Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis
Analyzed 23 papers and selected 3 impactful papers.
Summary
A multicenter randomized trial shows that immediate autologous fat grafting during breast-conserving surgery is oncologically safe and improves patient-reported outcomes. A large multicenter study delineates sex-based clinical and immunologic differences across lupus erythematosus subtypes, informing precision care. A systematic review suggests hyaluronic acid fillers are a safe, minimally invasive option to address functional and cosmetic issues in systemic sclerosis and morphea, though high-quality trials are still needed.
Research Themes
- Onco-aesthetic safety and outcomes of immediate fat grafting in breast-conserving surgery
- Sex-specific phenotypes and autoantibody profiles across lupus erythematosus subtypes
- Minimally invasive aesthetic interventions in scleroderma (hyaluronic acid fillers)
Selected Articles
1. Evaluation of oncologic safety and clinical effectiveness of immediate autologous fat grafting in breast-conserving surgery: a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial for breast cancer.
In 360 randomized patients undergoing BCS, immediate autologous fat grafting did not increase locoregional (0.6% vs 2.4%; P=0.65) or distant recurrence (3.6% vs 3.5%) nor disease-specific mortality (0.6% vs 0.6%). Patient-reported satisfaction with breast appearance, psychosocial, and sexual well-being were significantly higher with IAFG.
Impact: This multicenter RCT directly addresses longstanding oncologic safety concerns of fat grafting near the tumor bed and demonstrates clear quality-of-life benefits.
Clinical Implications: IAFG can be offered at the time of BCS to optimize cosmetic outcomes without compromising oncologic safety, with counseling on expected improvements in satisfaction and well-being.
Key Findings
- No increase in local relapse with IAFG vs control (0.6% vs 2.4%; P=0.65).
- No difference in distant recurrence (3.6% vs 3.5%) or breast cancer-specific mortality (0.6% vs 0.6%).
- Higher patient-reported satisfaction (78 vs 65; P<0.001), psychosocial well-being (83 vs 71; P<0.001), and sexual well-being (74 vs 66; P<0.001) with IAFG.
Methodological Strengths
- Multicenter randomized controlled design with n=360.
- Long median follow-up of 62.8 months with clinically meaningful endpoints and PROs.
Limitations
- Blinding to surgical intervention is not feasible, potentially influencing subjective outcomes.
- Technique and graft volume variability may affect generalizability; very long-term safety beyond ~7 years remains to be established.
Future Directions: Standardize grafting protocols and imaging surveillance; extend follow-up; compare IAFG with alternative oncoplastic techniques in diverse populations.
INTRODUCTION: Although autologous fat grafting has been widely adopted globally to improve poor cosmetic outcomes following breast cancer surgery, oncologic concerns persist regarding the potential risk of cancer recurrence associated with fat transfer performed near the tumor bed. We sought to prospectively evaluate the oncologic safety and clinical benefits for breast cancer women undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with immediate autologous fat grafting (IAFG). METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 360 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 3 March 2017 and 31 May 2021. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the BCS with IAFG (IAFG group) or the BCS without IAFG (control group). The primary outcomes were the cumulative incidence rates of locoregional and systemic recurrence. The secondary outcomes included adverse events, patient's satisfaction, and psychosocial well-being. RESULTS: The average volume resected and volume grafted were 45.5 g and 66.5 mL, respectively, in the IAFG group. At a median follow-up period of 62.8 months (range: 4.3-86 months), the proportions of local relapse were 0.6% and 2.4% in the IAFG group and the control group, respectively (P = 0.65). There was no increased risk of distant recurrence (3.6% vs. 3.5%) or breast cancer-specific mortality (0.6% vs. 0.6%) in the IAFG group. Among the secondary outcomes, the occurrence rates of complications were similar; however, the IAFG group showed significantly higher scores of satisfaction with breast appearance, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being than the controls (78 vs. 65, P < 0.001; 83 vs. 71, P < 0.001; 74 vs. 66, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results provide clear evidence that IAFG is a safe and effective surgical technique that does not increase the risk of local or distant recurrence in breast cancer patients and yields higher satisfaction with postoperative breast appearance and psychosocial outcomes.
2. Sex-based clinical and immunological differences across lupus erythematosus subtypes: a cross-sectional multicentre study from China.
In 2097 LE patients, female predominance was observed across subtypes, with ACLE showing the highest female-to-male ratio (11.3:1). Women more frequently had arthritis, non-scarring alopecia, and multiple autoantibodies, whereas men had higher proportions of DLE and SCLE lesions. Subtype-specific sex differences in systemic involvement were identified.
Impact: Defines sex-specific clinical patterns and immunology across LE subtypes at scale, informing risk stratification and tailored monitoring.
Clinical Implications: Clinicians should consider sex- and subtype-specific risks when screening for systemic involvement and selecting monitoring strategies; trial designs may benefit from sex-stratified analyses.
Key Findings
- Female predominance across LE subtypes; ACLE female-to-male ratio 11.3:1; iCLE 2.1:1.
- Men had higher proportions of DLE lesions (31% vs 12% in women) and SCLE lesions.
- Women showed higher frequencies of arthritis, non-scarring alopecia, and multiple autoantibodies; subtype-specific systemic involvement differed by sex.
