Laser Tattoo Removal: An Update.

Tattoo art has been around for thousands of years in every culture and is currently flourishing in all age groups, social classes, and occupations. Despite the rising popularity of tattoos, demand for their removal has also increased. While various treatments, including surgical excision, dermabrasion, and chemical destruction have historically been applied, over the past 2 decades, lasers have revolutionized the way tattoos are treated and have become the gold standard of treatment. To achieve optimal cosmetic outcome of treatment, lasers emitting high energies and short pulses are required to adequately destroy tattoo ink. We review the history of laser tattoo removal, outlining the challenges inherent in developing lasers that can most effectively remove tattoo particles while safely protecting skin from unwanted injury.

Men at risk for paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after cryolipolysis.

Cryolipolysis, an aesthetic procedure that reduces adipose tissue by exposure to cold temperature, is generally well tolerated with mild side effects including temporary numbness, erythema, and tenderness. However, as cryolipolysis is gaining popularity and more treatments are being performed, reports of rare adverse events including delayed onset pain and paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) have been described. Recent studies have suggested that PAH can be more common than expected and have a predilection for males, as a disproportionate number of the cases reported in the literature have occurred in men despite the fact that fewer men are likely to be treated with cryolipolysis. Sexual dimorphism in adipose anatomy may provide insight into the increased susceptibility of men to PAH. Careful patient selection avoiding men with visceral abdominal adipose and firm, nondistensible, fibrous fat may be important to minimize the risk of PAH.