A review on laser and light-based therapies for alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a form of non-scarring alopecia that results from a hyperactive immune response of T cells against hair follicles. Many patients with visible hair loss experience psychological and emotional distress, as a result of their cosmetic disfigurement, and frequently seek treatment. However, existing treatment methods, such as corticosteroids, topical irritants, sensitizing agents, immunosuppressants, and psoralen plus ultraviolet light A, may result in various adverse effects and often lack efficacy. Laser and light treatments offer a safe and effective alternative. This review aims to provide clinicians with a comprehensive summary of laser and light-based modalities used for the treatment of alopecia areata. Currently, the excimer laser is the most widely studied device and has shown positive results thus far. However, the development of future randomized controlled clinical trials will help determine the appropriate treatment protocols necessary, in order to achieve superior clinical outcomes.     

Treatment of vascular lesions located in the lip and in the oral cavity with Nd:YAG laser

Vascular lesions such as hemangiomas can be found in the oral cavity. Some therapeutic modalities can be used in the treatment of these lesions and Nd:YAG 1064 nm long pulse laser shows good results with easy application, fewer complications and satisfactory results. This study describes the technique and outcome of a case of hemangioma located on the tongue treated with Nd:YAG laser.     

Curative effects of microneedle fractional radiofrequency system on skin laxity in Asian patients: A prospective,double-blind,randomized, controlled face-split study

Background: To date, no studies compared curative effects of thermal lesions in deep and superficial dermal layers in the same patient (face-split study). Objective: To evaluate skin laxity effects of microneedle fractional radiofrequency induced thermal lesions in different dermal layers. Methods and Materials: 13 patients underwent three sessions of a randomized face-split microneedle fractional radiofrequency system (MFRS) treatment of deep dermal and superficial dermal layer. Skin laxity changes were evaluated objectively (digital images, 2 independent experts) and subjectively (patients’ satisfaction numerical rating). Results: 12 of 13 subjects completed a course of 3 treatments and a 1-year follow-up. Improvement of nasolabial folds in deep dermal approach was significantly better than that in superficial approach at three months (P=.0002) and 12 months (P=.0057) follow-up. Effects on infraorbital rhytides were only slightly better (P=.3531). Conclusion: MFRS is an effective method to improve skin laxity. Thermal lesion approach seems to provide better outcomes when applied to deep dermal layers. It is necessary to consider the skin thickness of different facial regions when choosing the treatment depth.