ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Tapencarium (RZL-012) (5-(3.6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-N, N, N-trimethylpentan-1-aminium chloride) is a novel injectable synthetic molecule with cytolytic properties, capable of reducing subcutaneous fat volume. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this 3-armed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b study was to determine the safety and efficacy of low- and high-dose RZL-012 vs placebo on submental fat (SMF) reduction. METHODS: Patients (n = 151, age 18-65 years) with excess SMF received a single treatment session of RZL-012 or placebo in the submental area, after which they were monitored for 84 days. SMF was assessed at baseline and after dosing with newly developed scales, namely the Clinician Chin Assessment Tool (C-CAT) and Subject Chin Assessment Tool (S-CAT). SMF was also assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at screening and on Day 84 after treatment. RESULTS: The proportion of patients who had a 1-grade or 2-grade improvement in C-CAT and/or S-CAT on Day 84 vs baseline was significantly higher in the high-dose RZL-012 group vs the placebo group (P < .002). The relative percentage reduction in MRI-measured SMF volume (Day 84 vs screening) was significantly greater in the high-dose RZL-012 group vs the low-dose RZL-012 or the placebo group (P < .0001). Local injection site reactions were the most common adverse events (AEs). CONCLUSIONS: A single administration of RZL-012 into SMF resulted in significant improvement in submental appearance as assessed by clinicians, patients, and MRI. From a safety perspective, there were no serious AEs and no clinically significant changes in vital signs or laboratory tests over the course of the study.
Subject(s)
Cosmetic Techniques , Deoxycholic Acid , Humans , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Injections, Subcutaneous , Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects , Subcutaneous Fat/diagnostic imaging , Double-Blind Method , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The experience of pain during microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) treatment is common and crucial for dictating patient satisfaction and retention. OBJECTIVE: To compare the pain perception during the MFU-V procedure between two pain reduction methods (topical anesthesia alone versus combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A square area on the inner side of both arms of healthy volunteers was marked as an experimental site and randomly assigned to receive each pain reduction method: topical anesthesia or combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling. Thereafter, MFU-V was performed with a 4.5 MHz, 4.5 mm transducer (10 lines, 0.9 J) followed by a 7 MHz, 3.0 mm transducer (10 lines, 0.3 J). The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain was measured immediately after 4.5 mm transducer (T1a), immediately after 3.0 mm transducer (T1b), and after the entire procedure (T2). RESULTS: Twenty-one participants with a mean (SD) age of 34.67 (±6.18) years were enrolled. The mean (±SD) pain score of combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling-treated area was 5.40 (±1.64), 4.80 (±1.63), and 5.40 (±1.56) at T1a, T1b, and T2, respectively. The mean pain score for topical anesthesia-treated areas was 5.89 (±1.45), 5.00 (±1.72), and 5.76 (±1.67) at T1a, T1b, and T2, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the pain perception between the two methods. CONCLUSION: The addition of forced air cooling is not beneficial for pain reduction during the MFU-V procedure because its temperature reduction effect cannot be delivered to the deep parts of the skin, which is the target site of MFU-V.
Subject(s)
Anesthesia, Local , Patient Satisfaction , Humans , Adult , Prospective Studies , Pain/diagnosis , Pain/etiology , Pain/prevention & control , Pain Perception , Lidocaine , Anesthetics, LocalABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) provides a heat and pain sensation (nociception). Capsaicin, a TRPV1 agonist, has been shown to induce a refractory period in the nerve terminal expressing TRPV1 and create long-term nerve terminal defunctionalization. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of capsaicin for pain reduction during microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) treatment. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A randomized, split-side study including 24 subjects was conducted. A combined 0.025% capsaicin gel and topical anesthetic were randomly applied on one side of the neck, and a topical anesthetic monotherapy was applied on the contralateral side for 30 min before MFU-V treatment. Pain score (visual analog scale, 0-10) was evaluated at T1 (before MFU-V), T2a (after the 4.5-mm transducer treatment), T2b (after the 3.0-mm transducer treatment), and T3 (after the entire treatment). Side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Mean pain scores at T2a for combined and single regimens were 5.19 (±2.26) and 6.91 (±1.72), respectively (p < 0.001). The capsaicin-treated side had a lower pain score at T2b and T3 (p < 0.001). Redness was longer on the capsaicin-treated side (112.67 vs. 10.68 min, p < 0.001). No other adverse events including contact dermatitis were reported. CONCLUSION: A single application of a combined 0.025% capsaicin gel with topical anesthesia produces a significantly lesser pain score during the MFU-V treatment. Defunctionalization of TRPV1 may explain the alleviation of painful sensations caused by heat from MFU-V.
