Cosmetic use is increasingly common among young college students; however, its potential link to hepatic steatosis remains unclear. This exploratory study examined associations between external cosmetic use, internal metal exposure, and hepatic steatosis indices, as well as the possible mediating roles of adipokines. A panel study with 70 college students collected cosmetics exposure data, quantified serum levels of 26 metals, and measured plasma adipokine levels. Hepatic steatosis was assessed using the HSI and ZJU index as non-invasive indirect biomarkers. Generalized linear models (GLM) and generalized weighted quantile sum (gWQS) models evaluated associations between cosmetic and metal exposure with HSI, ZJU, and adipokines, including the interaction between sex and cosmetic exposure-related metals. Causal mediation analysis assessed adipokine mediation effects. Exposure to cosmetics, particularly hair and body products, was associated with elevated HSI and ZJU in college students. Cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu), biomarkers of cosmetic exposure, exhibited positive dose-response relationships with HSI, ZJU, and leptin, independent of sex. Leptin mediated the associations between lip and hair cosmetics, Co, Cu, and increased HSI and ZJU. Co and Cu biomarkers indicate an association between cosmetic use and biomarkers of hepatic steatosis in college students, in which leptin may play a mediating role. This exploratory study offers preliminary epidemiological evidence and suggests potential intervention targets for cosmetics-related liver health risks. However, given the indirect nature of HSI and ZJU and the observational design, causality cannot be inferred; further investigations are warranted.
The friction characteristics of organogel-type cosmetics play a crucial role in texture improvement. In this study, we evaluated the friction behavior of 32 organogel-type cosmetics when they were applied to artificial skin utilizing a sinusoidal motion friction evaluation system. The principal component analysis on the friction parameters demonstrated that the principal components Z1 and Z2 incorporated the static friction coefficient μs, dynamic friction coefficient μk, delay time δ, and viscosity coefficient C. The cluster analysis on Z1 and Z2 classified these cosmetics into four different categories based on friction dynamics: Group 1 comprised 14 formulations containing hydrogenated polyisobutene (a low-polarity oil) and triethylhexanoin (a medium-polarity oil); Group 2 comprises cosmetics with high pigment content, hardness and friction coefficient; Group 3 comprises cosmetics with high viscosity response. and positive velocity dependence due to the presence of various paste-type oils; and Group 4, in which the friction coefficient decreases with the increasing acceleration at the onset of sliding, demonstrates a negative viscosity coefficient. These cosmetics contain medium- to high-polarity oils exemplified by diisostearyl malate and tri(caprylic/capric)glyceryl. The classification method based on friction parameters proposed in this study is useful for understanding the application texture of organogel-type cosmetics and designing improved formulations.
Whitening is a core function of cosmetics， and ingredients including acetyl glucosamine， tranexamic acid， nicotinamide， phenethyl resorcinol， glabridin， and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate are widely used due to their clearly established whitening mechanisms. However， existing analytical methods face notable limitations： photodiode array detectors （PDA） cannot reliably detect weakly or non-ultraviolet （UV）-absorbing components； evaporative light scattering detectors （ELSD） suffer from inadequate sensitivity for low-concentration analytes； mass spectrometry （MS） is costly； and single-column cannot achieve the separation of ingredients with significantly different polarities. To address these challenges， this study established an analytical method for the determination of the six whitening ingredients in cosmetics using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and a corona charged aerosol detector （UPLC-PDA-CAD）. For sample pretreatment： 0.2 g of sample was weighed， and 10 mL dichloromethane and 10 mL deionized water were added for vortex extraction of whitening ingredients. The mixture was then centrifuged for phase