"Effectiveness of minimally invasive injectable modalities in the management of androgenetic alopecia among adults-A systematic review".

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss that affects over 50% of the world population. It is a condition that is multifactorial in origin, with no specific causative factor, making treatment an enervating experience for the patient as well as the doctor. In recent times, a number of modalities have been introduced for the treatment of alopecia. However, the evidence supporting them is unstructured and sparse. Therefore, this article aims to explore the current trends in minimally invasive treatments for the management of androgenetic alopecia. METHODS: An in-depth literature search on injectables used in the treatment of alopecia in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, TRIP Cochrane Library, and Cochrane Skin databases between January 2000 and May 2023 was performed. The studies included were randomized controlled trials, non-randomized trials, quasi trials, single arm interventions, and cohort studies. RESULTS: Sixteen of the 1071 studies that were found during the original search were accepted in accordance with the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies assessed the effectiveness of the injectable group by comparing it to a control group consisting of saline, distilled water, and topical minoxidil. In the treatment of alopecia, dutasteride and injectable growth factor formulations achieved clinically significant results. CONCLUSION: The usage of injectables and topical medicines to treat hair loss has increased in the recent years. Overall results from clinical investigations, pilot studies, and trials looking at the efficacy and safety of these growth factors in the AGA show satisfactory efficacy.

Patterns and Trends of Facial Fractures at a Tertiary Care Trauma Center in India - A 13 years Retrospective Study.

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objective: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the prevalence, pattern, diagnosis, and treatment of the facial fractures falling under ambit of facial plastic surgery in a multi-specialty hospital at India from the year 2006-2019. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 1508 patients, having orbital fractures (from 2006 to 2019) for demographic data, cause of trauma, type of fracture, and the treatment given. The data were compiled in excel and analyzed by using SPSS version 21.0. Results: Out of these 1508 patient (1127 (74.73%)-males and 381 (25.27%)-females), the etiology of injuries was Road traffic accident (RTA) (49.20%), assault (26.52%), and sports injuries (11.47%). The most common fracture pattern was Isolated Orbit and/or Orbital Floor fracture in 451 patients (32.08%), followed by Mid-facial fractures (21.93%). Also, 105 patients (6.96%) experienced ocular/retinal trauma along with other fractures. Conclusions: Orbit, peri-ocular, and mid-face trauma comprised a large position of this study. It requires a great deal of expertise to treat such complex trauma, which is not covered in one specialty alone. Hence, a holistic approach of craniofacial fracture management, rather than limiting these skills to water-tight craniofacial compartments becomes necessary. The study highlights the critical need of multidisciplinary approach for predictable and successful management of such complex cases.

Effectiveness of HIFU Therapy for Nonsurgical Facial and Body Contouring: A Systematic Review of Prospective and Experimental Studies.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction, the most common body sculpting surgical procedure known today is associated with the risk of numerous complications. A safer and more noninvasive approach involves the use of high-intensity focused ultrasonography (HIFU) lasers, which work by selectively damaging fat tissue through apoptosis or necrosis induction of fat cells. The authors' systematic review was designed to identify the effectiveness of HIFU for nonsurgical facial and body contouring. METHODS: An exhaustive literature search was conducted of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Scopus, and EBSCO electronic databases for the period from November of 2005 to July of 2020. The full text of selected articles was reviewed for possible study inclusion, and articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited. Characteristics of the included studies were noted, and outcomes were assessed. Assessment of quality and risk of bias was performed for all the studies using the RevMan tool and the methodological index for nonrandomized studies. RESULTS: The initial search revealed a total of 4584 citations, of which only 11 were included in the present review: nine used HIFU for recontouring of the abdomen and only two used HIFU over the face and neck. Studies evaluated either the efficacy of HIFU or the safety of its use. The average total energy ranged from 140 to 248 J/cm 2 for the abdominal region and 0.3 to 1.2 J/cm 2 for the face and neck. The focal depth ranged from 1.1 to 1.8 cm. All the studies showed promising results with the use of HIFU. CONCLUSION: HIFU therapy is safe, effective, and minimally invasive, with predictable results when used for body and facial recontouring.

