Understanding the Female Asian American Facial Aesthetic Patient

Background: As facial aesthetic procedures have become more widely accepted, the racial and ethnic diversity of aesthetic patient populations has increased. Asian Americans represent a growing segment of this population and have specific aesthetic concerns that should be differentiated from the broader Caucasian population. Objective: An online study was designed to survey facial aesthetic concerns, treatment priorities, and future treatment considerations among a US-based population of Asian American women. Materials and Methods: A total of 403 participants ages 30 to 65 years reported perspectives on facial aging, current facial conditions, most bothersome facial areas, most/least likely to be treated first, awareness of treatment options and consideration rates, and motives/barriers impacting the consideration rate of injectable treatments. Results: Treatment interests reflected predominant issues; uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and sun damage. Most bothersome facial areas included the periorbital area, forehead, and submental area, and also among areas designated as most likely to treat first. The majority of participants would consider injectables. However, safety/side effects, cost, and concerns about not looking natural were primary barriers. Conclusion: Understanding the aesthetic concerns and priorities specific to Asian American women may help guide treatment plans more aligned with the goals and expectations of this patient population. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(7):633-641.

Post Filler Ecchymosis Resolution With Intense Pulsed Light

Bruising after dermal filler and neuromodulator injections is a common side effect and can have durations of 1 to 2 weeks. While it ultimately resolves, faster resolution can produce better outcomes for patients and also make patients more likely to return for future treatments. We report the successful reduction in bruising following injections of fillers with an intense pulsed light source. We also documented the onset of action of bruising resolution with serial photographs. Resolution started within the first hour of treatment and continued rapidly over 48 hours. This is the first-time reported study of resolution of bruising from injectables with intense pulsed light. Patient satisfaction is improved when such adverse events are minimized.

Safety and Efficacy of a 1550nm/1927nm Dual Wavelength Laser for the Treatment of Photodamaged Skin.

BACKGROUND: Fractional photothermolysis (FP) is a popular treatment option for photodamaged skin and addresses shortcomings of ablative skin resurfacing and nonablative dermal remodeling. Previous studies have demonstrated that FP using the 1550nm wavelength has led to improvement of ultrastructural changes and clinical effects associated with photodamaged skin in the deeper dermal structures, while treatment with the 1927nm wavelength has shown clinical effects in the superficial dermis. Both wavelengths produce precise microscopic treatment zones (MTZs) in the skin. The two wavelengths used in combination may optimize the delivery of fractional nonablative resurfacing intended for dermal and epidermal coagulation of photodamage skin.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 1550/1927 Laser System (Fraxel Dual, Solta), using both 1550nm and 1927nm wavelengths in combination for treatment of facial and non-facial photodamage.

METHODS: Prospective, multi-center, post-market study in subjects with clinically identifiable photodamage (N=35) (Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV). Both 1550nm and 1927nm wavelengths were used at each treatment visit. Investigator assessment of the affected area(s) occurred at one week, one month and 3 months after a series of up to four treatments. Severity of adverse events (AEs) were assessed using a 4-point scale (where 0=none and 3=marked). Assessments included erythema, edema, hyperkeratosis, hyper- and hypo-pigmentation, scarring, itchiness, dryness, and flaking. Severity of photoaging, fine and coarse wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, sallowness, and tactile roughness at baseline was assessed using the same scale. Investigators and subjects assessed overall appearance of photodamage and pigmentation based on a 5-point quartile improvement scale at all follow-up visits (where 0=no improvement and 4=very significant improvement [76%-100%]).

RESULTS: There was a positive treatment effect at all study visits, with moderate improvement (average reduction in severity of 21%-43%) observed 3-months after final treatment. Greatest reduction in severity of other benefit areas was at the 3-month follow-up visit, with a 21% and 30% decrease in severity in fine wrinkling and tactile roughness. No AEs or serious AEs were reported. Pain sensation during treatment was tolerable. Anticipated moderate erythema (mean score 1.6±0.5) and mild edema (mean score 0.8±0.7) were transient and resolved within 7-10 days. Anticipated and transient mild dryness (52% of subjects) and flaking (30%) were reported at the 1-week follow-up. There were no incidences of hyperkeratosis, scarring, or itchiness.