separation. The aqueous layer and dichloromethane layer were collected separately. The aqueous layer was washed twice with dichloromethane； all dichloromethane fractions were combined， concentrated to less than 1 mL under a nitrogen stream， and finally made up to volume with isopropanol. Both the aqueous layer and the reconstituted isopropanol solution were filtered through 0.22 μm hydrophilic polytetrafluoroethylene （PTFE） membranes before UPLC injection. For chromatographic separation， a Waters HSS T3 column （150 mm×2.1 mm， 1.7 μm） was selected. The column temperature was set at 40 ℃， the injection volume was 1 μL， and the flow rate was 0.3 mL/min. The mobile phase consisted of isopropanol， acetonitrile， and 20 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution （pH adjusted to 4.5 using formic acid）， using a gradient elution program. For detection， a tandem PDA-CAD system was used： PDA （scan range 200-400 nm） was employed for components with UV absorption， while CAD （nebulization temperature 35 °C， acquisition frequency 5 Hz） was used for components with weak UV absorption. Quantification was performed using the external standard method.Method validation results showed good linear relationships for all six whitening ingredients within their respective concentration ranges. The correlation coefficients （r） were all greater than 0.999. The limits of detection （LODs， S/N=3） were 5.0-50.0 µg/g， and the limits of quantification （LOQs， S/N=10） were 12.0-120.0 µg/g. Spiked recovery tests were conducted on negative cosmetic matrices （emulsion， cream， oil） at low， medium， and high levels. The recoveries ranged from 92.8% to 110.1%， and the relative standard deviations （RSDs， n=6） were 0.12%-5.45%， indicating excellent precision and accuracy. This method was applied to seven commercially cosmetics. The results revealed that all target whitening ingredients declared on the product labels were detected， with significant differences in their content. Nicotinamide was the most frequently detected compound， found in five products， and also exhibited the highest concentrations， ranging from 0.19% to 2.29%. Phenethyl resorcinol was detected in three products， with contents ranging from 0.02% to 0.52%. Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate was detected in two products， at 0.09% and 3.08%， respectively. Acetyl glucosamine， tranexamic acid， and glabridin were each detected in only one product. In conclusion， this established UPLC-PDA-CAD method is simple， efficient， sensitive and accurate. It effectively overcomes the technical challenge of detecting whitening ingredients with widely varying polarities， offering reliable technical support for cosmetic quality control， regulatory supervision， and evaluation of product whitening efficacy and potential sensitization risks. 建立了一种超高效液相色谱-二极管阵列检测器串联电雾式检测器（UPLC-PDA-CAD）测定化妆品中乙酰壳糖胺、氨甲环酸、烟酰胺、苯乙基间苯二酚、光甘草定及抗坏血酸四异棕榈酸酯6种美白成分的分析方法。样品用二氯甲烷和水涡旋提取，收集二氯甲烷层和水层；水层经二氯甲烷洗涤后，合并二氯甲烷相，氮吹浓缩至<1 mL并以异丙醇定容。水层和异丙醇定容液分别过滤，注入液相色谱仪，通过Waters HSS T3柱（150 mm×2.1 mm，1.7 μm）分离。流动相为异丙醇-乙腈-20 mmol/L乙酸铵缓冲液（甲酸调节pH至4.0），采用梯度洗脱方式，以二极管阵列检测器串联电雾式检测器进行检测，外标法定量。分别对样品前处理方法和色谱条件进行了优化。在优化的实验条件下，6种美白功效成分在一定范围内线性关系良好，相关系数（r）均>0.999，在乳、霜、油3种化妆品基质中的加标回收率为92.8%~110.1%，相对标准偏差（RSD，n=6）为0.12%~5.54%。对市售的7款化妆品进行检测，检出的美白成分与产品包装标示成分一致，但各成分含量差异较大。烟酰胺的使用频率和测得含量均较高，5款产品的测试结果为0.19%~2.29%。该方法操作简便，稳定可靠，重复性好，适用于化妆品中这几种极性差异显著的美白成分的检测。
Terminology used to describe products applied to the vulva and vagina is inconsistent and poorly standardized, limiting clarity in research, clinical practice, and regulation. Products marketed under the umbrella of "feminine hygiene" or "intimate care" include both menstrual management items and products intended primarily for aesthetic purposes, such as douches, sprays, wipes, and scented tampons. The use of health-oriented language such as "hygiene" and "care" may imply medical necessity or health benefit despite limited evidence of therapeutic value and growing concern regarding chemical exposures associated with some of these products. Ambiguous terminology may obscure product function, hinder risk communication, and contribute to regulatory and research gaps. We propose the term intimate cosmetics to describe vulvovaginal products intended for aesthetic purposes rather than for menstrual management. This terminology aligns with established regulatory definitions of cosmetics as products applied to the