Efficacy of QR678 Neo® hair growth factor formulation for the treatment of hair loss in Covid-19-induced persistent Telogen Effluvium-A prospective, clinical, single-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Telogen Effluvium (TE) in a post-Covid-19 patient causes excessive shedding of hair. No definite treatment is available till now. Past studies demonstrates that QR678Neo® has shown promising results in various types of Alopecia. AIM: In this study, we aim to establish efficacy of QR678 Neo® hair growth factor formulation administration in Covid-19-induced persistent TE for treatment of hair loss and for hair regrowth. MATERIAL & METHOD: Twenty adult patients (all females) presenting with persistent TE starting few weeks after recovery from Covid-19 infection, and continuing beyond 6 months were included for the study. A 1.5 mL solution of QR678 Neo® hair growth factor formulation was administered in the scalp per session. A total of 8 sessions (one session every 4 weeks) were done. The results were assessed at the baseline, after 4thsession, and 1 month after 8th session. RESULTS: Most of the patients showed significant reduction in hair fall; 89% patients showed excellent hair growth. Global photographic assessment score showed marked improvement, which maintained even post therapy. Videomicroscopic assessment showed increase in the hair count (mean =29.32) after 8th session, that further improved even post therapy. The subjective assessment scores for overall hair growth, appearance of hair, reduction in visibility of the scalp, and hair loss were 4, 4.5, 4.25, and 5, respectively. CONCLUSION: Management of Covid-19-induced persistent Telogen Effluvium has been unclear and futile so far. Intra-dermal administration of QR678 Neo® hair growth factor formulation in the scalp, reduces hair fall, improves hair regrowth, and increases the hair density.

Innovative approach for tear trough deformity correction using higher G prime fillers for safe, efficacious, and long-lasting results: A prospective interventional study.

BACKGROUND: One of the most challenging areas for facial rejuvenation is the lower eyelid. Apart from the protruding orbital fat causing lower lid bags, a discrete entity called the "tear trough deformity" is distinguishable in this area. AIM: The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the standard technique of tear trough deformity correction with the lateral injection technique using a high G prime filler to establish a guideline for the safe and effective correction of tear trough deformity. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, study was carried out from Dec 2017 to 2019 including 30 participants in the age range of 35-60 years. The participants were divided into two groups of 15 patients each. In group A patients, conventional technique with a low G Prime filler was used, whereas in group B, lateral injection technique with a high G Prime filler was used. RESULTS: Marked improvement was seen in appearance and skin quality on both the sides in all the patients. As compared to our technique (lateral injections) where a mean of 0.5 ml of filler was used to lift the cheek and reduce the tear trough, the standard technique (Mauricio de Maio's 3-point tear trough reshape technique) required a mean of 1.2 ml of filler for the same. Post-procedure complications including bruising and Tyndall effect were much higher (statistically significant) using the standard medial technique for the correction tear trough. CONCLUSION: Aesthetically satisfying results for the tear trough correction are possible, without actually injecting the tear trough directly, based on the knowledge of the underlying anatomy.

Evaluation of efficacy of intradermal injection therapy vs derma roller application for administration of QR678 Neo® hair regrowth formulation for the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia-A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Non-surgical hair restoration is one of the most exciting and innovative fields in cosmetic surgery today. The addition of latest technique like derma roller seeks to achieve better results for delivering pharmaceutical solution for hair growth in comparison with topical administration. AIM: We aim to compare intradermal injection vs. derma roller technique for administration of QR678Neo® hair regrowth therapy for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in male and female patients. METHOD: A sum of 50 patients in the age range of 20-70 years with AGA were included and divided into 2 groups; Group A (intradermal) and Group B (derma roller). Intradermal injection of QR678Neo® formulation and derma roller with superficial application of QR678Neo® was given in each group. Assessment was done using hair pull test, global photographic assessment, video-microscopic assessment, and patient subjective assessment at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. RESULTS: Significant diminution in hair fall was seen in both the groups. All the video-microscopic assessment factors were better in intradermal injection group compared to the derma roller group, but not significant. Erythema and pain were high in derma roller group in compare to intradermal. CONCLUSION: Derma roller technique is more convenient and easy to perform, especially when the availability of a trained person to carry out intradermal injection is not feasible, it gives satisfactory results. It is also beneficial in needle phobic and apprehensive patients. Though the results are more efficacious with intradermal scalp injection technique, this study established satisfactory results with derma roller technique as well.