CONCLUSION: Treatments using both wavelengths associated with the combined 1550/1927 Laser System were well tolerated with limited, transient anticipated side effects and no serious AEs. Clinical efficacy in the appearance of photodamage and pigmentation was greatest following a series of up to 3 treatments.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(1):41-46.

The Male Aesthetic Patient: Facial Anatomy, Concepts of Attractiveness, and Treatment Patterns.

BACKGROUND: The number of nonsurgical aesthetic procedures performed in men is growing rapidly. However, there are limited data on treatment principles and goals for the male aesthetic patient.

OBJECTIVE: To review the objective data available on male aging and aesthetics and to synthesize with expert opinion on treatment considerations specific to male patients.

METHODS: Expert advisors met to discuss anatomical differences in male versus female facial anatomy related to aging, facial treatment preferences in aesthetically oriented men, and current dosing data for facial injectable treatments in male versus female patients.

RESULTS: Symmetry, averageness, sexual dimorphism, and youthfulness are generally accepted as factors that contribute to the perception of attractiveness. There are differences between men and women in facial anatomy, concepts of attractiveness in the context of masculinity and femininity, and treatment objectives. A communication gap exists for men, as evidenced by the lack of information available online or by word of mouth about injectable treatments.

CONCLUSIONS: Approaches to aesthetic consultation and treatment should differ between men and women based on the fundamental dissimilarities between the sexes. Educating men about available aesthetic treatments and about the safety and side effects associated with each treatment, as well as addressing concerns about their treatment results looking natural, are key considerations.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(1):19-28.

Impact of Comprehensive, Minimally Invasive, Multimodal Aesthetic Treatment on Satisfaction With Facial Appearance: The HARMONY Study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals seeking aesthetic treatment have concerns regarding multiple facial areas. OBJECTIVES: Assess the aesthetic impact and satisfaction achieved with a multimodal approach to aesthetic treatment using a combination of minimally invasive treatments. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, rater-blinded, 4-month HARMONY study evaluated patient satisfaction and aesthetic impact of a combination of fillers (VYC-20L, HYC-24L, and HYC-24L+), onabotulinumtoxinA, and bimatoprost. Males and females aged 35 to 65 years received on-label, staged treatment with fillers, as needed per investigator assessment, on day 1, with touch ups allowed on day 14. Bimatoprost was self-administered once daily for 17 weeks. OnabotulinumtoxinA was injected into glabellar lines, crow's feet lines, or both at month 3. Primary effectiveness measure was mean change from baseline on the FACE-Q 10-item Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall Scale. RESULTS: Of 100 patients treated, 93 underwent at least the 4-month posttreatment assessment and were assessed for efficacy. The FACE-Q Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall Scale total score increased from baseline (41.2) to month 4 (72.9; P < 0.00001; effect size, 2.7). Improvement following multimodal treatment was observed on FACE-Q individual items. Self-perceived age decreased from 0.2 years older than actual age at baseline to 4.6 years younger at month 4. Nearly all patients (99%) rated themselves as improved or much improved on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Investigator assessments also demonstrated improvement. Mild to moderate adverse events occurred in 42 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive, multimodal treatment resulted in improvements in FACE-Q scores and perceived age, indicating a high degree of patient satisfaction and a younger facial appearance.