body for cleansing, beautifying, or altering appearance, without implying disease prevention or treatment. Reframing these products as cosmetics more accurately reflects their intended use and clarifies distinctions between aesthetic and health-promoting interventions. Many intimate cosmetics contain fragrances and other chemicals associated with endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, or carcinogenicity, yet marketing claims such as "gynecologist tested" or "pH balanced" may confer an impression of clinical legitimacy. Clear, function-based terminology can improve research categorization, enhance post-market safety monitoring, and support more transparent regulatory oversight. Importantly, imprecise and gendered language may also reinforce stigma and obscure patterns of disproportionate exposure among populations already overburdened by environmental toxicants. Adopting the term intimate cosmetics represents a practical public health strategy to improve precision in scientific discourse, strengthen risk communication, and promote more equitable regulatory attention. Intentional, function-based nomenclature can better align product labeling, research, and policy with exposure realities and consumer protection goals.
Childhood burn injuries can lead to persistent digital contractures and contour deformities that affect both function and psychosocial well-being. We report the case of a 17-year-old female patient with a longstanding post-burn contracture and cosmetic deformity of the small finger after a burn sustained at age two, initially treated conservatively with compression dressings. Years later, she presented with residual soft tissue atrophy and tethering with clinically apparent foreshortening and expressed concern primarily about the cosmetic appearance. A modified Farmer's flap, traditionally described for hallux varus correction of the great toe, was adapted as a local rotational flap to address the soft tissue deficiency and restore contour after scar release. The procedure improved the overall appearance and contour of the small finger with a satisfactory cosmetic match using local tissue. At postoperative follow-up, the patient reported satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome; a decrease in small-finger range of motion was anticipated and accepted as a trade-off, and no complications were observed. This case demonstrates that Farmer's flap principles may be adapted for selected post-burn hand deformities when cosmetic restoration is a primary goal and local tissue rearrangement is appropriate.
The impact of globalization, along with the change in societal values and economic growth, has contributed to the growing popularity of cosmetic procedures across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This study explores the prevalence of cosmetic procedures and their correlation with body image perception in this region. Utilizing a comprehensive literature review of research published preferably between 2011 and 2024, this study explores the trends of surgical and non-surgical procedures, the demographics of the users, as well as the determinants of the decision to undergo the procedure in the region. Key determinants include social media popularity, an increased level of awareness towards aesthetic options, and cultural shifts. There is a growing trend of increasing acceptance of rhinoplasty, liposuction, and Botox procedures among women and men aged 20-40. The motivations behind these choices include societal trends, professional image, and self-esteem. However, disparities in access, cultural sensitivities, and ethical concerns persist, especially when balancing traditional values with modern beauty standards. The implications of cosmetic surgery go beyond aesthetics, encompassing physical health risks, psychological outcomes, and ethical dilemmas. Much attention has focused on strengthening robust regulatory frameworks, ethical practices, and patient education to ensure patients are safe and well-informed before making a decision. Moreover, the literature remains sparse on several fronts, including male underrepresentation, long-term psychosocial outcomes, and the influence of cultural and religious norms. Further investigation into these issues will broaden understanding and inform policy formulation in the rapidly evolving field of cosmetic surgery in GCC countries.
