Search

BACKGROUND Laser treatment of childhood hemangiomas remains controversial. Previous studies have used outdated technology, resulting in a potential overrepresentation of adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate outcomes of hemangiomas treated with the most current laser technology. METHODS A retrospective chart analysis of 90 patients with a median age of 3.0 months and a total of 105 hemangiomas were enrolled over a 2.5-year period. All were treated with the 595-nm long-pulse pulsed-dye laser (LP-PDL) with dynamic epidermal cooling at 2- to 8-week intervals depending on the stage of growth. Exclusion criteria were previous laser, surgical, or corticosteroid treatment. Three reviewers assessed outcomes. RESULTS Near-complete or complete clearance in color were achieved for 85 (81%) and in thickness for 67 (64%) hemangiomas. There was no scarring or atrophy. Ulceration occurred in one case and resolved during treatment. Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation occurred in 4% and 14% of hemangiomas, respectively. CONCLUSION Early treatment of childhood hemangiomas with the 595-nm LP-PDL with dynamic cooling may reduce the proliferative phase and result in excellent rates of clearing and few adverse events.

Background and Objectives Numerous body contouring and laser-assisted liposuction devices have recently obtained or are seeking FDA clearance, and assessment of efficacy of these devices is largely based upon qualitative comparisons of before and after photographs and measurable changes in patient circumference. The current standard for measuring body circumference in clinical trials involves the use of a standard measuring tape. These manual measurements introduce human error and may incorrectly support or refute a device or procedure's efficacy. A promising alternative to manual measurements is three-dimensional (3D) photography. This technology allows circumference measurements to be performed on 3D digital models. Our objective is to compare the precision and reproducibility of manual versus 3D photographic measurement of body circumference. Study Design/Materials and Methods Thirty subjects completed this IRB approved study. Each subject's thighs and abdomen were measured twice by each of two blinded investigators and twice by the 3D system. Results For right and left thigh circumference, the variance of the replication errors [measurement 1−measurement 2] for the human investigators was 20.5% larger than the variance for the 3D photography system. For abdominal circumference, the variance for the human investigators was 231.3% larger than the variance for the 3D system. Conclusions 3D photography is a valuable tool that enables investigators to reliably detect minute changes in body shape; consequently, 3D photography reduces the number of subjects needed to sufficiently power a clinical study. For studies involving abdominal circumference, utilizing 3D photography reduces the number of subjects needed by 1/2 to 2/3. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:767–773, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Background and Objectives: Skin laxity of the body is a growing cosmetic concern. Laxity can result from chronological or photoaging and changes in body dimensions during pregnancy or weight loss. The end result is loose, sagging skin, and localized fat deposits. Liposuction and abdominoplasty or brachioplasty are established approaches to these issues. Patient desire for alternatives tosurgical correction has spawned thedevelopment of noninvasive body contouring devices. The combination of infrared light (IR), bipolar radiofrequency (RF), vacuum and mechanical massage (Velashape, Syneron Medical Ltd, Israel) has demonstrated efficacy in improving skin appearance and circumference of the thighs [Goldberg et al., Derm Surg 2008; 34:204‐209; Fisher et al., Derm Surg2005;31:1237‐1241;ArnoczkyandAksan,JAmAcad OrthopSurg2000;8:305‐313;AlsterandTanzi,JCosmetic Laser Therapy 2005; 7:81‐85; Wanitphakdeedecha and Manuskiatti, J Cosmet Dermatol 2006; 5:284‐288; Nootheti et al., Lasers Surg Med 2006; 38: 908‐912], but only anecdotalevidencehassupporteditsuseonotheranatomic locations. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Velashape on additional body sites and more rigorously examine the technology’s impact on upper arm as well as abdominal and flank circumference. Study Design and Methods: Subjects were 28‐70 years old, skin types I‐V. Nineteen subjects underwent 5 weekly treatments of the upper arms, and 10 subjects underwent 4 weekly treatments of the abdomen and flanks. Treatments were performed using Velashape. Circumference measurements, photographs, and subject weights were performed prior to treatment and at 1- and 3-month followups. Subjects were asked to record their treatment satisfaction level. Results: Change in arm circumference, at the 5th treatment was statistically significant with a mean loss of 0.625cm. At 1- and 3-month follow-ups, mean loss was 0.71 and 0.597cm respectively. Reduction of abdominal circumferenceat3rdtreatmentwasstatisticallysignificantwitha 1.25cm mean loss. At 1- and 3-month follow-ups, average loss was 1.43 and 1.82cm respectively. Conclusions: This study demonstrates with statistical significance, sustainable reduction in circumference and improvementinappearanceofarmsandabdomenfollowing treatment with Velashape. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:791‐798, 2009. ! 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The field of nonsurgical laser resurfacing for aesthetic enhancement continues to improve with new research and technological advances. Since its beginnings in the 1980s, the laser-resurfacing industry has produced a multitude of devices employing ablative, nonablative, and fractional ablative technologies. The three approaches largely differ in their method of thermal damage, weighing degrees of efficacy, downtime, and side effect profiles against each other. Nonablative technologies generate some interest, although only for those patient populations seeking mild improvements. Fractional technologies, however, have gained dramatic ground on fully ablative resurfacing. Fractional laser resurfacing, while exhibiting results that fall just short of the ideal outcomes of fully ablative treatments, is an increasingly attractive alternative because of its far more favorable side effect profile, reduced recovery time, and significant clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The effects of fractional resurfacing on eyelid tightening and aperture are unknown. Our purpose was to retrospectively examine the potential for eyelid tightening and eyeaperture opening in patients treated with nonablative fractional resurfacing for facial photorejuvenation. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS Fractional laser treatments using a 1,550-nm erbium-doped fiber laser system on the upper and lower eyelids were given at a pulse energy of 17 to 20mJ at 125 micro-thermal zones (MTZ)/cm 2 to a final density of 500 to 750MTZ/cm 2 . Each patient had 3 to 7 treatments. Standard pre- and post-treatment photographs were taken at each visit. Physicians who graded 31 preselected patient photographs using a 4-point scale evaluated eyelid tightening. Increase in eyelid aperture was also evaluated. RESULTS All patients had some degree of eyelid tightening; 19% achieved 1% to 25% tightening, 26% achieved 25% to 50%, 26% achieved 50% to 75%, and 29% achieved 75% to 100%. Increase in eyelid aperture was seen in 55.9% of patients. Postoperative wounding, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, persistent erythema, and scarring were not observed. All patients experienced mild or no edema for a few days after treatment. CONCLUSION Fractional resurfacing tightens and increases eyelid aperture without wounding, downtime, or long-term complications. Dr. Geronemus is a shareholder in Reliant Technologies.

