CANS Pharmacology & Medications in Aesthetics 3

Question 1

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA/Sculptra) differs from HA fillers in that it primarily works by:

Accepted Answer

Stimulating the body's own collagen production over weeks to months as a biostimulator

Answer

Providing immediate volumization through water-binding hydrogel expansion

Answer

Cross-linking with native tissue proteins to create permanent structural support

Answer

Blocking neural signals to the overlying musculature similar to neurotoxins

Question 2

Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA/Radiesse) injections carry elevated risk in the glabellar and periorbital regions primarily because:

Accepted Answer

CaHA is irreversible and cannot be dissolved, making vascular occlusion near ophthalmic vessels untreatable

Answer

CaHA particles are too large to pass through facial vessels in any region

Answer

CaHA causes a stronger inflammatory reaction in thin-skinned areas

Answer

CaHA migrates more readily than HA in highly mobile facial zones

Question 3

Alpha-arbutin is used as a hydroquinone alternative for hyperpigmentation because it:

Accepted Answer

Is hydrolyzed slowly to release low concentrations of hydroquinone, inhibiting tyrosinase with fewer side effects

Answer

Directly absorbs UV radiation to prevent new melanin formation

Answer

Exfoliates the epidermis mechanically to remove pigmented keratinocytes

Answer

Stimulates melanocytes to redistribute melanin more evenly across the epidermis

Question 4

The Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype Scale (I–VI) is most clinically relevant in aesthetic nursing for:

Accepted Answer

Guiding laser/energy device parameter selection and predicting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk

Answer

Calculating the volume of dermal filler needed for facial contouring

Answer

Diagnosing acne severity and selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy

Answer

Determining candidacy for surgical blepharoplasty referral

Question 5

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid exert their primary exfoliating effect by:

Accepted Answer

Disrupting ionic bonds between corneocytes at the stratum corneum, promoting desquamation

Answer

Inhibiting melanin synthesis at the epidermal basal layer

Answer

Directly stimulating fibroblast collagen production in the reticular dermis

Answer

Inhibiting bacterial lipase activity to reduce comedone formation

Question 6

Topical corticosteroids in the aesthetic setting are best used to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce erythema and inflammation in steroid-responsive dermatoses as a targeted short-term treatment

Answer

Accelerate re-epithelialization after fractional laser resurfacing

Answer

Prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation routinely after all laser procedures in dark skin types

Answer

Enhance the penetration and potency of topical retinoids

Question 7

In the event of suspected hyaluronic acid filler-induced vascular occlusion, the immediate first-line pharmacological intervention is:

Accepted Answer

High-dose hyaluronidase injected aggressively throughout the affected vascular distribution

Answer

Subcutaneous epinephrine 1:1000 injected at the occlusion site

Answer

Topical nitroglycerin paste applied broadly to the blanched region

Answer

Oral prednisone 60 mg administered immediately to reduce inflammatory vasospasm