Subject(s)
Capsaicin , Pain Management , Humans , Capsaicin/adverse effects , Anesthetics, Local/therapeutic use , Pain/drug therapy , Ultrasonography , TRPV Cation Channels/agonists , TRPV Cation Channels/therapeutic useABSTRACT
The growing interest in improving the quality of body (as distinct from facial) skin may be in part attributable to the expanding use of noninvasive body contouring procedures. In this review, we describe a new framework characterizing the factors that define skin quality (including visual, textural, and biomechanical attributes) that provides a foundation for improved assessment of skin quality and its response to treatment. We then highlight critical biological pathways responsible for body skin restoration and maintenance that have been identified during the development of restorative topical products. Each of these pathways, including extracellular matrix support, suppression of lipogenesis, and enhancement of cellular/macromolecular recycling and clearance, lymphatic drainage, and lipolysis, is a potential target of 1 or more bioactive substances. A survey of available topical products marketed for skin quality improvement suggests that none target more than 2 of these pathways (including extracellular matrix support, lipolysis, and autophagy, a component of cellular recycling), leaving abundant opportunity for development of new topical formulations that target all or most of the critical pathways. Such formulations may provide improved outcomes when used as standalone products for general skin quality improvement and rejuvenation, in addition to their potential for post-procedure use, and also for pre-procedure skin conditioning. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(6):653-658. doi:10.36849/JDD.6811.
Subject(s)
Rejuvenation , Skin Aging , Administration, Topical , Face , Humans , SkinABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Skin quality is an important component of human attractiveness. To date, there are no standardized criteria for good skin quality. To establish a consensus for good skin quality parameters and measurement and treatment options, a virtual skin quality advisory board consisting of a global panel of highly experienced aesthetic dermatologists/aesthetic physicians was convened. METHODS: A total of 10 dermatologists/aesthetic physicians served on the advisory board. A modified version of the Delphi method was used to arrive at consensus. Members accessed an online platform to review statements on skin quality criteria from their peers, including treatment and measurement options, and voted to indicate whether they agreed or disagreed. Statements that did not have agreement were modified and the members voted again. Consensus was defined as: strong consensus = greater than 95% agreement; consensus = 75% to 95% agreement; majority consent = 50% to 75% agreement; no consensus = less than 50% agreement. RESULTS: There was strong consensus that good skin quality is defined as healthy, youthful in appearance (appearing younger than a person's chronological age), undamaged skin and that skin quality can be described across all ethnicities by four emergent perceptual categories (EPCs): skin tone evenness, skin surface evenness, skin firmness, and skin glow. The EPCs can be affected by multiple tissue layers (ie, skin surface quality can stem from and be impacted by deep structures or tissues). This means that topical approaches may not be sufficient. Instead, improving skin quality EPCs can require a multilayer treatment strategy. CONCLUSION: This global advisory board established strong consensus that skin quality can be described by four EPCs, which can help clinicians determine the appropriate treatment option(s) and the tissue or skin layer(s) to address. Skin quality is important to human health and wellbeing and patients' perception for the need for aesthetic treatment.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Inadvertent intra-arterial injection of dermal fillers including calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) can result in serious adverse events including soft tissue necrosis, permanent scarring, visual impairment, and blindness. When intra-arterial injection occurs, immediate action is required for optimal outcomes, but the infrequency of this event means that many physicians may never have experienced this scenario. The aim of this document is to provide evidence-based and expert opinion recommendations for the recognition and management of vascular compromise following inadvertent injection of CaHA. METHODS: An international group of experts with experience in injection of CaHA and management of vascular complications was convened to develop a consensus on the optimal management of vascular compromise following intra-arterial CaHA injection. The consensus members were asked to provide preventative advice for the avoidance of intravascular injection and to produce a treatment protocol for acute and delayed presentation. To ensure all relevant treatment options were included, the recommendations were supplemented with a PubMed search of the literature. RESULTS: For prevention of intra-arterial CaHA injection, consensus members outlined the importance of a thorough knowledge of facial vascular anatomy and patient history, as well as highlighting potential risk zones and optimal injection techniques. Individual sections document how to recognize the symptoms of vascular occlusion leading to vision loss and tissue necrosis as well as detailed treatment protocols for the management of these events. For impending tissue necrosis, recommendations are provided for early and delayed presentations with treatment protocols for acute and follow-up treatment. A separate section details the treatment options for open and closed wounds. CONCLUSIONS: All physicians should be prepared for the eventuality of intra-arterial injection of a dermal filler, despite its rarity. These consensus recommendations combine advice from aesthetic experts with the latest reports from the published literature to provide an up-to-date office-based protocol for the prevention and treatment of complications arising from intra-arterial CaHA injection.