Background: Acneiform scarring after severe episodes of acne is a common cosmetic concern, treatable by a variety of modalities with varying degrees of success. Ablative CO2 laser resurfacing, while effective, is associated with an undesirable side effects profile, lengthy recovery period, and risk of infection as well as potential pigmentary alterations. Newer modalities using the principles of fractional photothermolysis (FP) create patterns of tiny microscopic wounds surrounded by undamaged tissue beneath the skin with an erbium-doped 1,550 nm laser. These devices produce more modest results in many cases than traditional carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers but with fewer side effects and shorter recovery periods. A novel ablative 30 W CO2 laser device uses a technique called ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR), combines CO2 ablation with a FP system. Methods: Thirteen subjects (skin types I–IV, aged 28– 58 years) with moderate to severe acne scars underwent two or three treatments with the AFR device at 1–2 months intervals. Post-treatment erythema and edema as well as improvements in texture, atrophy, and overall satisfaction with appearance were graded on a quartile scale by subjects and investigators after each treatment and 1 and 3 months after the final treatment. Petechiae, oozing and crusting, dyschromia, and scarring were graded as present or absent 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months following each treatment. A three-dimensional optical profiling system (Primos imaging) was used to generate a high resolution topographic representation of the acneiform scar in order to measure the depths of 10 scars from each cheek prior to the first treatment and 3 months after the last treatment. Results: Post-treatment side effects were mild to moderate and transient, resolving rapidly within the study period. No delayed onset hypo-pigmentation or permanent scarring was observed. Quartile grading scores correlating to at least 26–50% improvements in texture, atrophy, and overall improvement were noted in all patients. Primos topographic analysis showed that all patients had quantifiable objective improvement in the depths of acneiform scars that ranged from 43% to 79.9% with a mean level of improvement of 66.8%. Conclusion: Successfully combining ablative technology with FP, AFR treatments constitute a safe and effective treatment modality for acneiform scarring. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:381–386, 2008. 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Background Port wine stains (PWS) affect 0.3–0.5% of both sexes of newborns, usually occurring on the face. Objective To document safety and effectiveness of cryogen spray cooled, pulsed-dye laser at higher fluences than previously used to lighten facial PWS in infants ≤6 months, and establish that frequent treatment early in life yields better clearance than if delayed until later in life. Materials and Methods Forty-nine infants who had been treated with pulsed-dye laser treatments for facial PWS at ≤6 months were identified by case review of photographs, age, sex, PWS severity score prior to laser treatment, number of treatments, and improvement following laser therapy. Results Patients averaged 9.3 (range 2–16) treatments at 4–6 week intervals at 7.75–9.5 J/cm2. Average surface area treated was 24.0% with 88.6% average clearance after 1 year. Average clearance was 90.7% for lesions covering

