Esthetic and cosmetic dermatology

The field of esthetic and cosmetic dermatology has gained remarkable interest all over the world. The major advantage of recent years is the high scientific levels of the most significant new developments in techniques and pharmacotherapy and other nonsurgical approaches. The present paper reviews selected fields of interest under this view. Sexual hormones are involved in the aging process of men and women. Skin function, in particular the epidermal barrier, is affected by a loss of endocrine activity. Hormone replacement therapy has only recently been introduced in treatment of aging males. This is an area of gender-medicine in dermatology with a strong well-aging attempt. Botulinum toxin therapy for hyperfunctional lines has become not only well-established but evidence-based medicine on its highest level. Recent advantages were gained in objective evaluation and monitoring the effect. Digital imaging techniques with various facets have been introduced to assess the achievements of treatment in the most objective way. This may become an example for other techniques as peeling, laser therapy, or radiofrequency in esthetic and cosmetic dermatology. Botulinum toxin has become a valuable tool for brow lifts. Details of the technique are discussed. Cellulite is a strongly female gender-related condition. During the past decades numerous treatments had been recommended but only recently a more critical scientific approach led to improvements in therapy of this common and disfiguring condition. Three major approaches are developed: (a) skin loosing with techniques such as subcision, (b) skin tightening with radiofrequency and other approaches, and (c) improving circulation in blood and lymphatic microvasculature using both physical treatments and pharmacotherapy. The last two chapters are devoted to body sculpturing by lipotransfer and lipolysis. Lipotransfer for facial or body sculpturing has a history of about 100 years. Nevertheless, recently the role of adult stem cells in adipose tissue has gained much interest. By optimizing the harvesting, storage, and transplantation of adipose tissue, remarkable long-standing results have been obtained. Here the present authors will focus on midface contouring, where lipotransfer competes with dermal fillers. Lipolysis is another effective tool in body sculpturing. The present authors will focus on recent advances in laser-assisted lipolysis for delicate body sculpturing in the submental region but also for gynecomastia abdominal region, flanks, and hips. In conclusion, esthetic and cosmetic dermatology has become a scientific-based subspeciality of dermatology with evidence-based treatments and a great variety of high-tech approaches to provide more effective, more selective, and safer therapeutic options.