Application of Oral Retractor for Lip Injury Protection in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Iatrogenic lip injury may occur during oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral retractors on iatrogenic lip injury prevention during intraoral procedures of oral and maxillofacial surgery. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial and included patients who underwent intraoral procedures of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to receive oral retractor (intervention group) or traditional procedure without lip protection (control group). The incidence of lip injury was the outcome variable. Other study variables included surgical time and satisfaction of patients and surgeons with treatment experience evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS). Student t test and χ 2 test were used to compare both groups' variables and measure the relationship between the predictor variable and the outcome variable. P <0.05 was considered significant for all analyses. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were included, with 56 allocated to intervention group and 58 to control group. The results showed that the application of an oral retractor did not significantly increase surgical time ( P =0.318). A total of 12 patients had lip injury, with 1 in the intervention group and 11 in the control group ( P =0.003). For the assessment of satisfaction with treatment experience, the intervention group had significantly higher VAS scores for doctors and patients ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the oral retractor was a good tool for iatrogenic lip injury prevention in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures and could be considered in clinical treatment.

Nasal Sill Flap for Lip Lifting.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, different techniques have been developed to reduce the number of incisions and scars in subnasal lip lifting and to increase the amount of lifting. The aim of this study was to present a new technique to hide the scars at the nasal base in subnasal lip lifting procedures and to review the literature. METHODS: The file of patients who underwent subnasal lip lifting between January 2019 and January 2021 were examined. In all patients, the nasal sill flap that was designed was elevated, and the nasal sill flap that was prepared was adapted to its new location when the excision had been completed. Two different plastic surgeons evaluated the patients in the postoperative 12-month follow-ups. The scars were evaluated for vascularity, pigmentation, elasticity, thickness, and height. RESULTS: The study included 26 patients. While 21 patients had no histories of lip lifting, five patients had had previous lip lifting history. The mean operation time was 37.11 minutes. Patients' skin types were determined as Type 3 in 18 patients and Type 4 in eight patients according to the Fitzpatrick classification. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 13.11 months. At the end of the 12-month period, the mean scar score of the patients was calculated as 11.15. The mean scar score of primary cases was 11.14, and the mean scar score of secondary cases was 11.20 (p = 0.983). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of complications among smokers (p = 0.356). The mean scar score was calculated as 12.17 in patients who had Type 3 skin and 8.88 in patients with Type 4 skin (p = 0.075). CONCLUSIONS: This technique is beneficial for patients because the scars are discrete and easier for patients to accept.

Outcomes of Upper Lip Mohs Surgery Repairs Using Standardized Scar Scales With Particular Emphasis on Vermillion Border Involvement.

BACKGROUND: The lips are a common location for skin cancer, and thus, a common site for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). As an important cosmetic and functional facial unit, MMS defects and reconstruction can affect patient perception on functional and aesthetic outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare aesthetic and functional outcomes after upper lip MMS between patients with vermillion sparing repairs (VSR) versus vermillion crossing repairs (VCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients from a single institution from 2018 to 2022 undergoing MMS of the upper lip with linear or select flap repairs were included. Patients were assessed at a minimum of 6-week follow-up for self-assessment of functional and cosmetic outcomes, as well as physician assessment of scar cosmesis using validated Patient and Observed Scar Assessment Scale and Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating scale. The results were compared between VSR and VCR groups. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were included in this study. No significant difference between patient assessment of functional and cosmetic outcome was identified between VSR and VCR. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction with lip reconstruction can be high. Crossing the vermillion border does not affect patient assessment of aesthetic and functional results and should be considered if needed to optimize reconstructive outcomes.

What Do I Do if There is No Distal Nerve Stump for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Reconstruction?

This technical note describes an innovation that addresses a clinical problem in inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) reconstruction. In some cases of mandibular resection, there is a need to resect a significant amount of the IAN along with the pathologic lesion and this may result in a lack of a distal nerve stump for completion of the neural anastomosis. This technical note offers the option to perform the distal neurorrhaphy into the residual soft tissues with the expectation that axonal sprouting will occur and result in lower lip and chin sensory reinnervation. There are no inherent risks or additional costs. The significance of this technique is that it permits IAN reconstruction in cases where the actual nerve stump is not available and improves patient care. There should be no challenges or delays to implementing this innovation for surgeons who reconstruct the IAN during ablative mandibular resection.