Signs of Facial Aging in Men in a Diverse, Multinational Study: Timing and Preventive Behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Men are a growing patient population in aesthetic medicine and are increasingly seeking minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in the timing of facial aging and in the prevalence of preventive facial aging behaviors in men by race/ethnicity. METHODS: Men aged 18 to 75 years in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia rated their features using photonumeric rating scales for 10 facial aging characteristics. Impact of race/ethnicity (Caucasian, black, Asian, Hispanic) on severity of each feature was assessed. Subjects also reported the frequency of dermatologic facial product use. RESULTS: The study included 819 men. Glabellar lines, crow's feet lines, and nasolabial folds showed the greatest change with age. Caucasian men reported more severe signs of aging and earlier onset, by 10 to 20 years, compared with Asian, Hispanic, and, particularly, black men. In all racial/ethnic groups, most men did not regularly engage in basic, antiaging preventive behaviors, such as use of sunscreen. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study conducted in a globally diverse sample may guide clinical discussions with men about the prevention and treatment of signs of facial aging, to help men of all races/ethnicities achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes.

Facial Treatment Preferences Among Aesthetically Oriented Men.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data describing male attitudes toward age-related changes to their facial features and associated preferences for prioritizing treatment. METHODS: Injectable-naive but aesthetically oriented men aged 30 to 65 participated in an online study (N = 600). Respondents indicated how concerned they were by the appearance of 15 age-related facial features, and the Maximum Difference scaling system was used to explore which features were most likely to be prioritized for treatment. The correlation between the features of most concern and the areas of treatment priority was assessed. Other aspects regarding the male perspective on aesthetic procedures, such as awareness, motivating factors, and barriers, also were explored. RESULTS: Crow's feet and tear troughs were rated as the most likely to be treated first (80% of first preferences) followed by forehead lines (74%), double chin (70%), and glabellar lines (60%). The areas of most concern in order were tear troughs, double chin, crow's feet, and forehead lines. There was a strong correlation between the features of most concern and the areas of treatment priority (r = 0.81). CONCLUSION: The periorbital areas, in particular crow's feet and tear troughs, are of most concern and likely to be prioritized for treatment among aesthetically oriented men.

A Comprehensive Approach to Multimodal Facial Aesthetic Treatment: Injection Techniques and Treatment Characteristics From the HARMONY Study.

BACKGROUND: The HARMONY study is the first clinical trial to assess the impact of a global approach to facial rejuvenation with several minimally invasive modalities, using patient-reported outcome measures. OBJECTIVE: Provide details of this treatment approach and describe investigators' experiences and recommendations based on this study. METHODS: This multicenter, 4-month study evaluated subject satisfaction with and psychological impact of combined treatment with VYC-20L (Juvéderm Voluma XC), HYC-24L (Juvéderm Ultra XC), HYC-24L+ (Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC), onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), and bimatoprost 0.3% ophthalmic solution (Latisse). Treatment-naive adults with moderate-to-severe facial lines and folds and eyelash hypotrichosis received on-label, staged treatment with fillers. Bimatoprost was self-administered once daily for 17 weeks from day 1. OnabotulinumtoxinA was administered for glabellar lines, crow's feet lines, or both at month 3. RESULTS: Overall, 100 subjects received bimatoprost for eyelash hypotrichosis, 96 received onabotulinumtoxinA for glabellar lines and/or crow's feet lines, and 96 received VYC-20L for midface volume deficit. From 17 to 96 subjects received HYC-24L and/or HYC-24L+ for nasolabial folds, oral commissures, marionette lines, perioral lines, or radial cheek lines. Injections of filler generally progressed from cranial to caudal, with midface injected first. Investigator-reported factors that may have contributed to the potential benefits of this approach include the critical role of the midface in facial aesthetics, use of lower volumes of filler in individual facial areas, and anesthetic effects. CONCLUSION: The investigators' perspectives and experience with the injection pattern, sequencing, volumes, and techniques may provide valuable guidance for a multimodal approach to facial aesthetic treatment.

Rejuvenating Hydrator: Restoring Epidermal Hyaluronic Acid Homeostasis With Instant Benefits.

