Aesthetics research
The research section of the website contains aesthetics-related research carried out by specialists around the world, including Dr Leonie Schelke, Dr Peter Velthuis, Dr Tom Decates, Dr Jonathan Kadouch & Dr Tom van Eijk.
The information is updated automatically on a daily basis.
Abstracts & full-text articles are provided, where available.
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Recent articles include:
Steven Harris
PMID: 41588667
Aesthet Surg J. 2026 Jan 27:sjag022. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjag022. Online ahead of print.
NO ABSTRACT
Tom Decates
PMID: 41591286
J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2026 Jan 27:1-13. doi: 10.1080/14764172.2026.2617549. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms and triggers of delayed-onset inflammatory responses DIRs after hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers injections. The literature review included articles on DIRs following HA filler treatments and identified immunological triggers, bacterial contamination, and filler degradation as key factors contributing to DIRs. Additionally, patient data were analyzed from patients treated for DIRs and showed possible immune activation events prior to DIRs included flu-like symptoms. This study underscores the complexity of DIRs following HA filler treatments and the need for transparency from manufacturers. Comprehensive ingredient data are crucial to better understand DIRs and ensure patient safety.
Rosa Sigrist, Ximena Wortsman
PMID: 41541901
JPRAS Open. 2025 Dec 12;48:425-433. doi: 10.1016/j.jpra.2025.11.034. eCollection 2026 Mar.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A slim ankle is considered a hallmark of beauty in modern aesthetics. Excessive muscular hypertrophy, particularly of the deep calf muscle (soleus), can lead to a thick ankle appearance that detracts from an overall refined leg contour. Although surgical approaches have been used historically, they carry risks such as scarring, contracture, and unpredictable outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A (JETEMA THE TOXIN, JETEMA Co., Ltd. Korea) injections for improving ankle contour in patients with thick ankles.
METHODS: Three adult female patients with noticeably hypertrophic calf muscles underwent ultrasound-guided injection of 20 units of botulinum toxin into the soleus muscles. Needles were inserted with ultrasound guidance to ensure precise real-time visualization and accurate injection into the soleus muscles. Ankle circumference and soleus muscle thickness were measured pre-treatment and at 8 weeks post-treatment using standardized methods. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to evaluate statistical significance.The manuscript was checked against the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist (Supplemental Appendix).
RESULTS: All patients exhibited a reduction in ankle circumference (approximately 6.7-7.1 %) and soleus muscle thickness (around 14-15 %) at the 8-week follow-up. The Wilcoxon test revealed statistically significant differences (p = 0.001) between pre- and post-treatment values. Visual assessment of photographic records further confirmed a noticeably slimmer and more refined ankle contour.
CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections appear to be a safe and effective minimally invasive approach for ankle contouring, achieving clinically meaningful reductions in muscle bulk with high patient satisfaction.