A randomized,single-blind,study evaluating a 755-nm picosecond pulsed Alexandrite laser vs. a non-ablative 1927-nm fractionated thulium laser for the treatment of facial photopigmentation and aging

Background: Laser toning is one of the most popular strategies to treat facial photopigmentation and aging. Several laser modalities, including fractional non-ablative, Q-switched (QS) lasers and new generation picosecond lasers have been used for this indication. However, there is paucity of head to head comparisons of older generation of lasers with new ones.

Objective: To compare a 755 nm picosecond pulsed alexandrite laser with a non-ablative 1927 nm fractionated thulium laser for the treatment of facial photopigmentation and aging through a randomized, single-blind study.

Materials and methods: 20 subjects (skin types I–IV) were randomized to receive either four 755-nm picosecond alexandrite laser treatments, spaced 3 weeks apart, or two dual wavelength thulium fiber fractionated 1550/1927 nm laser treatments, spaced 6 weeks apart. Follow-up assessment visits occurred 4 and 12 weeks after the last study treatment.

Results: At the 4- and 12-week follow-up, both groups showed significant improvement of photoaging, pigmentation, skin quality according to the investigator and subjects assessments. When comparing the two groups, subjects in 755 nm group had statistically significant greater improvement in investigator assessments of photoaging/skin quality and subject satisfaction than those in the 1927 nm group.

Conclusion: Both the non-ablative 1927 and 755 nm picosecond laser can improve facial photopigmentation, but the latter can yield superior results with less pain and side effects according to patient and investigator assessments.     

Effect of mesotherapy with nanochip in the treatment of facial rejuvenation

ABSTRACT

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of mesotherapy with nanochip for facial rejuvenation.

Methods: 24 volunteers with aging skin were treated with a polycomponent formulation – NCTF® BOOST 135 HA for 5 times (once weekly for 3 times and successively biweekly for 2 times). Photographs were taken by VISIA at baseline, and after 1, 4, 10 weeks, while global scores for photoaging (GSP), improvement scores, volunteers’ satisfaction, parameters describing the properties of the skin, and adverse effects were assessed during each follow-up period.

Results: Total 20 volunteers completed the treatment. Evaluation of the whole face showed that GSP, skin texture (ophthalmic wrinkles, dermal thickness, and intensity of collagen fibers of skin), and skin brightness (Lab value) significantly improved at 4 weeks compared to baseline, while the difference between 4 and 10 weeks was not statistically significant. No evident improvement was observed in pigmented spots, telangiectasia, skin tightening, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin hydration. Slight erythema, pain was the most common side effect.

Conclusion: Mesotherapy with nanochip can improve skin texture and brightness, but the effect is not permanent. It is recommended that the treatment be used as a complementary method for patients with facial rejuvenation needs.     

Comparison of effectiveness of 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser and Nd:YAG laser–IPL combination treatments in hand skin rejuvenation

Objective: Evaluation of the efficacy and side effects of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and Nd:YAG laser–intense pulsed light (IPL) combination treatments in photorejuvenations of skin of the hand, and determining their impacts on patient satisfaction. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five female patients with signs of photoaging on the skin of their hands were included in the study. Three sessions of IPL and four sessions of Nd:YAG laser treatment were applied to the right hand in total with 2-week intervals between each session, whereas six sessions of Nd:YAG laser treatment were applied to the left hand of patients with 2-week intervals between each session. Results: The patients’ ages ranged between 31 and 78, and mean age was 60.77 ± 9.48. While there was no difference in pigment distribution, fine wrinkles, coarse wrinkles, and global scores between the right and left hand prior to treatment (p > 0.05), average pigment tone score was higher in the right hand with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). There was greater improvement in scores of pigment distribution, fine wrinkles, sallowness, pigment tone parameters, and global score on the right hand compared to left hand, which was statistically significant (p <0.001). Conclusion: In rejuvenation of photoaged dorsal skin of the hand, IPL–Nd:YAG laser combination treatment surpasses Nd:YAG laser treatment.     