Personalized video consent in Blepharoplasty: A new paradigm in the preoperative consent giving process.

BACKGROUND: Informed consent is not simply the signing of a form by the patient but more significantly, a process of an in-depth communication between the doctor and the patient. AIM: The written informed consent process typically involves reading a lengthy document involving the medical terms which at times lead to misinterpretation. Therefore, the current research envisages assessing the effectiveness and acceptability of the video consent tool athwart the traditional written consent procedure. METHODS: A retrospective questionnaire study was carried out with 30 patients posted for Blepharoplasty surgery between ages of 18-50 years. They were divided into two groups randomly. All the participants were given written consent. Video consent was taken additionally for group 2 subjects. All the participants received pre-validated questionnaire. The evaluation scale used was a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: People with video consent group were more satisfied with the consent process. It was noted that all the patients who received video consent were happier and understood the consent process better than patients with written consent only. CONCLUSION: The inference drawn from our study depicts that video consent is not just easy to understand and clarifies the doubts associated with the surgery but also significantly reduces the anxiety of the patient preoperatively. Also, in other 'quality of life' improving cosmetic procedures including rhinoplasty, face lift surgeries, jaw surgeries, botox, fillers, lasers etc., video consenting tool can be used to a maximum benefit. It is strongly recommended to adopt the practice of taking video consent format in all forms of cosmetic procedures.

Evaluation of efficacy of QR678® and QR678® Neo hair growth factor formulation in the treatment of persistent chemotherapy-induced alopecia caused due to cytotoxic chemotherapy-A prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Cancers are one of the main reasons of morbidity and mortality globally. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most alarming, terrifying, and traumatic adverse effects. A range of therapeutic measures has been suggested to alleviate CIA, but at present, there is no accepted pharmacological therapy that can assure prevention or management. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of QR 678 Neo® therapy in the treatment of persistent chemotherapy-induced alopecia in women and men treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy for breast and lung cancers, respectively. METHODS: A total of 8 male patients with history of lung cancer and 12 female patients with history of breast cancer in the age range of 25-60 years, with WHO classification of grade I and II persistent alopecia who had undergone chemotherapy treatment, were selected for the study. At each visit, 1.5 mL solution of QR 678® was injected into the scalp skin of patients. A total of 8 sessions were performed at an interval of 3 weeks each. All the patients were evaluated with standard global photography, video microscopic assessment, and patient self-assessment questionnaire at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. RESULTS: Marked improvement was seen in the global assessment score at 6 months (mean-8) which was maintained even after 1 year. Mean score increase in hair count at 6 months was 12.71 which further increased at 1 year. High satisfaction score was given by patients for slowing of hair loss (mean = 4.2) and also for overall hair growth. For appearance and growth of hair, the mean value was 3.4 and 3.8, respectively. CONCLUSION: The formulation of QR 678® and QR 678® Neo showed to be significantly safe and efficient for chemotherapy-induced alopecia in both men and women. Improvement in hair growth was maintained even at 1 year of follow-up. No patient had any severe adverse effects, and injections were also easily bearable by most of them.

QR678 & QR678 Neo Hair Growth Formulations: A Cellular Toxicity & Animal Efficacy Study.

Current treatment modalities are limited in their approach and success for hair loss. QR 678 & QR 678 Neo are new formulations, consisting of a combination of growth factors and peptides. This study demonstrates safety analysis of QR 678 & QR 678 Neo formulation, using in vitro cytotoxicity assay and in vivo animal efficacy. METHODS: Factors including vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, keratinocyte growth factor, and copper tripeptide 1 (QR 678) or their biomimetic peptides (QR678 Neo) were suspended in a sterile injectable vehicle. The 3-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was used to explore the cytotoxic effects of each factor used in the compositions in human keratinocyte cell and human fibroblast cell assays. An in vivo analysis, wherein study animals were given intradermal QR 678 & QR 678 Neo injections, was conducted to assess whether the formulations produce hair growth. Also, hair follicle viability was checked by intradermal injection of the pharmaceutical compositions in secondary alopecia. RESULTS: In both formulations, a positive response was observed with respect to the number of mice exhibiting hair growth at the injection sites. The injections caused retention of hair in a 0.25-cm radius around the injection site. On cytotoxicity study, all the factors were found to be safe in human keratinocyte cell and human fibroblast cell assay. A positive response was demonstrated in animals on treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent. CONCLUSIONS: Intradermal injections of QR 678 & QR 678 Neo hair growth factor formulations are a safe and efficacious option for alopecia. Results seem encouraging enough to warrant a trial in humans with secondary alopecia, post cancer chemotherapy.