Application of Dual "Kite" Myomucosal Flaps for the Repair of Medium Lip Defects.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of dual "kite" myomucosal flaps (subcutaneous pedicle advancement flap) for the repair of medium lip defects (one-third to one-half lip width). METHODS: Dual kite myomucosal flaps were designed in the adjacent area of the defect in 17 patients with medium lip defect with the principle of using homogenous tissue as far as possible without affecting local anatomical units. RESULTS: The follow-up time was 3 to 24 months; 16 patients showed primary wound healing, and 1 patient showed prolonged healing. The blood supply of the myomucosal flaps were reliable. The myomucosal flaps were smooth, with no proliferation of scars, and the local appearance was good. CONCLUSION: The dual kite myomucosal flaps provide a reliable method for repairing medium lip defects, decreasing the need for additional excision of normal skin tissue, and reducing skin scar.

The Efficacy and Safety of a 755-nm Picosecond Laser in the Treatment of Physiologic Lip Hyperpigmentation in Thai Patients.

BACKGROUND: Physiologic lip hyperpigmentation is a common aesthetic concern, especially in Southeast Asia. There is limited data on the application of the picosecond laser for this condition. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using a 755-nm picosecond laser in the treatment of physiologic lip hyperpigmentation. METHODS: Twenty healthy patients with physiologic lip hyperpigmentation received 5 bi-weekly treatments with a 755-nm picosecond laser using a 6-mm spot size, fluence of 0.71 J/cm 2 at 5 Hz. Subjective and objective evaluation on the improvement of lip hyperpigmentation were obtained at baseline, 2 weeks after each treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment. Patient self-assessment, pain score, and adverse reactions were also recorded. RESULTS: All patients completed the study and attended all follow-ups. Most (52.6%) patients presented with moderate clinical improvement at 6-month follow-up. The average melanin index decreased significantly after the fourth treatment ( p = .048) and at 1-month follow-up ( p = .026). More than half the patients (70%) reported moderate-to-marked improvement at 6-month follow-up. Only 1 patient presented with a transient adverse reaction of lip edema. CONCLUSION: The 755-nm picosecond laser is safe and effective for the treatment of physiologic lip hyperpigmentation in Thai patients.

Non-ablative laser treatment improves lip volume, texture, and color.

Lips undergo several changes with age, decreased volume, elasticity, turgor, and collagen content. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser are known to increase the production of procollagen and elastin and can promote the generation of collagen, which visibly improves facial imperfections. We aimed to determine the efficacy of a 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG fractional laser on improving lip definition, color, and volume. 32 female patients were treated every 2-3 weeks for a total of 3-5 treatments. Improvement was measured in a follow-up visit a month after the final treatment (29.9 ± 1.4 days) by patients' self-satisfaction questionnaire and physicians blinded evaluations (Likert scale). Patients achieved meaningful aesthetic improvement in in lip color (94% of patients), volume (72%), texture (91%), and overall lip appearance (82%). Furthermore, 91% were satisfied with treatment results and 100% from the overall experience. There were no associated side effects, and the associated pain level (on a 0-10 scale) was rated as 0 in 84% of individuals and 16% as 1. Therefore, laser treatment using a 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG fractional laser on lips is a safe, noninvasive treatment that increases the color and volume of lips, with results that are maintained for at least one month following treatments.