An open-label trial examining the efficacy and safety of a pre- and postprocedure topical five-product system (Clinique Medical Optimizing Regimen) specifically formulated to complement laser/light-based facial cosmetic procedures

Abstract

Background: Specialized skin care regimens may help to minimize adverse events (AEs) following non-ablative facial procedures. Methods: A 14-week, open-label, three-center study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a topical five-product system (Clinique Medical Optimizing Regimen; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) for minimizing localized AEs during two 6-week procedure cycles with fractionated laser (FL) or intense pulsed light (IPL). The skin care regimen consisted of a 2-week preprocedure phase, a 1-week postprocedure phase, and a 3-week maintenance phase. Investigators and patients rated the presence and severity of erythema, itching, stinging/burning, edema, pain, pruritus, swelling, crusts/erosion, and photodamage. Results: Two days after the FL/IPL treatment (IPL: n = 27; FL: n = 21), most assessments, including erythema, were near baseline values; at 4 weeks postprocedure, all investigator scores were comparable to baseline. Patients missed work or avoided social situations a mean of only 0.8 days. Mean subject ratings for itching, stinging/burning, pain, swelling, and redness for 2 weeks postprocedure were ‘none’ to ‘mild’. Treatment-related AEs (acne, facial rash) occurred in four patients. All investigators stated they would recommend this topical over-the-counter regimen again in conjunction with non-ablative FL/IPL treatments. Conclusions: This topical five-product skin care system was safe and effective in conjunction with non-ablative FL/IPL procedures.     

A prospective study of safety and efficacy of combination therapy with bipolar radiofrequency-based intense pulsed light,infrared light,and diode laser in Chinese subjects with photoaged skin

Objective: To further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of bipolar RF-based optical therapy combining intense pulsed light (IPL), infrared light, and diode laser in the treatment of photoaged skin in Chinese subjects. Methods: Twenty-seven subjects received five treatments at 3-week intervals. Triple therapy was applied in one session to the face. Images and data were obtained 30 and 180 days after the last treatment. Objective measurements (including photometric analysis of skin pigmentation, texture and wrinkles, ultrasonic measurement of dermal thickness and dermal echo intensity, and public and self-assessment of apparent age), clinical assessment, and safety were evaluated. Results: Objective measurements of pigmentation, texture, wrinkles, and dermal echo intensity improved significantly, regardless of age. Self-assessment of apparent age at 30 and 180 days was reduced by an average of 2.7 and 2.2 years, respectively, and public assessment of apparent age was reduced by an average of 3.14 years and 2.95 years, respectively. Global scores for photoaging were improved in all patients. Adverse events were generally transient and mild. Conclusion: Sequential combination treatment reported here could significantly reduce skin pigmentation, texture and wrinkles, improve dermal intensity, and reduce the self and publicly perceived age. This therapy is safe and well tolerated.     

Treatment of facial telangiectasia with narrow-band intense pulsed light in Chinese patients

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of narrow-band intense pulsed light (DPL) in treating facial telangiectasia. Method: Thirty patients with facial telangiectasia underwent five sessions of treatment with DPL (500 nm～600 nm) at 4-week interval. The erythema index (EI), temperature, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and lightness of the skin (L) were measured before each treatment session and at each follow-up. Result: Thirty cases completed treatment and follow-ups. Twenty-seven cases (90%) got more than 50% clearance post-treatment and among them eight cases (27%) got more than 75% clearance. The average of the mean EI value decreased with the number of treatment sessions; the EI observed after two treatment sessions was significantly different from that observed before treatment (P = 0.012, P < 0.05). The decrease in skin temperature and TEWL values post-treatment was statistically significant (P = 0.000, P = 0.027, P < 0.05), while the L value increased significantly (P = 0.025, P < 0.05). Thirty percent cases had reccurence at 6-month follow-up. While burning sensation, erythema, and swelling were usually seen during the treatment, no severe side effects were observed during treatment and follow-ups. Conclusion: Narrow-band intense pulsed light DPL is effective and safe in treating facial telangiectasia.     