Subject(s)
Cosmetic Techniques , Dermal Fillers , Calcium , Consensus , Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects , Dermal Fillers/adverse effects , Durapatite/adverse effects , HumansABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Facial aging is a multifactorial process. Accordingly, expert opinion has largely been unanimous in that multimodal treatment targeting various aspects of the aging face provides superior results. However, there is a lack of studies exploring patient response. OBJECTIVE: To compare patient retention between triple multimodal facial rejuvenation treatment (neuromodulator, filler, and energy-based therapy) and monotherapy (neuromodulator alone). METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter (the United States, Canada, and Germany) study was performed. Cases were retrieved from July 2015 to June 2016. The study compared patients who had undergone monotherapy (neuromodulator), combined multimodal treatment (neuromodulator, filler, and energy-based therapy on the same day), and sequential multimodal treatment (neuromodulator, filler, and energy-based therapy over a 1-year period). Retention rates were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 509 patients were included: monotherapy (300), sequential multimodal treatment (93), and combined multimodal treatment (116). Patient retention was significantly higher in the combined multimodal treatment group compared with the monotherapy and sequential multimodal treatment groups (p < .001). Subgroup analysis revealed similar trends at all sites. CONCLUSION: Based on retention rates, patients are more likely to return to the clinic when multiple treatment modalities are used during 1 encounter. These data further solidify the importance of multimodal therapy for both the provider and the patient.
Subject(s)
Cosmetic Techniques/statistics & numerical data , Dermal Fillers/administration & dosage , Rejuvenation , Retention in Care/statistics & numerical data , Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Canada , Combined Modality Therapy/methods , Combined Modality Therapy/statistics & numerical data , Face/physiology , Female , Germany , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Retrospective Studies , Skin Aging/drug effects , Skin Aging/physiology , Treatment Outcome , United States , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The visible signs of photodamage can be improved by intense pulsed light (IPL). Active ingredients in cosmeceuticals also have effects on skin quality and pigmentation, and can camouflage post-treatment side effects. Combination therapies utilizing different treatment modalities have been shown to optimize clinical outcomes for skin rejuvenation and patient satisfaction. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a combination of IPL with a daily topical skincare and sunscreen regimen for the treatment of facial photodamage and for the improvement of IPL treatment tolerability. PATIENTS/METHODS: Twenty female subjects with moderate-to-severe facial photodamage, with past history of IPL treatments, received one IPL treatment followed by the use of the topical skincare regimen for 8 weeks. An investigator assessed facial photodamage and hyperpigmentation at baseline, week 4, and week 8, and postprocedure erythema. Subject questionnaires were also administered at each visit. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, there was a significant improvement in photodamage and hyperpigmentation of bare facial skin. The application of the skincare regimen resulted in a significant reduction in post-IPL erythema, stinging/burning, and itching. The majority of patients were very satisfied or satisfied and felt the treatment regimen improved various aspects of skin quality and the tolerability of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a topical skincare regimen after IPL treatment to the face resulted in significant improvements in facial photodamage and pigmentation, decreased post-treatment side effects, and increased tolerability.
Subject(s)
Cosmetic Techniques , Facial Dermatoses/therapy , Hyperpigmentation/therapy , Intense Pulsed Light Therapy , Skin Aging , Sunscreening Agents/therapeutic use , Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects , Erythema/drug therapy , Erythema/etiology , Female , Humans , Intense Pulsed Light Therapy/adverse effects , Pain/drug therapy , Pain/etiology , Patient Satisfaction , Pruritus/drug therapy , Pruritus/etiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Aging is a multifactorial process and depends on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Procedural options for diminishing signs of intrinsic aging and cosmetic rejuvenation have expanded dramatically. However, less attention is paid to counseling patients on options for mitigating extrinsic factors related to aging. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review changes that occur with intrinsic and extrinsic aging, and provide evidence-based holistic counseling recommendations that can be used synergistically with aesthetic procedures to maximize antiaging interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted for articles on intrinsic and extrinsic aging as it relates to skin, fat, muscle, and bone. Key clinical trials and studies on the effect of diet, hormones, exercise, sleep, stress, dental hygiene, smoking, pollution, and oxidative stress on the aging process are reviewed, and treatment recommendations are summarized based on available evidence. RESULTS: Conventional cosmetic procedures and cosmeceuticals work together with nutritious diet, exercise, dental hygiene, hormonal balance, stress reduction, smoking and pollution avoidance, and healthy sleep patterns for a better effect on antiaging. CONCLUSION: A combination approach of multiple nonsurgical modalities along with healthy lifestyle recommendations to minimize intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors allows cosmetic practitioners to target multiple facets of aging concurrently and maximize the aesthetic interventions cosmetic dermatologists/practitioners provide.