Restorative cosmetic dermatology involves the application of traditionally aesthetic techniques to correct appearance and function in patients with underlying medical dermatologic conditions. Restorative interventions can improve disease activity, physical function, and quality of life. This CME article reviews foundational principles for clinical implementation, including the classification of sequelae by morphologic features, a structured approach to patient evaluation, key elements of post-procedural care, and practical considerations. Morphologic classification guides treatment planning and patient counseling, while a structured evaluation framework helps identify appropriate candidates and procedural risk factors. Key management considerations include coordination with medical dermatology, screening for functional or psychosocial impairment, counseling patients on realistic expectations, and tailoring procedural approaches to high-risk populations. Thoughtful application within appropriate multidisciplinary settings can help restore skin integrity, improve patient confidence, and support long-term recovery.
To investigate the impact of music and white noise on the pain caused by cosmetic botulinum toxin injections. Seventy-six participants between the ages of 18 and 45 who requested cosmetic botulinum toxin application to the upper face were enrolled in the study in three groups: favorite music (20), white noise (31), and control (25). The first and second groups listened to their favorite music and white noise, respectively, during and 10 min after the procedures, while the control group was exposed to background noise only. The participants rated their pain levels during the procedure and the impact of the sound on their stress level using a visual analog scale ranging from 0 to 10. Additionally, the participants in both the music and white noise groups were surveyed regarding their preferences for sound intervention for future botulinum toxin procedures. The pain scores (95% confidence interval) for the control, music, and white noise groups were 6.80 [6.37-7.23], 5.7 [5.13-6.27], and 5.52 [4.99-6.04], respectively. Both the white noise group and the music group had significantly lower pain scores compared to the control group. Furthermore, individuals receiving botulinum toxin for the first time reported significantly higher pain scores than those who had prior experience with the treatment. Listening to white noise or music during cosmetic botulinum toxin injections can effectively reduce procedure-related pain. However, further studies are required to reveal the mechanism of action of sound applications in pain management during cosmetic procedures and to determine the selection of appropriate candidates and specific application conditions.
The true incidence of Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer associated with textured breast implants, remains uncertain due to limitations of implant exposure data and long-term follow-up. Concerns regarding other implant-associated malignancies are growing. This study aimed to determine the incidence of BIA-ALCL, non-BIA-ALCL lymphoma, and Breast Implant Associated-Squamous Cell Carcinoma (BIA-SCC). 10,339 women with a first-time breast implantation during 1998-2011 were identified in the nationwide prospective Danish Registry for Plastic Surgery of the Breast (DPB). Linkage to national health registries provided outcome data. Incidence of non-BIA-ALCL was compared with the incidence in 1) 3486 women with breast reduction or mastopexia and 2) 153,728 age-matched women from the general population. Cumulative incidences were estimated using competing risk models. We followed 8516 women with cosmetic and 1823 with reconstructive implantation for a median of 17.3 and 17.4 years, respectively. Five BIA-ALCL cases were identified. The incidence rate of BIA-ALCL among women with textured cosmetic implants was 2.83 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI, 0.77-7.26), and for the reconstructive cohort, 3.44 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI, 0.09-19.16). No statistically significant differences were found across indications or implant texturing types, and almost all implant brands on the market were involved. The incidence of other lymphomas after cosmetic implantation resembled that of the control cohorts. No BIA-SCC cases were identified. This study provides a population-based estimate of BIA-ALCL incidence, more precise and higher than most previous studies. No textured implants are without risk.