Effects of a fractional picosecond 1,064 nm laser for the treatment of dermal and mixed type melasma

Background: Picosecond laser is a novel modality for pigmented skin disorders with extremely short pulse duration. Little is known about the effects of the picosecond laser in melasma. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of fractional picosecond 1,064?nm laser in melasma treatment. Study design: A prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded, intra-individual split face comparative study. Methods: Female subjects with melasma were enrolled and received fractional picosecond 1,064?nm laser plus 4% hydroquinone cream on one randomly assigned side of the face; the results were compared to the use of hydroquinone cream only on the contralateral side. The modified melasma area severity index (mMASI) score, melanin index by Mexameter MX18®, participant satisfaction score by quartile rating scale, and the quality of life by the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were evaluated over 12 weeks. Results: Thirty female subjects completed the protocol. The mean (± standard deviation, SD) mMASI score at the 12-week visit was significantly reduced in the picosecond laser-treated areas compared to controls (3.52 ± 1.4 and 4.18 ± 2.03 respectively; p = 0.035). No differences were observed in the mean Mexameter melanin index, participant satisfaction score, and DLQI score. The observed adverse effects included transient mild erythema and mild skin desquamation. Conclusion: The addition of fractional picosecond 1,064?nm laser to 4% hydroquinone was effective and significantly better than 4% hydroquinone alone for the treatment of melasma.     

Accelerated photoaging induced by voriconazole treated with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Voriconazole is an antifungal agent mainly used against aspergillosis. Given its wide spectrum of action and limited adverse effects, it has replaced amphotericin B as the drug of choice in the prophylactic treatment of immunocompromised patients. Several adverse effects are caused by this drug with dermatological reactions accounting for 6% of the total. Such reactions include cheilitis, erythema, erosions, discoid lupus erythematosus, erythema multiforme, photosensitivity reactions, pseudoporphyria, accelerated photoaging and skin cancer. There are few reports on the accelerated photoaging caused by voriconazole and its effective treatment.

Here we present the case of a 6-year-old child with a history of chronic granulomatous disease under prolonged treatment with voriconazole, who developed accelerated photoaging lesions secondary to the chronic use of this antifungal agent. Treatment was initiated using Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with good results.     

A Chinese experience of fractional Ultrapulsed CO2 laser for skin rejuvenation

Abstract

Background and objectives: The ablative fractional CO₂ laser has been successfully used in treating photoaged skin in the Caucasian population. However, its application in Asian skin has not been widely reported. The purpose of this study is to observe the efficacy and safety of the protocol ‘ActiveFX’ for photodamaged facial skin in Chinese patients. Methods: A non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO₂ laser with specific settings is used in addition to a new computer pattern generator (CPG). Twenty patients received a single-session, single-pass, ablative fractional treatment on a split face. The patients were evaluated at baseline, and 1 and 3 months (M1, M3) after the treatment using a quartile grading scale. They were also asked to assess their overall satisfaction using a 4-point scale. The improvement of the coarse wrinkles was also quantitatively analyzed with a 3D in vivo imaging system. Results: At M1 and M3, the blinded investigator rated global improvement as 2.8 ± 0.95 and 3.00 ± 0.73, which was consistent with the patients' assessment (2.55 ± 0.83 at M1 and 3.15 ± 0.88 at M3). The roughness analysis (Rz) demonstrated a significant decrease in periorbital wrinkles (p < 0.0001). Minimal and reversible adverse side effects and rapid healing were noted. Conclusions: Non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO₂ laser resurfacing (ActiveFX) is considered an excellent treatment modality for photodamaged Chinese facial skin.     

A retrospective study of the efficacy of a new intense pulsed light for the treatment of photoaging: report of 70 cases

Abstract Background: Intense pulsed light (IPL) system incorporating optimal pulse technology has been developed to enhance the efficacy and safety of the treatment of photoaging. However, there are few clinical studies on the treatment of photoaging using the novel IPL. Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of a new IPL for the treatment of photoaging. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective study and reviewed photoaged skin lesions from 70 patients who were treated with IPL between May 2010 and February 2011. Two independent dermatologists performed assessment of global scores for photoaging. Patients were asked to rate the results and to report any adverse effects by phone interview. Results: The main problems of patients offered treatment were dyspigmentation, wrinkle, skin roughness, and telangiectasia. The patients received four to five treatments at 3- to 4-week intervals. After three to four treatments, 77.1% and 74% of patients experienced improvements in overall and pigmentation, respectively. 59 patients responded the phone interview expressing satisfaction of treatment. 89.8% of patients rated their overall improvement as excellent or good. No one reported severe adverse reaction. Conclusion: The novel IPL is an effective and safe treatment option for photoaged skin.     

Comparative efficacy of short-pulsed intense pulsed light and pulsed dye laser to treat rosacea

Background: Laser and light-based therapies have often been used successfully to treat rosacea. Recently, short-pulsed intense pulsed light (IPL) that emitted pulse durations down to 0.5 ms was found to be effective for rosacea treatment.

Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of short-pulsed IPL in the treatment of rosacea compared with pulsed dye laser (PDL) using same pulse duration and fluence.

Materials and Methods: Nine patients with rosacea were enrolled in a randomized, split-face trial. Each treatment consisted of four sessions at three-week intervals and followed up until three weeks after the last treatment. Efficacy was assessed by erythema, melanin index, physician’s subjective evaluation, and patient’s satisfaction.

Results: The mean change in erythema index was ?4.93 ± 1.59 for the short-pulsed IPL group and ?4.27 ± 1.23 for the PDL group. The mean change in melanin index was ?2.52 ± 2.45 for the short-pulsed IPL group and ?1.95 ± 1.41 for the PDL group. There was no significant difference in either melanin or erythema index between short-pulsed IPL and PDL treatments, and there were no noticeable adverse events.

Conclusions: There was no significant difference between PDL and short-pulsed IPL treatment using the same energies and pulse. Both PDL and short-pulsed IPL were satisfactory and safe for rosacea treatment.     

Four methods of evaluation of facial erythema and pigment treated with intense pulsed light or cream

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate methods of evaluation of patients with mild to moderate facial pigmentation or erythema and compare clinical and photographic grading with instrumental evaluation. Methods: Of the 24 female subjects treated, 12 were treated with intense pulsed light (IPL) and 12 were treated with daily cream program. Evaluations before and at 16 weeks consisted of:

1. Clinical examination and severity grading by a dermatologist without knowledge of treatment given.

2. Standardised photographs were evaluated by two other dermatologists without knowledge of treatment given.

3. A computer controlled photographic skin analysis systems was used to grade severity of erythema and pigmentation.

4. Subjects were asked to assess their response at the end of a 16-week period, that is, subject self-evaluation.

Results: On clinical evaluation of IPL subjects, 12 showed improvement. Of the cream subjects, 11 showed improvement. There was correlation between dermatologist facial examination and the instrumental method. Overall the different assessments showed a slightly greater trend for improvement with IPL treatments for erythema and pigmentation, but no statistical differences were found between the treatments using Student's t-test and Anova analysis of comparative improvement.     

Application of plasma-combined regeneration technology in managing facial acne scars

Background and Objectives: Plasma skin regeneration (PSR) and platelet-rich plasma（PRP） have gained popularity in the treatment of acne scars due to their efficacy and improved tolerability. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the synergistic effect of PRP plus PSR (plasma-combined regeneration technology, PCRT) in managing facial acne scars.

Methods: From March 2015 to June 2017，a total of 25 cases with facial atrophic acne scars were treated with PCRT treatment for three to five times. Treatments were repeated at an interval of 8 weeks．Treatment parameters were titrated to an immediate end point of moderate erythema. The clinical end point for cessation of treatment was the attainment of satisfactory clinical results. Results were monitored photographically up to 6 months after treatment. The efficacy and adverse effects were evaluated by using the following outcome parameters： the duration of edema,erythema and crusting; the degree of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and scarformation; subjective effective rate was evaluated by patients and physicians.

Results: 22 of 25 participants completed the study, and were followed up for 6–12 months. After three to five treatments, evaluation by patients showed that the total effective rate was 90.91%. Evaluation by two physicians showed that the total effective rate was 86.36%. Treatment was well tolerated by all participants. The total duration of side effects was 6.7 ± 1.7 days of edema, 8.1 ± 2.3 days of erythema,6.5 ± 1.8 days of crusting, respectively. No hyperpigmentation, depigmentation, and worsening of scarring were observed by the conclusion of the follow-up period．

Conclusion: These results provide initial evidence for the safety and effectiveness of PCRT as a well-tolerated modality for the treatment of acne scars. PCRT is an ideal treatment for facial acne scars with minimal side effect．     

810 nm diode laser for hair reduction with Chill-tip technology: prospective observational analysis of 55 patients of Fitzpatrick skin types III,IV,V

ABSTRACT

Background: Various light based technologies like Diode, long pulsed Nd:Yag and Intense Pulsed Light are used commonly for long-term hair reduction. The commonest indication is hirsutism.

Aim: 1. To evaluate efficacy and safety of 810 nm Diode laser in Fitzpatrick skin types III, IV and V.

