Randomized trial of electrodynamic microneedle combined with 5% minoxidil topical solution for the treatment of Chinese male Androgenetic alopecia.

Background: In treating androgenetic alopecia, 5% minoxidil is a commonly used topical drug. By using electrodynamic microneedle at the same time may increase absorption of minoxidil and further stimulate hair growth.Objective: A 24-week, randomized, evaluator blinded, comparative study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of treating Chinese male androgenetic alopecia using microneedle combined with 5% minoxidil topical solution. Methods: Randomized subjects received topical 5% minoxidil (group 1, n = 20), local electrodynamic microneedle treatments (group 2, n = 20), or local electrodynamic microneedle treatments plus topical 5% minoxidil (group 3, n = 20). A total of 12 microneedle treatments were performed every 2 weeks with 2ml 5% minoxidil delivery in group three during each microneedle treatment. Patient receiving topical 5% minoxidil applied 1 ml of the solution twice daily over the course of the study. A total of 60 Chinese male subjects with Norwood-Hamilton type III-VI androgenetic alopecia were treated.Results: The mean improvement in total hair density from baseline to 24 weeks was 18.8/cm2 in group 1, 23.4/cm2 in group 2, and 38.3/cm2 in group 3. The hair growth in the three groups was significantly different (P = 0.002), but there were no significant differences in toxicity found between the three groups.Conclusions: Treatment with microneedle plus topical 5% minoxidil was associated with the best hair growth.

A clinical evaluation of noninvasive and contactless radiofrequency technique in the treatment of abdominal fat.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing demand for fat reduction and body contouring procedures. Noninvasive radiofrequency devices have been used to tighten skin and treat cellulite, but there are few studies confirming their efficacy for abdominal fat reduction. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the effects of four noninvasive radiofrequency (RF) treatments on abdominal fat in Asian subjects, evaluating body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. METHODS: In this study, 16 patients with abdominal obesity were treated four times with a noninvasive and contactless selective RF device (VANQUISH ME™, BTL Aesthetics). Treatments were 7 days apart and lasted 45 min each. The BMI and circumference of the upper, middle, and lower abdomen were measured at baseline and after each treatment. RESULTS: There were statistically significant reductions in BMI and abdominal circumference in all 16 patients (P < .05). Most patients only experienced a slight abdominal heat sensation and minimal body sweating during the treatment, and no adverse reactions were observed after the treatment. CONCLUSION: The noninvasive and contactless selective RF technique was effective and safe in reducing fat, BMI, and abdominal circumference.