Aging and the Indian Face: An Analytical Study of Aging in the Asian Indian Face.

Asian Indians make up almost one-sixth of the world's population. Although some aspects of facial beauty are universal, anthropometric morphology and age-related changes differ in all ethnic groups. Currently, there are hardly any published studies highlighting the process of aging in Asian Indians. We wanted to understand the aging patterns in different ethnic subgroups within Asian Indians and also compare the aging patterns with Caucasians. METHOD: 300 participants, above 30 years of age, were selected from different Indian ethnic groups (North, South, East, West). Recent good-quality photographs as well as those from the preceding decades (20 years and beyond) were studied. A validated grading score of 1-5 was used for assessing various aging parameters. RESULTS: Significant differences exist in the process of aging between Asian Indians and Caucasians. Maximum signs of aging were reported in the age group of >70 years. Earlier signs of aging (in 30-40 years) were more visible in North and East Indian ethnic groups followed by West and South Indians in decreasing order. Also, South Indians showed the least signs of aging (early as well as overall) compared to the other 3 ethnic groups in any given age range. CONCLUSIONS: This study attempts to understand in greater detail the aging process of the Asian Indian population. This study could open up specific treatment protocols to treat this population in the fields of facial esthetics and facial cosmetic surgery.

Does taking selfies lead to increased desire to undergo cosmetic surgery.

BACKGROUND: India is the country with the highest number of selfie-related deaths. However, little is known whether this selfie craze contributes toward the behavioral changes and desire to undergo cosmetic procedures & surgery. AIM: To analyse how taking, altering and posting selfies on social media, affects individuals' self-esteem, confidence, body image perception and mood in the Indian population. And to see whether the practice of taking selfies leads to the promotion of self-image dysmorphia and an increased desire to undergo cosmetic surgical procedures. METHODS: A total of 300 participants from four Indian cities (75 each from Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai) were included in the study. The study experimentally tested whether taking and posting selfie, with and without photograph retouching, elicits changes in mood, body image, and desire to undergo cosmetic surgery among young men and women. RESULTS: A significant increase in the level of social anxiety (P < .004), feeling of decrease in confidence (P < .002), feeling of decrease in physical attractiveness (P < .001) and the desire to undergo cosmetic surgery (P < .001) was noted in the experimental group. Also, all the findings were higher in women compared with men. CONCLUSION: This first of its kind experimental study in the Indian population highlights the deleterious effects of uploading selfies on human mankind and well-being. The prevalent obsessively looks-oriented culture is engulfing our youth's innocence and warrants immediate attention. Few steps taken in the right direction and at the right time can save us from the disastrous effects of this selfie craze in future.

Evaluation of efficacy of QR 678 and QR678 neo hair growth factor formulation for the treatment of female pattern alopecia in patients with PCOS-A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hair is an essential identity of women. Femininity, sexuality, attractiveness, and personality are symbolically linked to a woman's hair. Female pattern hair loss is found in 20%-30% of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of QR678® and QR678 Neo® therapy in the treatment of female alopecia with PCOS. METHOD: A total of 20 females diagnosed with PCOS in the age 25-50 years, with complaints of female pattern alopecia with Ludwig, grades I, and II were selected for the study. At each visit, 1.5 ml solution of QR678® was injected in the scalp skin of patients. A total of eight sessions were performed at an interval of 3 week each. All the patients were evaluated with standard global photography at baseline, 4th and 8th session, and 2 months after 8th session. RESULT: Marked improvement was seen in the global photographic assessment score (mean = 8) which was maintained for over 1 year. In videomicroscopic assessment, after four sessions the patients had 8.07 fewer vellus hair, 6.07 more terminal hair, and average hair shaft diameter was 0.82 µm wider. After eight sessions, they had 11.66 fewer vellus hair, 13.77 more terminal hair, and hair shaft diameter was 2.86 µm wider than at baseline. CONCLUSION: Intra-dermal injections of QR 678® hair growth factor formulation is an effective option for female pattern alopecia with PCOS. This is the first of its kind study using QR678® and QR678 Neo® in PCOS patients.

Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Treating Asian Indian Patients with Masseter Hypertrophy: A 4-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Asian Indians usually have wide lower faces because of masseter hypertrophy. The authors evaluated the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A in long-term management of bilateral masseter hypertrophy in Asian Indian patients. METHODS: Fifty patients were enrolled in the study and injected with 30 U of botulinum toxin type A to each side of the face, at baseline. Based on masseter muscle thickness and response to the injections, 25 patients underwent a second injection session at week 12, and the other 25 patients underwent additional third sessions, at week 24 after the first injection, respectively. Standardized photography and ultrasonography were performed to assess facial contour and masseter muscle thickness at baseline and at 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year follow-ups. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The authors observed 12 percent (p < 0.0001) average masseter muscle size reduction at week 12. The maximum reduction (26.6 percent; p < 0.0001) was observed at week 24 for the patients who received two injections and maintained an average 24.43 percent (p < 0.0001) reduction until follow-up at year 4. Patients who received three injections exhibited very high reduction (42.52 percent; p < 0.0001) of masseter volume at week 36 and maintained an average 40.64 percent (p < 0.0001) reduced volume until year 4. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin type A treatment is effective for long-term management of bilateral masseter hypertrophy. Doses repeated at 12-week intervals accentuate masseter volume reduction and also help maintain reduced masseter volume for 4-year follow-up, with satisfactory facial contour.

Effect of Eyelid Crease Formation on Aesthetic Outcomes post Frontalis Suspension for Unilateral Ptosis.

BACKGROUND: The eyelid crease plays a very important role in determining eyelid symmetry. This study was performed to compare the cosmetic results post silicone rod frontalis suspension surgery, performed with and without eyelid crease formation, for correction of unilateral, congenital ptosis. METHODS: Prospective, interventional study. One hundred patients with unilateral, congenital ptosis, with poor levator muscle action, operated on by a single facial plastic surgeon, over 5-year duration (2011-2016). Group I had 50 patients, who underwent silicone sling (Bvi Visitec) frontalis suspension surgery. Group II had 50 patients, who underwent frontalis suspension silicone sling (Bvi Visitec) surgery, in combination with eyelid crease formation and levator muscle excision (when required). The cosmetic outcomes were evaluated by the patients themselves and by 3 blinded physician observers and recorded objectively via a 5-point questionnaire, after a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Patients in group II were much more satisfied than the patients in group I, as confirmed by the subjective and objective evaluations. CONCLUSION: The silicone sling frontalis suspension surgery, when combined with eyelid crease creation and levator excision procedure (when required), provides better symmetry, superior cosmesis, and excellent patient satisfaction.

Use of Micro-focused Ultrasound for Skin Tightening of Mid and Lower Face.

The changes in the mid face and lower face are among the most prominent features of the aging process. Intense focused ultrasound, known as the Ulthera System (Ulthera Inc., Mesa, AZ, USA), was designed to correct this process. It employs micro-focused ultrasound to cause discrete focal heating of the dermis and stimulates neocollagenesis and elastin remodeling. METHODS: This study enrolled 50 adult patients of Indian ethnicity who opted for correction of mid face and lower face sagging by Ulthera. The subjects were treated using Ulthera 3.0 mm probes which targets deep dermis and 4.5 mm, which targets the superficial muscular aponeurotic system. All patients were evaluated for allergic reactions and side effects like scarring and nerve/muscle dysfunction. Investigators Global Aesthetic Improvement Scales Scores and Patients Global Aesthetic Improvement Scales Scores were used for analysis at 30 days, 60 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Photographs were taken for detailed facial evaluation. Patients were asked to fill a self-assessment questionnaire. RESULTS: At the end of 6 months, improvements in mid face and lower face were reported in 93% patients by blinded reviewers and 85% patients found the results to be satisfactory. The same results were maintained at the end of 1 year. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that substantial results can be achieved in overall aesthetic improvement of sagging of mid face and lower face with this modality using intense focused ultrasound which utilizes delivering of treatment at a single focal depth.