2. To assess percentage of cases on the basis of indications, average number of sessions, fluence required, the long-term results and complications using diode laser in darker skin types.

Methods: A prospective observational study of 55 consecutive patients who came for laser hair reduction by 810 nm Light Sheer Diode laser with Chill tip technology was carried out. The sessions were conducted at an interval of 4–6 weeks and the patients were followed up over a period of 2 years. Data was analyzed using software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science. Ver.12, Inc. Chicago, USA).

Results: Fifty-five patients (51 females and 4 males) were studied. 67.3% (n = 37) had skin type IV. The most common area treated was chin (n = 23). The average growth reduction of terminal hair at the end of three sessions was 61.25%. Only 8% (n = 4) had short-term side effects.

Conclusion: Diode laser is highly effective for long-term hair reduction of terminal hair growth in Fitzpatrick skin type III, IV and V with no permanent side effects.

Abbreviations: LHR (Laser Hair Reduction)     

A prospective,randomized, double-blinded,split-face pilot study comparing Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG versus 532-nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of solar lentigines

Treating photoaging with laser technologies has increased in popularity due to their efficacy, minimal downtime, and side effects. New Q-Switched (QS) Nd:YAG lasers’ frequency doubled with 532 nm wavelength can both target epidermal chromophores as well as stimulate collagen production. The objective of this study was to compare single-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG with dual-pulsed 532-nm/1064-nm QS laser for reducing solar lentigines. Ten subjects with solar lentigines were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-face study. Subjects received six laser treatments (half-face dual, half single) at 2-week intervals. Blinded investigator and subject assessments were conducted 1 month posttreatment to evaluate global skin improvement, safety, and patient satisfaction. Blinded investigator assessments showed statistically significant improvement in the dual-treated side. Patient satisfaction was also statistically significantly increased in the dual-treated side. In conclusion, dual laser treatment can result in superior and safe global improvement of photoaging.     

A prospective study comparing topic platelet-rich plasma vs. placebo on reducing superficial perioral wrinkles and restore dermal matrix

Introduction: The goal of our prospective study was to assess the efficacy of the topical Platelet-rich plasma on reducing superficial perioral wrinkles and restoring the dermal matrix.

Materials and methods: 50 women with moderate to severe perioral wrinkles were treated on the perioral area by a single session of fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing plus intradermal injection of prp. 25 patients (group 1) applied topically prp twice a day for 12 weeks as post laser treatment. 25 (group 2) applied gentamicin and betamethasone twice a day for the first 7 days and then hyaluronic acid gel for the following 12 weeks.

Results: In group 1, moisture (p < 0.001), amount of collagen fiber (p < 0.001) skin elasticity (p < 0.001), PSAl (p < 0.001) and SSAl (p < 0.001) improved significantly. In group 2 all the parameters investigated improved but did not reach significant difference.

Discussion: Our medical device with a plasma-like formulation is able to maintain prp active for a period of 7 days so patients are able to apply topically growth factors at home.

Conclusions: Our prospective study proves that the use of topical prp reduces superficial perioral wrinkles and restore dermal matrix when used at home for 12 weeks.     

Randomized trial of electrodynamic microneedle combined with 5% minoxidil topical solution for the treatment of Chinese male Androgenetic alopecia

ABSTRACT

Background: In treating androgenetic alopecia, 5% minoxidil is a commonly used topical drug. By using electrodynamic microneedle at the same time may increase absorption of minoxidil and further stimulate hair growth.

Objective: A 24-week, randomized, evaluator blinded, comparative study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of treating Chinese male androgenetic alopecia using microneedle combined with 5% minoxidil topical solution. Methods: Randomized subjects received topical 5% minoxidil (group 1, n = 20), local electrodynamic microneedle treatments (group 2, n = 20), or local electrodynamic microneedle treatments plus topical 5% minoxidil (group 3, n = 20). A total of 12 microneedle treatments were performed every 2 weeks with 2ml 5% minoxidil delivery in group three during each microneedle treatment. Patient receiving topical 5% minoxidil applied 1 ml of the solution twice daily over the course of the study. A total of 60 Chinese male subjects with Norwood-Hamilton type III-VI androgenetic alopecia were treated.