In laparoscopic surgery, specimen retrieval can require enlarging abdominal incisions, reducing the minimally invasive benefits. Transvaginal specimen extraction (TVSE) can offer a safer, more cosmetic alternative for women. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the safety and outcomes of TVSE compared with transabdominal extraction, regardless of surgical indication. EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to April 2025. Studies were grouped by design, surgical specialty, and extraction method (port enlargement versus mini-laparotomy) to explore heterogeneity. Twenty-five studies were included for 2751 patients (1144 TVSE, 1607 transabdominal extraction) in general, urologic, or gynecologic surgery. TVSE was associated with lower postoperative pain (mean difference -0.98, 95%CI -1.30 to -0.66), rescue analgesia use (OR 0.38, 95%CI 0.28 to 0.51), postoperative complications (OR 0.55, 95%CI 0.34 to 0.89), shorter hospital stays (mean difference -1.04, 95%CI -1.77 to -0.30), and higher cosmetic satisfaction (mean difference 0.91, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.35), especially versus mini-laparotomy. Blood loss, intraoperative complications, and dyspareunia did not differ. TVSE is associated with improved postoperative outcomes when it replaces mini-laparotomy, whereas less benefit is observed versus laparoscopic port-site enlargement. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin malignancy, often occurring in cosmetically sensitive facial areas. We report a case of a 46-year-old woman with BCC of the right nasal ala. The lesion had persisted for nine years, gradually enlarging, with recent ulceration and crusting. Skin biopsy confirmed BCC. The patient underwent Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), with the wound left to heal by secondary intention for 48 hours, followed by sequential 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) once weekly for five consecutive weeks. A freshly prepared 20 % 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) solution (118 mg, Shanghai Fudan-Zhangjiang Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd) was topically applied to the entire open defect of the right nasal ala and its 0.5 cm peripheral marginal area, occluded with aluminum foil to block light, and incubated for 3 h. After removal of the covering, the area was irradiated with 635-nm red light at 80 mW/cm²and 120 J/cm² for 20 min (Wuhan Yage Optic and Electronic Technique Co., Ltd). Approximately 5 months and 12 days after the final PDT session, repeat histopathology showed no residual tumor, and hypertrophic scar formation was observed. No recurrence or further BCC was noted during the 5-year follow-up. This case demonstrates that MMS combined with ALA-PDT can achieve effective local tumor control while preserving function and optimizing cosmetic outcome for BCCs larger than 1 cm in aesthetically sensitive facial areas.
Achieving tension-free scalp closure after decompressive craniectomy or cranioplasty can be quite demanding, especially in patients who have developed fibrosis or infection from previous procedures. In such situations, galeal scoring (galeotomies) can improve scalp mobility. Although this technique is well known in plastic surgery, it is not commonly reported in neurosurgical work. A 30-year-old man sustained a high-velocity head injury that produced a large right fronto-parietal acute subdural hematoma with marked midline shift. He underwent an emergency decompressive craniectomy, leaving the bone flap off. After recovery, a delayed cranioplasty was performed using a custom implant, but the wound later became infected, requiring removal of the prosthesis and repeated debridement. As a result, the scalp contracted, and primary closure became difficult. During the final reconstruction, several small galeal-relaxing cuts were made to relieve tension and allow a comfortable closure. The wound healed completely without further infection. At six months, the patient remained neurologically stable with a satisfactory cosmetic appearance. Galeal scoring offers a simple, inexpensive, and safe way to gain additional scalp mobility when closure is tight. It can often prevent the need for complex flap or graft procedures and is worth considering in similar neurosurgical cases.