Skin aging is a combination of multifactorial mechanisms that are not fully understood. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors modulate skin aging, activating distinctive processes that share similar molecular pathways. One of the main characteristics of youthful skin is its large capacity to retain water, and this decreases significantly as we age. A key molecule involved in maintaining skin hydration is hyaluronic acid (HA). Concentration of HA in the skin is determined by the complex balance between its synthesis, deposition, association with cellular structures, and degradation. HA bio-equivalency and bio-compatibility have been fundamental in keeping this macromolecule as the favorite of the skincare industry for decades. Scientific evidence now shows that topically applied HA is unable to penetrate the skin and is rapidly degraded on the skin surface. SkinMedica's HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator (SkinMedica Inc., an Allergan company, Irvine, CA) promotes restoration of endogenous epidermal HA homeostasis and provides instant smoothing and hydration of the skin. These dual benefits are accomplished through the combination of 2 breakthrough technologies: 1) a unique blend of actives powered by SkinMedica proprietary flower-derived stem cell extract that restores the endogenous production of HA; and 2) a proprietary mix of 5 HA forms that plump the skin, decreasing the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles. Pre-clinical studies demonstrated that HA5 induces expression of key epidermal differentiation and barrier markers as well as epidermal HA synthases. A decrease expression of hyaluronidases was also observed upon HA5 application. Initial clinical studies showed that within 15 minutes of application, HA5 instantly improves the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles and skin hydration. Subjects that continue using HA5 (for 8 weeks) demonstrated significant improvements in fine lines/wrinkles, tactile roughness, and skin hydration. In summary, the blend of these 2 key technologies present in HA5 promotes restoration of endogenous epidermal HA while delivering instant smoothing effects.

Facial treatment preferences in aesthetically aware women.

BACKGROUND: Individuals typically self-identify symptoms of facial aging that lead them to seek facial aesthetic treatments. No systematic data exist to describe preferences for facial areas requiring treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) the facial areas most likely to be treated first, (2) the relationship between the most bothersome facial area and the area first planned for treatment, and (3) differences between younger and older women. METHODS: A total of 603 women aged 30 to 65 years considering aesthetic treatments participated in an online research survey using Maximum Difference scaling. RESULTS: Maximum Difference analysis revealed that crow's feet lines (CFLs) were most likely to be treated first (82% of the first preferences), followed by oral commissures (74%) and tear troughs (72%). There was a strong correlation between the most bothersome facial area and the area first planned for treatment. In women younger than 45 years, features of the upper face were more likely to be treated first, whereas women aged 50 years or older had an increased preference for treating features of the lower face, with a reduction in preference for upper face treatment. CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional survey suggests that aesthetically oriented women have changing facial treatment preferences with age; however, CFLs are of most concern.

Rheological Properties and In Vivo Performance Characteristics of Soft Tissue Fillers.

BACKGROUND: Physicochemical properties and performance in nonclinical animal models can provide insights into soft tissue filler performance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vivo performance of fillers with different compositions and physicochemical properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Physicochemical properties were measured in vitro. Rat models were developed and used to compare lift capacity, resistance to deformation, and tissue integration. Four homogeneous hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, 2 nonanimal stabilized HA (NASHA) fillers, and 1 calcium hydroxylapatite/carboxymethyl cellulose (CaHA/CMC) filler were evaluated. RESULTS: Filler lift capacity correlated better with filler composition/type (homogeneous > NASHA > CaHA/CMC) than with specific rheological properties. The CaHA/CMC filler had high initial resistance to deformation relative to other groups; all HA fillers exhibited lower initial resistance to deformation, which increased over time. Homogeneous HA fillers were integrated with surrounding tissue, whereas integration within particle-based fillers (NASHA and CaHA/CMC) was variable, with some areas void of tissue. CONCLUSION: The animal models provide a platform to make comparative evaluations among fillers. The results indicated that biological interaction plays an important role in how the filler performs. Rheology alone was not sufficient to understand filler performance but was most useful when comparing within fillers of similar composition.