Clinical efficacy of lip repositioning technique and its modifications for the treatment of gummy smile: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature regarding the clinical efficacy of reducing excessive gingival display (EGD) using the surgical lip repositioning technique (LRT) and its modifications. The question to address was: "What is the clinical efficacy of the surgical LRT and its modifications in patients with EGD?" MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four databases (MEDLINE-PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) were searched up to December 2021 (PROSPERO-CRD42020205987). Randomized, non-randomized controlled and prospective case series with a minimum of 6-month follow-up were eligible for inclusion. Two meta-analyses were performed using the mean difference (MD) between baseline and different follow-up periods (6 and 12 months). Subgroup analyses were performed using the different modifications of LRT. RESULTS: The electronic research retrieved 783 studies. Only 13 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the statistical analysis. Six modifications of the original LRT were identified. An overall EGD reduction of -3.06 mm (95%CI: -3.71-2.40), -2.91 mm; (95%CI: -3.66-2.15) and -2.76 mm; (95%CI: -3.83--1.70) was achieved after 6, 12, and 36 months, respectively, compared to baseline (P < 0.01). Meta-analysis revealed that the use of LRT with periosteal suturing showed the greatest decrease in EGD with 5.22 mm (95% CI: 4.23-6.21; P < 0.01) at 6 months and 4.94 mm (95% CI: 3.86-6.02; P < 0.01) at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Both the original LRT and its different modifications reduce EGD and provide good results and overall patient satisfaction at 6, 12, and 36 months of follow-up. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evaluating the different modifications of the LRT can be a guiding aspect for the clinical and surgical approach to be used in patients with EGD.

Comparison of Two Botulinum Toxin Injection Methods for Treatment of Excessive Gingival Display.

BACKGROUND: Hyperfunction of the muscles of the upper lip is considered as the most common cause of excessive gingival display (EGD). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of botulinum toxin (BT) injection as a conservative treatment for EGD due to muscular hyperfunction and to compare the outcome of 2 injection methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 40 participants who were randomly assigned into 2 groups of 20 each, The first group received 2.5IU BT injection at 1 point per side (2-points group), while the second group received a total of 5 IU of BT at 2 points per side (4-points group). The outcome variables were the reduction in the central and lateral gingival display expressed as the difference between the pre- and post-injection measurements and the degree of satisfaction of the participants. The follow up visits were at 2- and 12-weeks postinjection. The study variables were statistically analyzed and probability values of <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement (P < 0.0001) in both groups throughout the follow up period, but the improvement achieved by 4-points group was significantly better than that of the 2-points group with respect to the gingival display and the degree of satisfaction (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin injection represents a safe and less invasive modality for treatment of EGD, the 4-points method results in better outcome in terms of clinical measurements and degree of satisfaction over the 2-points method.

Change in Columellar-Philtral and Nasolabial Angles Over Time Following Rhinoplasty.

Preoperative analyses of the columellar-philtral and nasolabial angles (CPA and NLA) are important considerations for the rhinoplasty surgeon. This study aims to quantify and compare the degree of change in nasal tip rotation as measured by CPA and NLA over time following rhinoplasty and to identify surgical maneuvers or patient characteristics that may affect nasal tip rotation. Prospective analysis of CPA and NLA in 111 consecutive, consenting cosmetic, and/or functional rhinoplasty patients of the senior author over a 1-year time period was performed. Angles were analyzed before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year following surgery. Subgroup analyses based on surgical maneuvers and other covariates were performed. The greatest change to CPA and NLA in the upright position was 11.8 degrees (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.8-13.7, p < 0.001) and 9.3 degrees (95% CI: 7.9-10.7, p < 0.001) of elevation 1 week after surgery, respectively. The mean CPA was not significantly different than preoperative measures 6 months after surgery; however, the NLA remained 4.94 degrees (95% CI: 2.1-8.4, p = 0.001) elevated. Females showed approximately 10 degrees more elevated CPA than males in pre- and postoperative time points; however, the NLA did not discriminate between sexes. Transfixion incisions appears to cause a significant decrease in postoperative NLA compared with patient who did not undergo transfixion incisions. Measurements for nasal tip rotation are variable and inconsistent throughout the literature. This study shows that rhinoplasty may have a greater effect on nasal tip rotation as measured by NLA and that the effects of NLA and CPA are independent, signifying that a standardized measurement for nasal tip rotation is warranted.