Subject(s)
Aging/physiology , Directive Counseling , Environmental Exposure/prevention & control , Holistic Health , Air Pollution/adverse effects , Cosmetic Techniques , Diet , Exercise/physiology , Hormone Replacement Therapy , Humans , Oral Hygiene , Sleep/physiology , Smoking/adverse effects , Stress, Psychological/prevention & control , Sunlight/adverse effectsABSTRACT
With the rapid increase in patients seeking cosmetic treatments, the variation in responses of lightly pigmented skin versus darkly pigmented skin has become increasingly apparent. Despite extensive treatment options in patients with skin of color, there is a paucity of well-designed studies performed on this patient population. The lack of research is concerning, as it is well documented that patients with darker skin types are at an increased risk of adverse events when treated with many of the available modalities used in cosmetic procedures. Fortunately, by combining a variety of treatments, these risks may be abrogated, and combination treatments may be a promising regimen for a wide variety of cosmetic complaints. An overview and evaluation of the research of combination therapy in skin of color is presented.
Subject(s)
Cosmetic Techniques , Skin Pigmentation , Acne Vulgaris/complications , Cicatrix/etiology , Cicatrix/therapy , Combined Modality Therapy , Humans , Injections , Laser Therapy , Melanosis/therapy , Nevus of Ota/therapy , Phototherapy , Rejuvenation , Skin Aging , Skin Neoplasms/therapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The use of multiple, sequential light and laser sources for topical ALA activation in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of rosacea has been largely absent from the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate ALA-PDT for rosacea using blue light sequentially with red light, pulsed-dye laser (PDL), and/or intense pulsed light (IPL). PATIENTS/METHODS: Thirty patients (39 treatments) were enrolled in this retrospective, single-center study. Treatment groups included blue light + PDL, blue light + IPL, blue light + PDL + IPL, or blue light + red light + PDL + IPL. Patient-reported outcome measures (incidence of adverse events, improvement in rosacea, and improvement in overall skin quality) were obtained via a telephone questionnaire and graded on a 4-point scale. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in patient-reported rosacea or overall skin quality improvement. Apart from decreased peeling following blue light + IPL compared to blue light + PDL (P = 0.041) and blue light + IPL + PDL (P = 0.005), there were no other statistically significant differences in postprocedure adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The use of multiple, sequential light and laser sources with ALA-PDT for rosacea, while well tolerated, did not lead to statistically significant improvements in patient-reported efficacy. Although this retrospective study is limited by a small sample size with disparate patient numbers between groups and no physician-evaluated outcome criteria, it does demonstrate that multiple light sources with PDT can be safely used in a single session.