Safety and effectiveness of focused cold therapy for the treatment of hyperdynamic forehead wrinkles.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 25% of patients exploring treatments for wrinkle reduction, have reservations about toxins. Therefore, a nonsurgical, minimally invasive, and toxin-free approach to eliminate facial hyperdynamic lines is desirable. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical safety and effectiveness of focused cold therapy (FCT) for the reduction of hyperdynamic forehead wrinkles. METHODS: Forty-one subjects received FCT to temporal branches of the facial nerve. Hyperdynamic forehead wrinkles were assessed by the investigator and subject before treatment, immediately after procedure, and at 7, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after treatment. A validated 5-point wrinkle scale and a 9-point global improvement scale were used to measure line severity. RESULTS: Five subjects received a lower treatment dose and were therefore excluded from analysis. In the remaining 36 subjects, 91% had at least a 1-point improvement in forehead line severity at 30 days after treatment and 70% had at least a 2-point improvement. There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Subjects treated for forehead wrinkles showed significant clinical improvement with high subject satisfaction and no serious adverse events. Focused cold therapy seems to be an effective, safe nontoxic alternative to popular wrinkle-reducing treatments.

HYC-24L Demonstrates Greater Effectiveness With Less Pain Than CPM-22.5 for Treatment of Perioral Lines in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This trial compares the effectiveness and safety of HYC-24L (Juvéderm Ultra XC; Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland) (24 mg/mL of hyaluronic acid, 0.3% lidocaine) and CPM-22.5 (Belotero Balance; Merz Aesthetics, Raleigh, NC) (22.5 mg/mL of hyaluronic acid) for the treatment of perioral lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Men and women aged 35 years or older with moderate-to-severe perioral lines were recruited for this randomized controlled, rater-blinded, 2-arm trial. The primary endpoint was a comparison of rater-assessed responder rates by the validated 4-point Perioral Lines Severity Scale at Month 6; responders were those who showed a ≥1 point improvement. A secondary endpoint was subject-assessed change in perioral lines measured by the Global Assessment of Change Scale. RESULTS: A total of 136 subjects received treatment and 132 completed the trial (mean age: 58 ± 8 years). Total volume injected was 1.18 mL (HYC-24L) and 1.32 mL (CPM-22.5). At Month 6, a significantly greater proportion of HYC-24L subjects responded to treatment (87%) than CPM-22.5 subjects (72%) (p < .04). At all time points, HYC-24L subjects reported significantly greater improvement in their perioral lines than CPM-22.5 subjects, with the greatest difference at Month 6. No unexpected adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: HYC-24L subjects showed a higher response rate and a greater improvement in their perioral lines than CPM-22.5 subjects for up to 6 months.

A Randomized, Blinded Study to Validate the Merz Hand Grading Scale for Use in Live Assessments.

BACKGROUND: The Merz Hand Grading Scale (MHGS) is a 5-point scale used to grade appearance of the dorsum of the hand. The MHGS has been previously validated for assessment of photographed hands but not for live assessment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this randomized, blinded study was to validate the MHGS for live assessment of the hands in the clinical setting. METHODS: Three physician raters completed a scale qualification program that included MHGS training, ratings of standardized hand photographs, and statistical analysis for reliability. Eighty-four subjects (28 males, 30% Fitzpatrick skin Types IV-VI, mean age of 42 years), randomized to 2 live assessment sessions for independent and blinded observation of dorsa of their right hands, completed the study. RESULTS: Overall MHGS intrarater weighted Kappa value was 0.74 (0.68-0.79 [CI 95%]). First- and second-time hand-rating agreement scores ranged from 64% to 75%. Interrater weighed Kappa values ranged from 0.59 to 0.71, representing between-rater paired results of each combination of raters. CONCLUSION: High-weighted Kappa values and agreements demonstrate that consistency at different time points can be achieved individually and by different raters for live assessments. The MHGS is a suitable instrument for live assessment in the clinical setting.