Analysis of the Curative Effect of Alexandrite Laser in the Treatment of Venous Lake of Lips.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laser is being widely used in clinical treatment nowadays, including 755 nm Alexandrite laser [1,2]. This study was conducted to examine the clinical outcome of long-pulse 755 nm Alexandrite laser in the treatment of venous lake of the lip. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients (2015-2019) were reviewed. The clinical outcomes were assessed 1 month after the treatment. The efficacy of the treatment was classified into four categories: basic recovery (most optimal outcome), effective, improvement, and ineffective (least favorable outcome). Adverse reactions were also recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-three (80.49%) patients achieved basic recovery and 8 (19.51%) were effective; 29 (70.73%) recovered after receiving one treatment, 3 (7.32%) recovered after receiving two treatments, and 1 (2.44%) recovered after three treatments. CONCLUSION: Long-pulse 755 nm Alexandrite laser is an effective treatment for the venous lake of the lip. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

A Validated Grading Scale for Downturned Oral Commisure in Asian Faces.

BACKGROUND: Downturned oral commissures develop gradually with aging. Tools have been developed to evaluate the marionette line or the lower face. However, there is no validated and reproducible tool to evaluate the progress after oral commissure treatment in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to develop a scoring system to evaluate therapeutic interventions for downturned oral commissures and to verify its reliability, reproducibility, and clinical significance. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In the Scale Development Group, the Delphi method was used to establish a 5-graded scoring system to evaluate oral commissure position. The scoring system was applied to 50 participants. The authors recorded and compared the intrarater agreement, interrater agreement, and significance of the grade-dependent scale. RESULTS: Delphi analysis of the scoring system verified the grade description adequacy. Intrarater agreement showed almost perfect agreement, and the intraclass correlation coefficient of the interrater agreement had a significantly higher agreement rate. The differences between the clinical grades were significant. CONCLUSION: The Hugel Downturned Oral Commissure Scale is precise, reproducible, and reflective of the clinical differences for downturned oral commissure. Its novelty lies in the use of specific angles and ratio. This scale has clinical trial potential owing to its standardized and quantitative assessment.

Postoperative Outcomes of Local Skin Flaps Used in Oncologic Reconstructive Surgery of the Upper Cutaneous Lip: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Despite many options for upper lip reconstruction, each method's advantages and disadvantages are unclear. OBJECTIVE: To summarize complications and functional and aesthetic outcomes of localized skin flaps for oncological reconstruction of the upper cutaneous lip (PROSPERO CRD42020157244). METHODS: The search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and CENTRAL on December 14, 2019. Two reviewers screened 2,958 results for eligibility. Bias assessment was conducted using ROBINS-I criteria. RESULTS: Our search identified 12 studies reporting outcomes of V-Y advancement, ergotrid, rotation, Karapandzic, alar crescent, and propeller facial artery perforator flaps. Flap complications (infection, hemorrhage/hematoma, wound dehiscence, and flap necrosis) ranged from 0% to 7.69%. Functional outcomes (salivary continence, microstomia, and paresthesia) were poorest for Karapandzic flaps. Aesthetic outcomes, when reported, stated satisfaction rates greater than 90%. V-Y advancement flaps reported the highest rates of poor scarring (0%-20%) and need for revision surgery (0%-46.7%). CONCLUSION: Our results provide dermatologic surgeons an overview of upper cutaneous lip flap outcomes reported in the literature. In general, we noted high patient satisfaction rates and low complication rates. Additional research into outcomes of other commonly used flaps is needed. Standardization of reported outcomes could allow further comparison across different flaps or across studies of the same flap.

Influence of surgical technique and timing of primary repair on interarch relationship in UCLP: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare dental arch relationships in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) between two surgical techniques for repair of cleft lip/palate and two ages of palate repair. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE: Dental models were taken for a group of 448 subjects at a mean age of 7 years and were evaluated by means of the Goslon Yardstick. The patients studied consisted of an initial group of 673 infants with complete UCLP randomized into 8 study groups according to lip repair procedures (Millard versus Spina techniques); palate repair procedures (von Langenbeck versus Furlow techniques); and palate repair timing (early: 9 to 12 months versus late: 15-18 months). METHODS: Four surgeons performed all surgeries. Dependent variables included the following: lip repair technique, palate repair technique, age at time of palate repair and surgeon; with sex as an independent variable. The data were analysed using a general linear model (P < .05). RESULTS: There were no significant differences for occlusal index scores as a function of lip or palate surgical technique, palatal repair timing and sex. Significant differences were found for occlusal index scores as a function of the surgeon. CONCLUSION: Dental arch relationships were not influenced by lip and palatal repair techniques or patient age at palatal repair. The surgeon was the major factor that influenced the dental arch relationship outcome.

