Editorial

Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology''''''''s editorial goal continues to be dis- seminating the findings of Brazil''''''''s dermatologic surgery and cosmetic dermatology specialities, as can be seen from the content of the current issue.

Such is the frequency and importance of some disorders that they constantly call for new studies. The recurrence of acne following treat- ment with isotretinoin and the quality of life in melasma were described in original investigation articles. Likewise, hypomelanosis – which for a long time had no clear etiopathogeny or recommended treatment – can now be treated with minocycline, as suggested by a double-blind ran- domized study.

Comparing the cutaneous responses to solar exposure of Caucasian and Asian women was the subject of an interesting study. In turn, an analysis of 493 cases revealed that 308 nm Excimer laser-based treatment of vitiligo is very promising.

A new mineral water from Serra do Japí, in the countryside of São Paulo State, Brazil, was the object of a comprehensive and well-conduct- ed study that demonstrated important properties of human skin.

Among procedures that are considered minimally invasive, cuta- neous filling techniques deserve great emphasis not only for the frequen- cy with which they are now carried out, but also for the undesirable effects that may result. In this issue, there are two studies that focus on the safety of those techniques: the evaluation of radiological images produced by calcium hydroxyapatite and the use of delicate cannulas instead of needles to fill the lip area.

Two articles focused on surgeries in the upper lip. One reported on reconstruction after the removal of a large basal cell carcinoma, while the other described rejuvenating this area by the simultaneous exeresis of subnasal skin and dermabrasion.

CME and revision articles emphasized a complete and up-to-date understanding of micrographic surgery and palpebral hyperpigmenta- tion, respectively. Successful treatments, such as the exeresis of large keloids in the earlobe combined with bleomycin injections, and the case report of a large scalp ulceration by a surgeon in the city of Luanda, Angola, were described.

In addition, the reader will find a report about treating earlobe clefts with trichloroacetic acid, which confirms the versatility of this caustic agent, and a study suggesting that dermatoscopy is a considerably effec- tive technique for use in pregnant women with melanocytic lesions.

Good reading for all