Subject(s)
Aminolevulinic Acid/therapeutic use , Intense Pulsed Light Therapy , Lasers, Dye/therapeutic use , Photochemotherapy/methods , Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use , Rosacea/drug therapy , Color , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Reported Outcome Measures , Photochemotherapy/adverse effects , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acne scarring can be classified into atrophic icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars in addition to keloidal and hypertrophic scars. Additionally, these scars can be erythematous, hyperpigmented, and/or hypopigmented. Each scar type has a different structural cause warranting a customized approach. Many cosmetic options exist to address these changes individually, but little literature exists about the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures and devices. METHODS: A Medline search was performed on combination treatments because it relates to facial acne scarring, and results are summarized. Practical applications for these combinations of procedures are also discussed. RESULTS: Studies examining the efficacy and safety of ablative, nonablative, fractionated, and nonfractionated lasers, dermabrasion, chemical peels, needling, subcision, radiofrequency, stem cell therapy, fat transplantation, platelet-rich plasma, and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for acne scars were found. The authors review their experience in combining these techniques. CONCLUSION: Review of the literature revealed multiple single options for facial acne scarring treatment with minimal evidence in the literature found on the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures and devices. The authors' experience is that combining acne scar treatment techniques can be performed safely and synergistically with optimal patient outcomes.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris/complications , Cicatrix/therapy , Chemexfoliation , Cicatrix/etiology , Cicatrix/pathology , Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/therapy , Combined Modality Therapy , High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation , Humans , Intense Pulsed Light Therapy , Keloid/therapy , Laser Therapy , Needles , Pigmentation Disorders/etiology , Pigmentation Disorders/therapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Aging of the neck is characterized by changes that include skin dyspigmentation, laxity, rhytides, loss of the mandibular contour, widening of the cervicomental angle, accumulation of submental fat, volume loss and prominence of the platysmal bands. Many cosmetic options exist to address these changes individually, but little literature exists about the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures and devices. OBJECTIVE: To review the existing literature and the authors' experience in safely and effectively combining aesthetic rejuvenation modalities for the neck. METHODS: A Medline search was performed on combination treatments for neck rejuvenation, and results are summarized. Practical applications for combining these procedures are discussed. RESULTS: Studies examining the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light, ablative fractional lasers, nonablative fractional lasers, microfocused ultrasound with visualization, thermistor-controlled subsurface monopolar radiofrequency, cryolipolysis, ATX-101, liposuction, laser lipolysis, neuromodulators, and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers in the neck were found. The authors review their experience in combining these techniques. CONCLUSION: Review of the literature revealed options for non- and minimally-invasive rejuvenation of the skin and volume restoration of the neck, but little literature was found on the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures. The authors' experience in clinical practice is that many neck rejuvenation techniques can be combined safely. A combination approach often produces the most optimal outcome for the patient seeking neck rejuvenation.
Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue , Neck , Rejuvenation , Skin Aging , Adipose Tissue/surgery , Combined Modality Therapy , Cryotherapy , Deoxycholic Acid/therapeutic use , Dermal Fillers/therapeutic use , High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation , Humans , Intense Pulsed Light Therapy , Laser Therapy , Lipectomy , Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use , Radiofrequency Therapy , RhytidoplastyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aging process is a complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors across multiple layers of the face. Accordingly, combining aesthetic interventions targeting different manifestations of aging often leads to better results than single modalities alone. However, no guidelines for a pan-facial approach using multiple interventions have been published to date. OBJECTIVE: To develop consensus recommendations for the optimal combination and ideal sequence of botulinum toxin (BoNT), hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) in persons of all Fitzpatrick skin types. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifteen specialists convened under the guidance of a certified moderator. Consensus was defined as approval from 75% to 94% of all participants, whereas agreement of ≥95% denoted a strong consensus. RESULTS: Optimal aesthetic treatment of the face begins with a thorough patient assessment and an individualized treatment plan. Spacing consecutive treatments 1 to 2 weeks apart allows for resolution of side effects and/or to assess results. For same-day treatments, BoNT and fillers may be performed together in either sequence, whereas MFU-V is recommended before injectable agents. CONCLUSION: Expert consensus supports a combination approach using multiple modalities in specific sequence for the safe and effective treatment of the aging face.
Subject(s)
Biocompatible Materials/therapeutic use , Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use , Cosmetic Techniques , Dermal Fillers/therapeutic use , Durapatite/therapeutic use , Esthetics , Face , Hyaluronic Acid/therapeutic use , Skin Aging , Ultrasonic Therapy/methods , Viscosupplements/therapeutic use , Combined Modality Therapy , Humans , RejuvenationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Over recent decades, the options available to patients for cosmetic rejuvenation have expanded dramatically. The range of options commonly available to patients now includes neuromodulators, fillers, sclerotherapy, chemical peels, lasers, lights and other energy devices, and liposculpture and continues to grow. Like all therapeutic interventions, these cosmetic dermatologic procedures are not without risk. Timely recognition of complications and intervention are paramount for optimal patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Part 1 of this review focused on the common complications that may result from injectable cosmetic procedures. The second part will discuss the complications of chemical peels, lasers, light and energy devices, and fat removal/sculpture procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE search was performed on cosmetic dermatology complications from 1989 to 2015, and results are summarized. Practical considerations of these complications are also provided. RESULTS: Reports of complications after neuromodulator, injectable hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, sclerotherapy, fat transfer, liposuction, cryolipolysis, chemical peels, lasers, and light sources, such as Q-switched laser, intense pulsed light, and nonablative and ablative resurfacing lasers, were found. CONCLUSION: Review of the literature revealed multiple management options for potential complications of the multitude of cosmetic dermatology procedures now available to patients.