An uncommon case of lip swelling: Granulomatous cheilitis associated with Crohn's disease.

Unbeknownst to most otolaryngologists, there is quite a range of oral manifestations which commonly manifest in the context of inflammatory bowel disease. As providers who will encounter such patients in consultation it is beneficial to be aware of that association. Lip swelling (granulomatous cheilitis) is just one such presentation, which is often otherwise mistaken for angioneurotic edema and can lead to unwarranted testing and misdirected treatment. We present such a case to highlight the educational value of this patient encounter.

Variational Characteristics of Nasolabial Appearance and Its Influencing Factors for the Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair With Modified Huaxi Technique.

PURPOSE: After many years in clinical practice, the authors found that the long-term aesthetics of the upper lip and nose following repair of a unilateral cleft lip deformity using the Huaxi method remained unsatisfactory. The immediate postoperative effect was often good, while the long-term postoperative effect was poor. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and influencing factors of a modified Huaxi method for repairing unilateral cleft lip over time, and to explore the relationship between immediate and long-term outcomes after cleft lip surgery. METHODS: Patients with unilateral cleft lip who visited the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from June 2014 to March 2016 were selected. The study group consisted of 51 consecutive patients (30 boys and 21 girls), aged between 3 months and 2 years. Of these, 24 presented with complete unilateral cleft lip (12 wore a nasoalveolar mold as required, 12 did not) and 27 with incomplete unilateral cleft lip (13 wore a nasoalveolar mold as required, 14 did not). Photographs were taken of 51 patients before surgery and immediately, 7 days, and 6 months postoperatively. Various indexes of nasolabial contour of each patient were measured using iWitness photogrammetry, and the slit width; lip height ratio, lip width ratio, nostril width ratio, and nostril height ratio of the healthy side; and degree of deviation of the nasal columella were calculated. RESULTS: Long-term symmetry of lip height and width remained stable postoperatively (P > 0.05), whereas nostril height symmetry was significantly reduced (P > 0.05). Nasal width symmetry and midpoint deviation of the nasal columella were stable in patients with nasoalveolar molding (P > 0.05), but significantly decreased in patients without nasoalveolar molding (P < 0.05). In patients with complete unilateral cleft lip, there was a significant correlation between fissure width and lip width symmetry 6 months postoperatively (r = 0.431, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The symmetry of the upper lip is satisfactory and stable following surgical repair with the modified Huaxi technique. However, undercorrection of nasal symmetry is commonplace. Fissure width and nasoalveolar molding may influence long-term aesthetics following unilateral cleft lip repair.

Application of Local Flaps in Repairing Total and Near-Total Lower Lip Defects of Young Patients.

BACKGROUND: It has always been a great challenge for clinical doctors to reconstruct total and near-total lower lip defects. Compared with elderly patients, the repair operation in young patients is more difficult where free flaps are usually used for transfer. In order to obtain better postoperative results, the authors combined two kinds of local skin flaps for operation purpose, and evaluated their postoperative clinical effects. METHODS: From April 2011 to May 2019, a total of 5 young patients with lower lip tumor or trauma were included in this study, with an average age of 30.4 years old. The lesion was all resected and resulted in a defect of 87% to total area of the lower lip, accompanied by a partial defect of the chin each. To repair the defect of the lower lip, the authors firstly used the modified Bernard flap. Then the authors designed the double Abbe flap to perform the operation according to the recovery of the patient 3 months later than the first operation. Finally, the outcomes of either operation were compared upon slit width, mouth opening height, aesthetics, and function of the patients, and statistically analyzed the results. RESULTS: All patients underwent the repair of modified Bernard flaps and double Abbe flaps of with no hemodynamic disorder of the flaps and well-recovery. At 3 months after the operation, the average gap width of lip was 4.34 ±â€Š0.24 cm, the average opening height was 3.18 ±â€Š0.28 cm, the average aesthetic score was 7.98 ±â€Š0.51 (full score of 10), and the average functional score was 11.4 ±â€Š0.55 (full score of 12). The 5 patients showed no obvious scar but a good shape on the lower lip. The function of eating, pronunciation, expression of feelings and smiling change were close to normal. Three patients had mild numbness in the lower lip, while the other two had normal sensory function. CONCLUSION: Combined modified Bernard flap and double Abbe flaps can bring out promising reparative outcomes of near-total or total lower lip defects in lower lip in young patients with good aesthetic and functional recovery, which is recommended while considering surgical alternatives.

