recurrence rates. Patient-reported outcomes (BREAST-Q, cosmetic scores) were assessed, supporting MWA as a viable alternative.
Impact: Provides real-world comparative data supporting a minimally invasive option that preserves cosmesis and reduces perioperative burden in a challenging benign breast condition.
Clinical Implications: MWA can be considered for patients with granulomatous mastitis to minimize operative morbidity while achieving similar cure rates to surgery. Shared decision-making should weigh cosmetic goals, recovery time, and resource availability.
Key Findings
- MWA reduced operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, and hospital stay compared with surgery (P<0.05).
- No significant differences were observed in clinical cure rates and recurrence rates between MWA and surgery.
- Patient-reported satisfaction (BREAST-Q) and cosmetic outcomes were collected to contextualize treatment impact.
Methodological Strengths
- Comparative cohort including consecutive patients and multivariate logistic regression.
- Evaluation included both clinical endpoints and patient-reported outcomes (BREAST-Q).
Limitations
- Retrospective, nonrandomized design with potential selection bias.
- Some outcome details (e.g., exact cure rate figures, long-term follow-up) are limited in the abstract.
Future Directions: Prospective randomized trials should confirm equivalence or noninferiority to surgery and quantify long-term recurrence, cosmesis, and cost-effectiveness.
BACKGROUND: Granulomatous mastitis is a chronic inflammatory breast condition characterized by non-caseating granulomas in the breast tissue, often requiring multidisciplinary approaches for accurate diagnosis and effective management. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of granulomatous mastitis compared with surgical excision. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical outcomes of 65 consecutive patients with granulomatous mastitis treated with ultrasound-guided MWA (MWA group) and 60 patients treated surgically (surgery group) during the same period. Outcomes compared between the two groups included immediate effects, clinical cure rates, postoperative complication rates, recurrence rates, BREAST-Q satisfaction scores, and breast cosmetic score outcomes. Correlated variables were subsequently incorporated into a multivariate binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: (I) The MWA group was superior to the surgery group in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss (IBL), postoperative pain, and hospital stay (P<0.05). (II) There were no significant differences in cure rate (98.5% CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided MWA is safe and effective in the treatment of granulomatous mastitis, which can be used as an alternative treatment method.