An Algorithm Using Botox Injections for Facial Scar Improvement in Fitzpatrick Type IV-VI Skin.

BACKGROUND: Wounds of the face are known to heal poorly with conspicuous scarring. Hence, it is crucial to address the distracting effect of muscle pull on immature collagen, which often leads to worsening of scars. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. METHODS: One hundred patients with a minimum of 6 months follow-up were recruited. All patients with depressed scars underwent surgery for scar revision. Two weeks before surgical intervention, intramuscular Botulinum toxin was injected around the scar, to prevent movement of the facial muscles. From the second week postsurgery, Cicatrix (Formulation containing activated Centella Asiatica & Pinus Sylvestris, Catalysis, Spain) was routinely used, 3 times a day, for 6 months post the scar revision surgery. Six weeks postsurgery, Fractional C02 laser treatment was started and performed every 4 weeks. RESULTS: Using the Objective Assessment Score and the Subjective Assessment Score, the mean of the scores were taken. All patients had satisfactory results, as measured by a patient satisfaction survey and objectively by the physician assessment. DISCUSSION: Botulinum toxin injected before scar revision surgery resulted in the wound being stabilized, better wound healing, and prevention of wound widening during healing. CONCLUSION: In view of the results of this study, it is considered worthwhile to offer patients with facial scars, Botulinum toxin injections before scar revision surgery, followed by Fractional C02 laser, along with the routine use of Cicatrix Cream.

Intradermal injections of a hair growth factor formulation for enhancement of human hair regrowth - safety and efficacy evaluation in a first-in-man pilot clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Research has shown the efficacy of hair growth factors in hair regrowth. We describe the intradermal injections of a recombinant, bioengineered hair formulation, containing growth factors, into the scalp skin, for enhancement of hair regrowth and evaluate its efficacy. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the hair growth factor formulation in reducing hair loss and enhancing hair growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an open-label, prospective, single-arm interventional pilot study in which 1000 patients were given intradermal injections of a hair formulation into the scalp skin. The formulation contains vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor, thymosin ß4, and copper tripeptide-1 suspended in a sterile injectable vehicle. Intradermal injections of this hair formulation were injected into the scalp once every 3 weeks for a total of eight such sessions. Hair pull test was performed before every session. Videomicroscopic and global images were taken at baseline, fourth session, eighth session, and 2 months after the completion of the eight sessions. Relevant safety assessments through physical examination, questionnaires, and appropriate laboratory examination were conducted throughout the study. RESULTS: Significant reduction in hair fall was seen in 83% of the patients on hair pull test. Videomicroscopic image evaluation showed that most patients had a decrease in the number of vellus hairs, increase in number of terminal hairs, and increase in shaft diameter. Seventy-five percent of the patients believed that the hair injections were aiding the treatment of their hair loss, and it was also beneficial in post-hair transplant patients. At 1 year, a statistically significant increase in total hair count (P = 0.002) continued to be seen. Treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Intradermal injections of this hair formulation may be a promising option for treating male as well as female patterns of hair loss.

Use of a novel combined radiofrequency and ultrasound device for lipolysis, skin tightening and cellulite treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Skin laxity and excessive subcutaneous fat are growing cosmetic concerns. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel radiofrequency and ultrasound workstation for lipolysis, circumference reduction, treatment of skin laxity and cellulite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred seventy-five (235 women and 40 men) patients were enrolled into the study. Each patient received 3 treatment sessions, each session comprising Ultrasound and Radiofrequency treatments, at two-week intervals. Some received treatment for the abdomen, some for the thighs and some for both. Efficacy was assessed accordingly by measuring changes in abdominal circumference, thigh circumference and appearance of cellulite. Any adverse effect was noted. RESULT: Paired t-test between measurements at baseline and 4 weeks after 3rd session was significant amongst all the groups, showing that most patients showed improvement in abdominal and/or thigh circumferences. No significant adverse effects were noted during or after the treatment. CONCLUSION: A combination of alternating hot and cold module Ultrasound and Radiofrequency technologies is a safe and effective modality for lipolysis and to treat skin laxity and cellulite.