The present study aimed to evaluate the incidence of short-term complications and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with breast cancer undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), and to identify associated influencing factors. The study prospectively analyzed clinical data from women who underwent BCS with IORT at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital (Tianjin, China) between March 2021 and June 2023. Telephone follow-up was conducted within 3 months post-surgery to assess surgery- and radiotherapy-related complications. HRQoL was evaluated using the BREAST-Q BCS module and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 27.0. Among 102 enrolled patients, common complications included incision site sclerosis (84.3%), pain (58.8%) and skin indentation (44.1%). Severe complications such as infection (7.8%) and delayed healing (12.7%) were less frequent. Grade I-II acute radiation dermatitis occurred in 73.5% of patients. Univariate analysis revealed that larger applicator size was significantly associated with higher-grade skin toxicity, skin indentation and irritation (P<0.01). Older age was a risk factor for incision infection and delayed healing (P<0.05). Larger tumor size (T stage) adversely affected satisfaction with breasts and chest physical well-being scores (P<0.01). The study concluded that, in patients with early-stage breast cancer treated with BCS plus IORT, 3-month postoperative complications are predominantly mild localized tissue reactions with rare severe events. Applicator size, age and tumor stage are significantly associated with early complications and acute-phase QoL, informing preoperative counseling and perioperative management optimization. However, this study only reflects acute recovery outcomes; long-term follow-up of the cohort is ongoing to evaluate late toxicities, cosmetic results and sustained QoL.
Fixation of the zygomatic arch (ZA) in zygomatic complex fractures is often avoided because traditional approaches are extensive and pose a risk to the facial nerve. The percutaneous minimal-access approach for open reduction and internal fixation of ZA offers a simple, effective alternative, while ensuring stable fixation. Unlike conventional hemicoronal or preauricular techniques, it avoids large incisions, reduces scarring, and preserves the facial nerve. Key advantages include shorter operative time, reduced hospital stay, improved cosmetic outcomes, and minimal additional equipment, making it cost-effective. Although potential nerve injury remains a concern, our experience with this approach revealed no such complications. This minimally invasive technique enhances patient safety, quality of care, and postoperative recovery, while also simplifying training and potentially influencing future surgical guidelines in indicated cases. Challenges include limited access to the posterior portion of ZA fractures. Comparative studies with a larger sample size are needed for broader validation.
Five medicinal plants with various therapeutic effects in Xinjiang (Helichrysum thianschanicum Regel, Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin, Artemisia rupestris L., Arnebia euchroma Johnst, and Hyssopus officinalis L.) are considered as promising raw materials of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and fragrance industries. Understanding the characteristics of rhizosphere bacterial communities can be critical in regulating the growth process of these medicinal plants. To clarify the plant-specificity of rhizobacterial assemblages and related driving factors of five medicinal plants, we compared their rhizosphere bacterial communities with those of non-planted soil (CK). Soil physicochemical properties were analyzed, and bacterial communities were characterized using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region. Results showed that rhizosphere soils of medicinal plants had significantly higher organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) than CK, with TP increasing by 2.6-2.9 times. Each medicinal plant rhizosphere harbored a highly specific bacterial community, with unique Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) accounting for 34.04-46.70% of total ASVs, while only 449 core ASVs were shared among all five plants. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Acidobacteriota dominated the rhizosphere, in contrast to the dominance of Actinobacteriota in CK. Chitinophagaceae, Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas and RB41 were selectively enriched in different plant rhizospheres. Total potassium (TK), TN, and TP were the key edaphic drivers, with TK negatively correlated with bacterial diversity, and TN/TP regulating the distribution of dominant genera. This study demonstrates high plant-specificity of rhizobacterial communities in Xinjiang medicinal plants and the dominant role of soil TK, TN, and TP, providing a scientific basis for the precise cultivation of medicinal plants and the development of specialized microbial agents.
Congenital longitudinal cleft earlobes (CLCEs) present a ginkgo leaf-shaped malformation with combined skin and soft-tissue deficiency along the inferior margin. No previous method has addressed both deficiencies while preserving earlobe length and contour. We introduce a simple, single-field procedure that combines a large, single Z-plasty for complete skin preservation with dermofat grafting for volumetric restoration. A Z-plasty was designed on the cleft-side skin, with the central limb placed along the cleft valley and the opposing limbs aligned with the anterior and posterior ridges of both lobules. After elevating both triangular flaps and fully releasing the contracted fibrotic tissue at the cleft base, a compact, dense dermofat graft harvested from the ipsilateral mastoid area was inserted into the inferior marginal defect and anchored to prevent superior migration. The Z-plasty flaps were then transposed and closed without skin sacrifice. Postoperatively, the superior portion of the earlobe was compressed to prevent graft displacement. At 16-32 months of follow-up, all reconstructed earlobes maintained stable volume and natural contour without horizontal or vertical shortening. This combined technique provides a reliable, tissue-preserving, and cosmetically favorable option for correcting CLCEs, effectively resolving both skin and soft-tissue deficiencies within a single operative field.
