Procedure and results on lower face and neck rejuvenation using a temperature-controlled bipolar fractional radiofrequency microneedling device.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Radiofrequency (RF) devices which are under ongoing technological development, are being increasingly used for minimally invasive rejuvenation procedures. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a procedure that uses bipolar RF microneedles for rejuvenation of the lower face and neck. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective clinical and histological study, with a blind evaluation of the results by independent evaluators. Twenty-four women over 40 years of age were evaluated, who were treated with bipolar RF equipment (Profound™; Candela Medical) during a single session. Biopsy samples were taken from 12 patients. Microscopy images related to the immediate effects of RF and the changes observed 4 months after treatment were examined. The clinical results were established through questionnaires and by comparing before and after photographs. Mean (m), range (R), and percentage (%) values were calculated. RESULTS: Immediate lysis of adipocytes in submental fat was observed, as well as an increase in the density and compaction of elastin and collagen fibers 4 months later. The average percentage of reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, furrows, and folds was around 30%, while the average improvement of the neck silhouette was around 20%. Photographic signs of aging improved significantly, both in the face (p = 0.0007) and the neck (p = 0.002). Patient and therapist satisfaction with the results was 8.3/10 (R = 3-10) and 9.3/10 (R = 8-10), respectively. The adverse effects were mild and temporary and no complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The procedure is safe, clinically effective, and satisfactory for patients.

Clinical assessment of a new 755 nm diode laser for hair removal: Efficacy, safety and practicality in 56 patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recently, the first diode laser with a wavelength of 755 nm for in-motion hair removal came on the market. The objective of this study was to check its efficacy, safety, and practicality under different options for its use. METHODS: A prospective study in a heterogeneous group of 56 patients who had hair removed from various areas of their bodies using three different treatment methods. Four sessions were scheduled in all cases, with a gap of 3 months between each session. Efficacy was assessed by counting of hairs per cm2 and the adverse effects in each session were recorded in detail in the patients' clinical histories. RESULTS: The three tested options achieved a significant reduction in the number of hairs (P < 0.0001). The average clearances achieved using the conventional method (HR), the in-motion method (SHR) and the stacking method were 75.5%, 70.1%, and 41.9%, respectively. The degree of satisfaction of the participants on a scale of 0-10 was 7.7, 8.1 and 6.8, respectively. Erythema and perifollicular edema, which are characteristic responses in laser hair removal, were observed. The incidence of burns was 1.33%. CONCLUSION: The 755-nm diode laser performed efficiently and safely in all the tested areas, using high total accumulated energy per surface unit. Based on our prior experience with other equipment, the results are promising. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:355-360, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The 800-nm diode laser in the treatment of leg veins: assessment at 6 months.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of the 800-nm diode laser system in clearing leg veins was analyzed subjectively and objectively in a variety of leg veins. METHODS: A total of 10 women (age 25-55 years, skin types II-IV) with a variety of leg vein types were treated with an 800-nm diode laser. A sequence of pulses (5-8 stacked pulses, pulse duration 50 milliseconds, delay 50 milliseconds) was applied on a 3-mm spot (210-336 J/cm2 fluence, depending on vessel size). Treatment on the same vein was performed at intervals of 2 months until complete clearance was achieved (maximum: 3 treatments). The results were assessed at 6 months from the last treatment. Patients evaluated their subjective improvement by means of a questionnaire to elicit the satisfaction index. In an independent objective assessment, the clearance index was based on the pretreatment and posttreatment clinical photography, also analyzed by a computer program. RESULTS: All patients completed the trial with mild but transient side effects. The patient 6-month assessments for very good, good, fair, poor, and worse were 1, 5, 3, 1, and 0, respectively. For the clinician-assessed clearance index, the numbers for the same grades were 2, 6, 2, 0, and 0, and for the computer assessment they were 1, 6, 2, 1, and 0. No patient scored worse in any assessment. The overall satisfaction index and clinician and computer clearance indexes were 60%, 80%, and 70%, respectively. LIMITATIONS: No control group could be obtained in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The 800-nm diode laser as used in the study may well offer an effective treatment method for leg veins that is comparatively pain and side-effect free. Best results were obtained in vessels of 3 to 4 mm in diameter located on the thigh, and in patients with phototype III skin. No correlation was seen between results and patient age.

A clinical, histological, and computer-based assessment of the Polaris LV, combination diode, and radiofrequency system, for leg vein treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Electro-optical synergy (ELOS) is a novel technology that combines radiofrequency (RF) with optical energy. This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of the Polaris LV system, which is based on combined RF and diode laser (915 nm), for the treatment of leg veins. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty women (Fitzpatrick II-IV) with red or blue leg veins (1-4 mm in diameter) were treated with the Polaris LV, using a fluence of 60-80 J/cm(2) and conducted RF energy of 100 J/cm(3). Patients received up to three treatment sessions at 2- to 4-week intervals. Both patients and an independent physician graded the level of vessel clearance at 2 months following the last treatment, using pre- and post-treatment photographs. Also, a computer-generated assessment of vessel clearance was done in 40 patients. Twenty patients provided biopsy specimens for histologic assessment. RESULTS: Approximately three-quarters of patients demonstrated >/= 50% vessel clearance, and about 30% had 75%-100% vessel clearance. Computer-generated scores correlated closely with physician scores. Histologic assessment showed signs of coagulation and prominent endothelial degeneration in all treated vessels, but the epidermis remained normal. There were minimal complications. CONCLUSIONS: The Polaris LV is effective and safe in treating red and blue leg veins up to 4 mm in diameter.