Subject(s)
Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects , Rejuvenation , Chemexfoliation/adverse effects , Humans , Laser Therapy/adverse effects , Lipectomy/adverse effects , Phototherapy/adverse effectsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate photodynamic therapy (PDT) with aminolevulinic acid (ALA) for cutaneous photorejuvenation using blue light sequentially with red light, pulsed-dye laser (PDL), and/or intense pulsed light (IPL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients (121 treatments) had photodamage treated with field-directed ALA-PDT from 2001 to 2010 in this single-center study. Treatments were performed with blue light + PDL, blue light + IPL, blue light + PDL + IPL, or blue light + red light + PDL + IPL. Outcome measures were obtained via telephone questionnaire and graded on a four-point scale. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient-reported improvement in photodamage, overall skin quality, and postprocedure adverse events between treatment arms. However, number of patients in the blue light + red light + PDL + IPL group was markedly smaller (n = 2) than that in the other groups (n = 14-46). DISCUSSION: Although results showed a trend toward greater efficacy with similar tolerability using multiple, sequential light and laser sources with ALA-PDT for photorejuvenation, the potential for recall bias and widely disparate number of patients between treatment groups and follow-up times between patients severely limit this retrospective study. Nevertheless, despite these major statistical flaws, the results may provide valuable information regarding the safety of multiple modalities with PDT of photodamage in a single session.
Subject(s)
Aminolevulinic Acid/therapeutic use , Cosmetic Techniques/instrumentation , Lasers, Dye/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy/methods , Photochemotherapy/methods , Aminolevulinic Acid/administration & dosage , Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Lasers, Dye/adverse effects , Low-Level Light Therapy/adverse effects , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Photochemotherapy/adverse effects , Rejuvenation , Retrospective Studies , Skin AgingABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Facial aging is a gradual process that involves a complex interaction of multiple factors including cutaneous photodamage and laxity, subcutaneous tissue volume loss, and bony resorption. These features have all been show to significantly improve with intense pulsed light (IPL), microfocused ultrasound (MFUS, Ultherapy), and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). METHODS: To review the use of IPL, MFUS, and PLLA in combination with the treatment of facial aging. RESULTS: Despite their extensive individual safety record, there is little data regarding combination therapy with these minimally invasive modalities. CONCLUSIONS: IPL, MFUS, and PLLA may be safely performed in a single treatment session to target multiple tissue planes concurrently without increased adverse events.
Subject(s)
Cellulose/therapeutic use , Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use , Intense Pulsed Light Therapy , Lactic Acid/therapeutic use , Mannitol/therapeutic use , Skin Aging , Ultrasonic Therapy , Combined Modality Therapy/adverse effects , Face , Humans , RejuvenationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Rejuvenation of the aging chest is important to prevent noticeable disparities between the treated skin of the face and that of the untreated chest. OBJECTIVE: To compare a high-density thulium fiber laser (TFL)-based protocol for the rejuvenation of the aging chest with intense pulsed light (IPL). METHODS AND MATERIALS: We conducted a retrospective chart review comparing patients treated with IPL and those treated with TFL in combination with a quality-switched alexandrite laser and long pulsed dye laser. Blinded photographic assessment of overall improvement, rhytides, skin texture, dyspigmentation, and telangiectasia was performed. Patient satisfaction was assessed in a standardized follow-up survey. Cost and practicality were compared. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 45.8 days for IPL and 78.3 days for TFL, the two protocols had comparable clinical efficacy in achieving rejuvenation of the chest. Differences existed in terms of cost and practicality. CONCLUSION: TFL can be used at high density and in simultaneous combination with other targeted laser modalities to achieve rejuvenation of the aging chest. IPL achieves similar clinical efficacy. The choice between treatment modalities depends on physician and patient preferences.
Subject(s)
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy/methods , Pigmentation Disorders/radiotherapy , Rejuvenation , Skin Aging/radiation effects , Telangiectasis/radiotherapy , Thorax , Female , Humans , Lasers, Dye/therapeutic use , Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use , Male , Patient Satisfaction , Retrospective Studies , Thulium , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
This article presents an overview of future trends in cutaneous laser therapy and technology. To enhance efficacy and specificity of treatment, new wavelengths directed at both old and new targets are on the horizon. New applications, including the use of lasers to aid in the detection of skin cancers and to enhance drug delivery, are being used and investigated. A trend toward combining different lasers and light sources to optimize results continues. Advancements in at-home devices have been made. Future applications will include waveforms beyond those in the visible light and infrared spectrum, such as microwaves, ultrasound waves, and radiofrequency.