ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Three dimensional (3D) skin rejuvenation is proposed to be effective for all skin layers. The aim of this concept is to treat sun spots with broad-band pulse light; large pores, fine lines and vascular lesions with a long-pulsed 1064 nm neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser system and skin ptosis and laxity with a 1100-1800 nm infrared light source. OBJECTIVE: In this study, 46 patients treated with the 3D skin rejuvenation procedure were retrospectively evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the 3D procedure according to both patient and doctor satisfaction. METHODS: The 3D procedure was carried out over the course of five sessions with 15 day intervals between sessions. Results were judged by an experienced laser dermatologist both by direct patient examination and by comparison of "before" and "after" photographs. Results were ranked into five categories ranging from 0 to 4. At the final control, the patients were also asked to rate their satisfaction with the procedure in five categories, ranging from 0 to 4. RESULTS: All of our patients showed improvement, with an overall patient satisfaction score of 2.65. Female patients were more satisfied than male patients. Patient and doctor satisfaction scores were generally correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Our clinical results indicate that the 3D procedure is an effective nonsurgical skin rejuvenation method.
Subject(s)
Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy/methods , Rejuvenation/physiology , Skin Aging/radiation effects , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Cohort Studies , Esthetics , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Radiation Dosage , Retrospective Studies , Sex Factors , Skin Aging/pathology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Various treatment regimens have been used in scars. The literature offers little consensus about appropriate therapy. OBJECTIVE: To compare intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) alone or combined with onion extract in keloidal and hypertrophic scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients were treated with intralesional TAC and onion extract gel, and 13 patients were treated with intralesional TAC alone. Findings were recorded and graded at each visit (weeks 0, 4, 12, and 20). The scores before treatment and at week 20 were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients [17 men (63%) and 10 women (37%) aged 15 to 73 (average age 28.1 +/- 11.7)] were enrolled in the study. At baseline, the difference in the two treatment groups was not statistically significant (p>.05). At week 20, there was statistically significant improvement in both treatment groups (p<.05). TAC with onion extract was more effective than TAC alone in terms of pain-sensitiveness, itching, and elevation but not in erythema and induration. Treatment was well tolerated, without any adverse effect. CONCLUSION: Treatment with intralesional TAC and onion extract and TAC alone were effective. Combined with onion extract gel, intralesional TAC appears to be superior to TAC alone in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.