Noninvasive skin imaging in esthetic medicine—Why do we need useful tools for evaluation of the esthetic procedures

Background Despite the constant development of aesthetic medicine, there is still a lack of objective methods to assess the effectiveness of antiaging treatments and their impact on the skin. Histopathological examination of the skin section provides most of the key information about the condition of the skin, but it is an invasive procedure that requires a skin biopsy, which may be associated with the formation of a scar that is considered to be an aesthetic defect. Non‐invasive imaging methods of the skin like dermoscopy, skin ultrasonography and reflectance confocal microscopy may be a useful solution. Aims and Methods In this systematic review, we present the possible application of noninvasive skin imaging methods in esthetic medicine. The literature search was conducted via medical database (PubMed, Google Scholar). Results The research suggests the use of dermoscopy during laser therapy, for the targeted treatment of vascular lesions and appropriate adjustment of laser parameters. Skin ultrasonography, especially high‐frequency ultrasonography, has been widely used in aesthetic medicine‐during and after volumetric treatments and in the assessment of the effects of anti‐cellulite therapies, treatments that correct discolorations and improve skin quality. Publications also highlight the importance of reflexive confocal microscopy in the evaluation of the results of anti‐aging treatments using the fractional laser, moisturizing preparations or micro puncturing combined with hyaluronic acid injections. Conclusion Non‐invasive skin imaging methods are useful tools for pre‐ and postoperative assessment in aesthetic medicine and their wide application may help to objectively assess the impact of anti‐aging procedures on the skin.