Methodological Strengths
- Large multicentre dataset (n=2097) spanning SLE and major CLE subtypes.
- Pre-specified registry (ChiCTR2100048939) and standardized sex-stratified analyses.
Limitations
- Cross-sectional design limits causal inference and temporal assessment.
- Potential referral and population biases; generalizability outside Chinese populations requires validation.
Future Directions: Prospective longitudinal cohorts to define trajectories; mechanistic studies on hormonal and immune pathways; sex-stratified endpoints in interventional trials.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate sex-related differences in clinical and immunological features across lupus erythematosus (LE) subtypes. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis, based on the Lupus Erythematosus Multicenter Case-Control Study in Chinese populations (ChiCTR2100048939), included patients with SLE and major cutaneous LE (CLE) subtypes. Sex-specific comparisons were performed using R V.4.4.2. RESULTS: In 2097 patients (1865 SLE, 1648 CLE), female predominance was observed in all subtypes, with female-to-male ratios ranging from 11.3:1 (acute CLE, ACLE) to 2.1:1 (isolated CLE, iCLE). Except for ACLE, females had earlier or similar onset than males in all other subtypes. ACLE lesions were most common in females (67%). In male patients with LE, the proportion of discoid LE (DLE) lesions was higher than female patients (31% vs 12%). Compared with males, females exhibited higher frequencies of arthritis in SLE, ACLE, DLE and chilblain LE (CHLE). In DLE, renal involvement, haematological abnormalities and serositis were more frequently observed in females. In subacute CLE (SCLE), haematological abnormalities were significantly more common in females. Additionally, non-scarring alopecia was more common in females than in males. Females had higher autoantibody positivity in iCLE and chronic CLE, with significant differences in anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-Smith, anti-U1-nuclear ribonucleoprotein and anti-ribosomal P antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: Across the subtypes, several clinical manifestations show a consistent sex distribution: ACLE lesions, arthritis, non-scarring alopecia, Raynaud's phenomenon and autoantibodies occur more frequently in women with LE, whereas the proportions of DLE and SCLE lesions are higher in men with LE. In addition, certain features exhibit subtype-specific sex differences: among patients with SCLE, DLE and CHLE, women show a greater propensity for systemic involvement, whereas in those with SLE and ACLE, men demonstrate a higher tendency toward systemic disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100048939.
3. Hyaluronic acid fillers in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma: A systematic review.
Across 19 studies, HA fillers yielded consistent patient satisfaction and cosmetic improvement, with mouth opening benefits in SSc and better responses in inactive morphea. Adverse events were mild, and no disease flares were reported; one controlled study found no significant mouth-opening advantage versus autologous fat grafting.
Impact: Provides the most comprehensive synthesis to date on efficacy and safety of HA fillers in scleroderma, bridging rheumatology and aesthetic practice.
Clinical Implications: Consider HA fillers as a minimally invasive adjunct for microstomia and contour defects, especially in inactive morphea; counsel patients on limited durability data and compare with autologous fat grafting.
Key Findings
- Nineteen studies included: 8 case reports, 7 case series, 4 prospective interventional (1 controlled).
- Consistent cosmetic satisfaction; in SSc, mouth opening improved and microstomia alleviated.
- Inactive morphea responded better than inflammatory lesions; adverse events were mild with no disease flares.
Methodological Strengths
- Systematic multi-database search with dual independent review and data extraction.
- Includes prospective interventional and controlled evidence alongside case-based reports.
Limitations
- Heterogeneity in fillers, techniques, and outcomes; small sample sizes and lack of RCTs.
- Durability and standardized functional measures (e.g., mouth opening) inconsistently reported.
Future Directions: Conduct randomized controlled trials comparing HA fillers with autologous fat grafting using standardized functional and aesthetic endpoints and long-term follow-up.
INTRODUCTION: Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) or morphea increasingly inquire about cosmetic procedures, as these conditions often result in disfiguring cutaneous manifestations such as microstomia, thin lips, sclerotic plaques or skin atrophy. Traditionally, rheumatologists prioritize immunosuppression and disease control but often fail to address aesthetic concerns. Among available interventions, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers offer a minimally invasive approach, yet there is not enough information regarding efficacy and safety in this population. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to discuss current evidence regarding the use of HA fillers in patients with SSc or morphea. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov from inception until January 2025. Two independent reviewers examined the studies and extracted data. Data regarding the number of patients, disease type, HA filler particulars, technique, additional treatments, immunosuppression, patient reported or other outcomes and follow-up were extracted. RESULTS: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 8 case reports, 7 case series and 4 prospective interventional studies (including one controlled study). Most common areas were the forehead, chin and perioral region. Some studies used adjuvant treatments such as Botox or Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). HA fillers were consistently associated with patient satisfaction and good cosmetic results. In patients with SSc, mouth opening improved and microstomia was alleviated. However, one controlled study reported no significant improvement in mouth opening compared to autologous fat grafting. Inactive morphea lesions appeared to be more responsive compared to inflammatory ones. Adverse events were mild with no reports of disease flare. CONCLUSION: HA fillers appear to be a safe and minimally invasive procedure for addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns of patients with SSc or morphea. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify indications, durability and long-term safety.