High-intensity focused ultrasound for the reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue using multiple treatment techniques.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive alternative to traditional invasive body sculpting procedures. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of HIFU treatment using high and low fluence settings with 2 treatment techniques, grid repeat (GR) and site repeat (SR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two multicenter studies were conducted. Subjects underwent 1 HIFU treatment with 1 of 5 treatment protocols (total fluence, 150-180 J/cm). Primary end point was change from baseline in waist circumference (CBWC) at 12 weeks. Secondary end points included CBWC at 4 and 8 weeks and investigator- and subject-assessed clinical improvement. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study. RESULTS: In the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, all subjects had a statistically significant mean circumferential reduction of -2.3 ± 2.9 cm (p < .0001) from baseline at 12 weeks, with no significant differences among the 5 treatment groups (ITT: p = .153). Analysis of secondary end points in the ITT population demonstrated a significant circumferential reduction starting as early as 4 weeks in all subjects (-1.1 ± 1.9 cm, p < .0001). Most subjects in all treatment groups showed improvements at 12 weeks as rated by the investigators and subjects. CONCLUSION: High-intensity focused ultrasound treatment using either a low or high fluence setting in a GR or SR method is effective for circumferential waist reduction, resulting in statistically significant CBWC in all treatment groups.

Perceptions and practices in submental fat treatment: a survey of physicians and patients.

Localized facial fat deposits are common, and treatment to restore and reshape the lower aspect of the face is mainly limited to surgical procedures. There has been a rapid growth in nonsurgical aesthetic procedures, and physicians and patients are seeking less invasive, nonsurgical facial rejuvenation options. Few data are published, however, on physician and patient perceptions and treatment of submental fat. This contribution reviews data from surveys of 78 physicians (dermatologists and plastic surgeons) and 385 patients who received nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. On average, physicians discussed fat reduction options with 19% of their patients; 18% of these discussions involved fat under the chin. Most patients surveyed (80%) had submental fat, assessed by a clinician using a 5-point rating scale. Submental fat was of concern to patients surveyed; 77% reported noticing extra fat under their chin and 61% wanted it reduced. Most patients (63%) surveyed would use an effective and well-tolerated noninvasive pharmacologic treatment for submental fat reduction. Patients were more likely to wish to reduce the fat below their chin if they had higher chin grade scores based on clinician assessment. Interesting insights are provided into the perceptions and behavior of physicians and patients with regard to submental fat reduction.

Consensus recommendations on the use of an erbium-doped 1,550-nm fractionated laser and its applications in dermatologic laser surgery.

BACKGROUND: Nonablative fractional photothermolysis has revolutionized the way we treat a number of common skin conditions with laser technology. OBJECTIVE: A comprehensive guide is needed for clinicians using this technology to treat specific skin conditions in various skin types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Recommendations were made from a recent round table discussion among experienced physicians and a review of recent literature findings. RESULTS: Optimal laser parameters are dependent on patient skin type and condition. We recommended guidelines for the successful treatment of several common skin conditions on and off the face using nonablative fractional photothermolysis. Specific conditions were dyschromia, rhytides, acne scars, surgical scars, melasma, and striae distensae. CONCLUSIONS: We developed reproducible guidelines to most effectively treat a variety of skin types and conditions using nonablative fractional photothermolysis. Future large, multicenter trials are indicated for further optimization of treatment parameters.

The role of calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) in nonsurgical aesthetic rejuvenation.

Radiesse (Bioform Medical, San Mateo, CA) is a synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite microsphere filler suspended in an aqueous carrier gel. Radiesse currently has indications in the United States (U.S.) for the correction of signs of lipoatrophy in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as for the correction of moderate-to-deep nasolabial folds. There are also numerous off label reports in the literature of use in other facial aesthetic procedures. This review describes the composition of calcium hydroxylapatite, its mechanism of action, durability and safety, pre- and post-procedure care, injection techniques, appropriate use, concomitant anesthesia, as well as potential adverse events and complications.

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.

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.

Preliminary observations on fractional ablative resurfacing devices: clinical impressions.

Fractional resurfacing has become an increasingly popular treatment for photodamage. Non-ablative and ablative fractional resurfacing modalities both have a variety of different devices that may be utilized for treatments. Each modality has its own benefits and drawbacks. In this article, the authors offer preliminary observations from hands-on experience with several different ablative fractional lasers presently available.