Cleft lip and palate affects facial esthetics, mastication, swallowing, and speech functions. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with congenital cleft lip and palate treated using a palatal obturator prosthesis and removable partial denture. The clinical examination revealed a residual palatal defect communicating with the nasal cavity, tooth loss, and a severely resorbed alveolar ridge. Functional and cosmetic rehabilitation was achieved using a palatal obturator prosthesis and a removable partial denture. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient was satisfied with the functional and esthetic outcomes of the prosthetic restoration, with improved psychological status and quality of life.
Conventional depigmenting agents suppress tyrosinase to reduce melanin but can compromise endogenous photoprotection, resulting in a persistent trade-off between whitening efficacy and UV resilience. Here, we engineer sulfur codoped carbon dots derived from arbutin and niacinamide (N, S-ANCD) to integrate enzymatic inhibition, ROS management, and UVB attenuation within a single ultrasmall nanoplatform. Spectroscopic characterization confirms sulfur incorporation and defect-enriched surface states that broaden UV absorption and favor nonradiative energy dissipation. N, S-ANCD exhibits strengthened tyrosinase inhibition and enhanced DPPH/ABTS radical quenching in vitro while maintaining low cytotoxicity and good hemocompatibility. In zebrafish, N, S-ANCD reduces melanin deposition within a defined safety window and mitigates UVB-induced tail-fin injury in both prevention and posttreatment paradigms. Mechanistically, N, S-ANCD lowers ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation, restores antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduces injury-associated fluorescence signals consistent with attenuated cell stress. Transcriptomic profiling further indicates coordinated reversal of UV-activated inflammatory and ferroptosis-related programs and normalization of extracellular matrix/adhesion remodeling toward tissue homeostasis. Together, these results demonstrate that sulfur codoped carbon dots enable low-dose depigmentation while maintaining photoprotection, and highlight defect- and surface-state modulation as a viable design principle for multifunctional cosmetic nanomaterials.
Nasal implants are an integral part of both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty. Alloplastic materials remain as a popular choice of nasal implant, especially in areas of the world where augmentation rhinoplasty is frequently performed. Many rhinoplasty surgeons and patients favor the use of alloplastic implants due to its advantages. Among the possible complications, extrusion and infection remain as the 2 of the most feared and dreaded complications in the use of alloplastic implants. In this review, we aim to highlight some of the unique challenges the revision rhinoplasty surgeon might face and our recommendations to their management.
Cutis laxa is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by defective elastic fiber formation, leading to loose, inelastic skin and a prematurely aged appearance. Autosomal dominant cutis laxa (ADCL) is an uncommon inherited form that generally presents later in life with relatively mild systemic involvement and is most commonly associated with mutations in the ELN  gene. We report a 17-year-old boy with a five-year history of progressive generalized skin laxity that began at 12 years of age. The laxity initially involved the face and gradually extended to the neck and trunk. His medical history was notable for two prior inguinal hernia repairs. There was no family history of similar complaints, and joint hyperextensibility was absent. Histopathological examination revealed reduced and fragmented dermal elastic fibers, confirmed by Elastic Van Gieson staining. Cardiovascular, pulmonary, and abdominal evaluations were unremarkable. The patient developed major depressive disorder secondary to cosmetic disfigurement. This case highlights the clinical variability of ADCL in adolescence and the importance of multidisciplinary management, psychosocial support, and long-term follow-up.