BC07 Current applications of optical coherence tomography in aesthetic dermatology: a scoping review

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging noninvasive imaging modality increasingly applied within aesthetic dermatology. While its use spans multiple procedures and conditions, the scope, methodological quality and outcome focus of the current literature remain heterogeneous, limiting comparability and translation into routine aesthetic practice. We aimed to map applications and methodological characteristics of OCT in aesthetic dermatology and identify trends and gaps. A scoping review was conducted in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and was reported following PRISMA-ScR guidance. Searches were performed across MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Library from inception to August 2025. Peer-reviewed studies involving adult participants undergoing aesthetic dermatology procedures or assessments where OCT was used to evaluate skin structure or outcomes were included. Studies were screened in two parallel groups using independent dual screening, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Data were extracted for study design, aesthetic indication, OCT technology and outcome measures, followed by thematic synthesis. The search identified 1478 unique records after deduplication, with 115 full-text articles assessed for eligibility. Common applications included monitoring procedures (laser treatments, radio­frequency microneedling, chemical peels) and in vivo assessment of injectable fillers (particularly hyaluronic acid) to evaluate filler depth, distribution and microvascular changes. Frequently studied conditions included scars, melasma or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and vascular lesions such as port-wine stains. Line-field confocal OCT and dynamic OCT were most commonly reported. Outcome measures focused on structural parameters and vascular features. Methodologically, the evidence base was dominated by observational studies and case series, with few randomized controlled trials. OCT was typically used adjunctively rather than for primary decision making. OCT has been applied across diverse aesthetic contexts as an objective tool for treatment evaluation and tissue characterization. However, the evidence is largely exploratory, with heterogeneous designs and outcomes. Further standardized, higher-quality studies with harmonized outcome reporting are needed to clarify the clinical utility of OCT in routine aesthetic practice.