Results: The mean improvement in total hair density from baseline to 24 weeks was 18.8/cm² in group 1, 23.4/cm² in group 2, and 38.3/cm² in group 3. The hair growth in the three groups was significantly different (P = 0.002), but there were no significant differences in toxicity found between the three groups.

Conclusions: Treatment with microneedle plus topical 5% minoxidil was associated with the best hair growth.     

UV decreases the synthesis of free fatty acids and triglycerides in the epidermis of human skin in vivo,contributing to development of skin photoaging

BackgroundAlthough fatty acids are known to be important in various skin functions, their roles on photoaging in human skin are poorly understood.ObjectiveWe investigated the alteration of lipid metabolism in the epidermis by photoaging and acute UV irradiation in human skin.MethodsUV irradiated young volunteers (21–33 years, n = 6) and elderly volunteers (70–75 years, n = 7) skin samples were obtained by punch biopsy. Then the epidermis was separated from dermis and lipid metabolism was investigated.ResultsWe observed that the amounts of free fatty acids (FFA) and triglycerides (TG) in the epidermis of photoaged or acutely UV irradiated human skin were significantly decreased. The expressions of genes related to lipid synthesis, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARγ) were also markedly decreased. To elucidate the significance of these changes of epidermal lipids in human skin, we investigated the effects of TG or various inhibitors for the enzymes involved in TG synthesis on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes. We demonstrated that triolein (TG) reduced basal and UV-induced MMP-1 mRNA expression. In addition, each inhibitor for various lipid synthesis enzymes, such as TOFA (ACC inhibitor), cerulenin (FAS inhibitor) and trans-10, cis-12-CLA (SCD inhibitor), increased the MMP-1 expression significantly in a dose-dependent manner. We also demonstrated that triolein could inhibit cerulenin-induced MMP-1 expression. Furthermore, topical application of triolein (10%) significantly prevented UV-induced MMP-13, COX-2, and IL-1β expression in hairless mice.ConclusionOur results suggest that TG and FFA may play important roles in photoaging of human skin.     

A study of multiple full-face treatments with low-energy settings of a 2940-nm Er:YAG fractionated laser

Abstract

Background and objective: Fractional Er:YAG 2940-nm laser resurfacing is a relatively new approach to the treatment of photodamaged skin. Typically, this approach uses fairly high delivered energies in order to create ‘microscopic wounds’ of tissue coagulation at various dermal depths. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of low-energy, multiple-treatment, fractional Er:YAG laser resurfacing for the treatment of photoaged skin. Methods: Sixteen subjects with photoaged skin received six, lower-fluence laser treatments with a 2940-nm wavelength Er:YAG laser, using a fractionated handpiece and a maximum energy of 30 mJ per micro-spot. Subject satisfaction, treatment tolerability, and subject outcome assessment were performed. Results: Of the 12 subjects who completed the trial, all recorded improvement in their treated skin; half reported over 50% improvement. Most patients reported none or only mild stinging and burning during and after treatment. There was no downtime associated with the procedure. No adverse events were reported. Patient satisfaction rates were high. Conclusion: Low-energy, multiple treatment, 2940-nm Er:YAG laser resurfacing with this novel device is a safe and well-tolerated method for the treatment of superficial to moderate photoaged skin.     

Combined treatment for skin laxity of the aging face with monopolar radiofrequency and intense focused ultrasound in Korean subjects

Background: Although various minimal invasive approaches are available for aging skin laxity, they alone may not lead to notably satisfactory results. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combination regimen with monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) and intense-focused ultrasound (IFUS) in facial lifting and tightening. Methods: Twenty-two Korean participants with aging face received a sequential single session of MRF and IFUS treatment. Objective and subjective assessments for improvement were performed at the 20-week post-treatment. Safety profiles were also recorded, and skin biopsies were taken at baseline and follow-up visit. Results: Based on the objective assessment for the overall facial skin tightening and laxity, 19 patients (90%) demonstrated “moderate” or better improvements (more than 25%) compared with baseline. Specifically, improvements of skin laxity and sagging, and droopy jaw line were more noticeable compared with that of superficial skin texture (P < 0.05). Subjective satisfactions were generally consistent with objective findings, and no serious adverse effect was observed. Histologic evaluation showed increased dermal collagen fibers throughout the dermis after treatments (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Combination treatment of MRF and IFUS has cumulative benefits for skin lifting and tightening with satisfactory safety profiles in Asian subjects.