Patient-reported outcomes data are needed to determine the efficacy of cosmetic procedures.To describe the development and psychometric evaluation of 8 appearance scales and 2 adverse effect checklists for use in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.We performed a psychometric study to select the most clinically sensitive items for inclusion in item-reduced scales and to examine reliability and validity with patients. Recruitment of the sample for this study took place from June 6, 2010, through July 28, 2014. Data analysis was performed from December 11, 2014, to December 22, 2015. Pretreatment and posttreatment patients 18 years and older who were consulting for any type of facial aesthetic treatment were studied. Patients were from plastic surgery and dermatology outpatient clinics in the United States and Canada (field-test sample) and a clinical trial of a minimally invasive lip treatment in the United Kingdom and France (clinical trial sample).The FACE-Q scales that measure appearance of the skin, lips, and facial rhytids (ie, overall, forehead, glabella, lateral periorbital area, lips, and marionette lines), with scores ranging from 0 (lowest) to 100 (highest), and the FACE-Q adverse effects checklists for problems after skin and lip treatment.Of 783 patients recruited, 503 field-test patients (response rate, 90%) and 280 clinical trial participants were studied. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 47.4 (14.0) years in the field-test sample and 47.7 (12.3) years in the clinical trial sample. Most of the patients were female (429 [85.3%] in the field-test sample and 274 [97.9%] in the clinical trial sample). Rasch Measurement Theory analyses led to the refinement of 8 appearance scales with 66 total items. All FACE-Q scale items had ordered thresholds and acceptable item fit. Reliability, measured with the Personal Separation Index (range, 0.88-0.95) and Cronbach α (range, 0.93-0.98), was high. Lower scores for appearance scales that measured the skin (r = -0.48, P.001), lips (r = -0.21, P = .001), and lip rhytids (r = -0.32, P.001) correlated with the reporting of more skin- and lip-related adverse effects. Higher scores for the 8 appearance scales correlated (range, 0.70-0.28; P.001) with higher scores on the core 10-item FACE-Q satisfaction with facial appearance scale. In the pretreatment group, older age was significantly correlated with lower scores on 5 of the 6 rhytids scales (exception was forehead rhytids) (range, -0.28 to -0.65; P = .03 to.001). Pretreatment patients reported significantly lower scores on 7 of the 8 appearance scales compared with posttreatment patients (exception was skin) (P.001 to .005 on independent sample t tests).The FACE-Q appearance scales and adverse effects checklists can be used in clinical practice, research, and quality improvement to incorporate cosmetic patients' perspective in outcome assessments.

We report a rare case of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) of the extremities with paraproteinemia and without periorbital involvement at presentation in a 58-year-old white woman. A combination of oral cyclophosphamide and oral dexamethasone was attempted, but the patient then developed a left intraorbital lesion. Treatment was not successful in that the gammopathy did not improve and the patient continued to develop more lesions.

Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) for nonacne atrophic scarring. Design In this before-and-after trial, each scar received 3 AFR treatments and 6 months of follow-up. Setting Private academic practice. Patients Fifteen women with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV, aged 21 to 66 years, presented with 22 nonacne atrophic scars between June 1 and November 30, 2007. Three patients (3 scars) were excluded from the study after receiving 1 AFR treatment and not returning for follow-up visits. The remaining 12 patients (19 scars) completed all 3 treatments and 6 months of follow-up. Interventions Each scar received 3 AFR treatments at 1- to 4-month intervals. Main Outcome Measures Erythema, edema, petechiae, scarring, crusting, and dyschromia were graded after treatment and through 6 months of follow-up. Skin texture, pigmentation, atrophy, and overall appearance were evaluated after treatment and through 6 months of follow-up by the patient and a nonblinded investigator. A 3-dimensional optical profiling system generated high-resolution topographic representations of atrophic scars for objective measurement of changes in scar volume and depth. Results Adverse effects of treatment were mild to moderate, and no scarring or delayed-onset hypopigmentation was observed. At the 6-month follow-up visit, patient and investigator scores demonstrated improvements in skin texture for all scars (patient range, 1-4 [mean, 2.79]; investigator range, 2-4 [mean, 2.95]), pigmentation for all scars (patient range, 1-4 [mean, 2.32]; investigator range, 1-4 [mean, 2.21]), atrophy for all scars (patient range, 1-4 [mean, 2.26]; investigator range, 2-4 [mean, 2.95]), and overall scar appearance for all scars (patient range, 2-4 [mean, 2.89]; investigator range, 2-4 [mean, 3.05]). Image analysis revealed a 38.0% mean reduction of volume and 35.6% mean reduction of maximum scar depth. Conclusion The AFR treatments represent a safe, effective treatment modality for improving atrophic scarring due to surgery or trauma.

Radiofrequency (RF) devices such as ThermaCool TC (Solta Medical Inc., Hayward, CA) offer a nonablative and noninvasive treatment option for unwanted skin concerns of the head, neck, and body. Relatively fewer studies address RF treatment on the body when compared with the head and neck. The purpose of this report is to investigate the use of the ThermaCool TC system with the novel Thermage Multiplex Tip for the enhancement of body shape. Additionally, this report will review the literature of RF technology with a concentration on body shaping. Twelve subjects underwent ThermaCool TC treatments using the Thermage Multiplex Tip. Waist circumference, standardized photographs, skin laxity score, global aesthetic improvement score, and patient satisfaction surveys were assessed at baseline and several follow-up visits after treatment. Average waist circumference and skin laxity scores decreased after ThermaCool TC treatment, using the Thermage Multiplex Tip at follow-up visits held at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months after treatment. Global aesthetic improvement score and patient satisfaction surveys reflected these objective clinical improvements. RF devices, such as the ThermaCool TC offer a nonablative and noninvasive treatment option for unwanted skin findings of the head, neck, and body.

Skin laxity of the body is a growing cosmetic concern. Laxity can result from chronological or photoaging and changes in body dimensions during pregnancy or weight loss. The end result is loose, sagging skin, and localized fat deposits. Liposuction and abdominoplasty or brachioplasty are established approaches to these issues. Patient desire for alternatives to surgical correction has spawned the development of non-invasive body contouring devices. The combination of infrared light (IR), bipolar radiofrequency (RF), vacuum and mechanical massage (Velashape, Syneron Medical Ltd, Israel) has demonstrated efficacy in improving skin appearance and circumference of the thighs [Goldberg et al., Derm Surg 2008; 34:204-209; Fisher et al., Derm Surg 2005; 31:1237-1241; Arnoczky and Aksan, J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2000; 8:305-313; Alster and Tanzi, J Cosmetic Laser Therapy 2005; 7:81-85; Wanitphakdeedecha and Manuskiatti, J Cosmet Dermatol 2006; 5:284-288; Nootheti et al., Lasers Surg Med 2006; 38: 908-912], but only anecdotal evidence has supported its use on other anatomic locations. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Velashape on additional body sites and more rigorously examine the technology's impact on upper arm as well as abdominal and flank circumference.Subjects were 28-70 years old, skin types I-V. Nineteen subjects underwent 5 weekly treatments of the upper arms, and 10 subjects underwent 4 weekly treatments of the abdomen and flanks. Treatments were performed using Velashape. Circumference measurements, photographs, and subject weights were performed prior to treatment and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. Subjects were asked to record their treatment satisfaction level.Change in arm circumference, at the 5th treatment was statistically significant with a mean loss of 0.625 cm. At 1- and 3-month follow-ups, mean loss was 0.71 and 0.597 cm respectively. Reduction of abdominal circumference at 3rd treatment was statistically significant with a 1.25 cm mean loss. At 1- and 3-month follow-ups, average loss was 1.43 and 1.82 cm respectively.This study demonstrates with statistical significance, sustainable reduction in circumference and improvement in appearance of arms and abdomen following treatment with Velashape.

