Facial cosmetic therapy use amongst patients with systemic sclerosis: an Australian cohort study

OBJECTIVE: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with numerous facial manifestations for which patients may engage in cosmetic therapies. It is unclear how patients with SSc use these therapies. This study sought to characterise patient engagement and experiences with cosmetic therapies for SSc-related and non-SSc-related facial changes. METHODS: SSc patients enrolled in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study at three Australian public tertiary hospitals and one private practice were invited to complete a de-identified questionnaire. Participants were asked about their engagement and perceived outcomes with cosmetic therapies including topical cosmeceuticals, injectable therapies, energy based devices/laser therapies and surgical procedures for facial changes. Descriptive statistics were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 616 patients invited, 241 participants completed the questionnaire with 119 (49.4%) responders reporting previously or currently considering a facial cosmetic therapy and 55 (22.8%) reporting use of at least one therapy. Of those who considered but did not go ahead with a therapy, 32 (50.0%) did not proceed due to cost and 24 (37.5%) due to safety concerns. A total of 159 facial cosmetic therapies were reported. These included topical cosmeceuticals (42.1%), injectable therapies (32.1%), energy based devices/laser therapies (22.6%) and surgical procedures (2.5%). Almost two thirds (64.2%) were performed for SSc-related facial changes. Responders reported perceived improvement with 116 (73.0%) cosmetic therapies and adverse events for 25 (15.7%). Most adverse events were mild. CONCLUSION: Patients with SSc engage broadly with cosmetic therapies for both SSc-related and non-SSc-related facial changes. Most users reported subjective improvement and few serious adverse effects were reported.