Aesthetic Surgical Enhancement of the Upper Lip: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: The recent rise in popularity of minimally invasive facial aesthetic procedures has resulted in the overall heightened patient interest in lip rejuvenation. There is a variety of techniques and modifications for surgical upper lip enhancement described in the literature but no single method is considered optimal. The aim of this literature review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the studies dealing with surgical upper lip enhancement and evaluate their short- and long-term outcomes, as well as complication profiles. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the published literature through July of 2019 was performed. The PUBMED and Cochrane databases were searched for all English language articles on aesthetic surgical enhancement of the upper lip. Only articles dealing with the aesthetic aspect of the upper lip subunit were included. Preoperative assessment, patient selection and technique execution were assessed. Data were abstracted on all postoperative complications and outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 52 articles were screened for inclusion, of which 17 met the inclusion criteria. The total number of patients treated in these studies was 2265. The average follow-up period was 30 months. The most commonly used surgical method across the studies was the subnasal lip lift (93.6%). The bull's horn excision pattern was utilized to perform the subnasal lip lift in 71.7% of the cases, and the wavy ellipse excision was used in 18.1% of patients. Lip advancement by vermillion border excision pattern was the technique of choice for 49 patients (2.2%). Across all patients the most common complication was a non-aesthetically appealing result or adverse scarring with a mean incidence of 7.23%. Overall, the studies reported improvement in the aesthetic appearance of the upper lip after surgical enhancement, along with few but promising reports of high patient satisfaction. There is a relative paucity of high-quality data regarding complication profiles, patient selection, indications and contraindications. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides an overview of several techniques and modifications for upper lip enhancement. It highlights the paucity of high-quality data on their application and optimizing patient selection. Promising satisfaction rates and relatively low complication rates suggest a more prominent role for surgical cheiloplasty in facial rejuvenation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The dual 980-nm and 1470-nm diode laser for vascular lesions.

Transcutaneous use of dual diode lasers is a new option in dermatology. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the transcutaneous application of a dual laser in dermatologic outpatients. We used a laser system that combines 980 nm and 1470 nm wavelengths for treatment of vascular lesions. Fifty-six adult Caucasian patients of Fitzpatrick skin type I-III, 32 females and 24 males with mean age of (41 ± 3.7) years were included. We treated 497 vascular lesions of skin and lips. Complete clearance was achieved in cherry angiomas, venous lakes, lip hemangioma, and spider nevi in 100% after a single treatment. Patients with couperose and/or facial telangiectasia needed several treatment sessions. Mild to moderate pain during the laser shots was noted in all patients. No adverse events were recorded. The dual 980-nm/1470-nm diode laser is a safe and effective tool for common vascular lesions.

308nm excimer lamp monotherapy for lip vitiligo-a short case series.

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting condition that carries a high psychosocial morbidity, especially when it occurs over exposed areas like lips. Many of the current topical and systemic therapies are less effective in lip vitiligo, and surgical modality remains the mainstay of treatment of lip vitiligo. The 308-nm excimer laser in combination with topical calcineurin inhibitors and calcipotriene is effective in the treatment of lip vitiligo. This case series provide further evidence to support effectiveness of 308-nm excimer lamp even as monotherapy in darker individuals with lip vitiligo.