Improving the appearance of striae distensae, particularly striae alba, has remained a challenge due to the limited availability of effective and low-risk treatment options. Fractional photothermolysis, a novel concept in skin rejuvenation, has been reported to be effective in the treatment of facial rhytides, acne scars, and surgical scars, but its use in the treatment of striae has not been well studied.To determine the safety and efficacy of fractional photothermolysis treatment on striae alba and striae rubra.Twenty female patients with striae rubra or striae alba on their abdomen, thighs, or buttocks were enrolled in the study. Lesions were randomized to receive treatment, with site-matched normal control areas. Patients received a total of 6 treatments using a 1550-nm, erbium-doped fiber laser with 2 to 3 weeks of elapsed time between treatments. Clinical response to treatment was assessed at each visit, and at 1-month, 2-month, and 3-month follow-up intervals by the patient and investigator. A comparison evaluation of 8 patients examining photographs of striae at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up evaluation which was assessed by 4 independent dermatologists using the quartile grading scale.The independent evaluators' assessments of improvement from photographs of 8 randomly selected patients showed an overall improvement of 26% to 50% in 63% (5/8) of patients. A less than 25% improvement in dyschromia was noted in 50% (4/8) of patients. An improvement in texture of 26% to 50% was observed in 50% (4/8) of patients. The clinical responses were independent of age, gender, and skin phototype. The treatments were tolerated well by all patients with a majority of patients experiencing transient posttreatment erythema and edema.Fractional photothermolysis can be effectively and safely used in the treatment of striae rubra and striae alba.

We report a case of a 73-year-old man with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome who was referred to us with multiple basal cell carcinomas on his face and chest. The patient underwent photodynamic therapy utilizing a 1-hour incubation of Levulan Kerastick delta-aminolevulinic acid 20% topical solution applied to the full face and illumination with a BLU-U blue light source (10 J/cm2) every 2 to 3 months for a total of 4 treatments. This treatment strategy resulted in multiple benefits, including reducing the number and size of his existing basal cell carcinomas, improving the appearance of previous surgical scars, and decreasing the rate of tumor development.

Background and Objectives Many pediatric dermatological conditions may be successfully treated with laser surgery. Study Design/Materials and Methods The clinical approach to various pediatric dermatological conditions utilizing laser treatment options is discussed. Results Clinical uses of various modalities such as pulsed dye laser, KTP laser, Nd-YAG laser, Q-switched ruby laser, erbium-YAG laser, diode laser, non-coherent blue light sources, and fractional resurfacing are presented with successful parameters, developed over 22 years, utilized on a daily basis in a laser surgery clinic. Conclusion Laser surgery can make a significant improvement in many pediatric skin lesions, thanks to the unique properties of pediatric skin and a vast array of laser technologies. Lasers Surg. Med. 37:255–263, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Background and Objective The paramedian forehead flap is an excellent choice when repairing a large nasal defect. However, even when carefully thinned, the flap may develop a bulky appearance, an ill-fitting contour, or trap door deformity. When on the face, these suboptimal results can be quite distressing. Surgical and non-surgical options for improvement exist. Surgical options include additional debulking and reorientation of the flap. Non-surgical options include intralesional corticosteroids or 5-flourouracil, dermabrasion, and ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing. Each option has limited benefit as well potential side effects. Study Design/Materials and Methods Case report. Results In this report, we present dramatic improvement of a thickened paramedian forehead flap using the Fraxel Re:pair, a fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser (Solta Medical, Inc. Hayward, CA). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature demonstrating successful reduction of a bulky flap using a fractional ablative laser. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:873-874, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.