Ultrasound image of healthy skin in newborns in the first 24 hours of life.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound imaging is a safe, repeatable and easily available imaging procedure. Based on these qualities, it may become a useful tool for skin assessment in newborns. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of high-frequency ultrasound imaging for neonatal skin assessment. Another aim was to identify differences in ultrasound features of the skin in newborns depending on the examination site, sex, age, birth weight, and arterial blood gas results. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 72 newborns in the first 24 hours of life, without any skin lesions, were included in the study. All newborns underwent ultrasound skin examinations in three body sites (forearm, abdomen and thigh) during the first 24 hours of life. DermaMed Ultrasound Scanner with a 48 MHz probe was used for imaging. A total of three structures were identified in the ultrasound images: epidermal echo, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The study assessed the thickness of the epidermis and dermis, and the echogenicity of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Data were analysed to determine possible links with sex, post-conceptional age, body weight, birth route, and results of umbilical cord blood gas analysis. RESULTS: Depending on the body site examined, the mean epidermal thickness was 0.081 to 0.083 mm, while the mean thickness of the dermis ranged between 0.679 and 0.722 mm. The newborns with higher birth weights were shown to have a thicker epidermis regardless of the examined site [R (correlation coefficient) for the forearm: 0.47 (p <0.001), abdomen: 0.53 (p <0.001), thigh: 0.48 (p <0.001)]. A positive correlation was found between epidermal and dermal thickness (R = 0.34; p = 0.004), but a comparison of the three examined sites revealed no significant differences in the thickness of the two structures. The sex of the newborn had no significant effect on the ultrasound features of the skin. None of the ultrasound parameters under study was found to correlate with the pH level in umbilical cord blood gas analysis. Subcutaneous oedema was detected in the examined sites in all the newborns studied. CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency ultrasound imaging may become a useful method for neonatal skin assessment, complementing existing diagnostic techniques for monitoring pathologically altered skin.

Usefulness of high-frequency ultrasound in the monitoring of laser treatment of acne scars.

INTRODUCTION: Acne scarring is considered one of the complications of acne vulgaris. Scarring is an important aesthetic problem for patients; therefore, effective methods for scar removal are sought. In recent years, laser methods for the treatment of acne scarring have become popular as a result of technological development. Monitoring and objective assessment of treatment outcomes are important elements of laser treatment. High-frequency ultrasonography is a diagnostic modality likely to become a common tool used for this purpose. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of high-frequency ultrasonography for the monitoring of laser treatment of acne scarring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included 7 patients (6 women and 1 man) aged 29-43 years with evident facial acne scarring. Each patient underwent laser treatment with Alma Harmony Er:Yag laser. Ultrasound examinations were performed with high-frequency DermaMed scanner. The following parameters were assessed on ultrasound images: the thickness of epidermis and dermis, the depth and width of scars. We additionally collected photographic documentation and assessed patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes. RESULTS: The analysis of our findings showed statistically significant changes in the thickness of the epidermis and the depth of scars. No statistically significant results were obtained for the thickness of the dermis and the extent (width) of scars. The patients rated treatment outcomes as good. CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency ultrasonography is a useful method for the monitoring of laser treatment of acne scarring.

Lipoma removal using a high-frequency ultrasound-guided injection of a Class III CE-marked device-Empirical findings.

BACKGROUND: Lipomas are very common benign neoplasms, which constitute 99% of all adipose-derived tumors. Main treatment option includes surgical excision, which is unacceptable for a number of patients seeking ways to improve esthetic appearance of their skin. Therefore, alternative treatment options are being sought. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of lipoma removal using a Class III CE-marked device (Aqualyx™) administered as a high-frequency ultrasound-guided injection (intralipotherapy). METHODS: A total of 17 lipomas were treated. The procedure involved a high-frequency ultrasound-guided injection. A maximum of 3 injections per a lipoma were performed. High-frequency ultrasound was used for assessing the size of lipomas and monitoring treatment-induced changes to the lipomas and adjacent tissue. RESULTS: Response to treatment was achieved in all cases. A complete removal was achieved in 70.59% of lipomas. The remaining 29.41% of lipomas were not completely removed, yet significantly reduced in size. CONCLUSION: An injection of Aqualyx™, a CE-marked drug, is a good noninvasive treatment of lipomas. Ultrasound guided procedure is recommended, as it ensures appropriate technique and enables monitoring treatment-induced changes. Considering a low number of published reports of such treatment, it is crucial to continue this research.

High frequency ultrasound imaging as a "potential" way of evaluation modality in side effects of lip augmentation - case report.

Lip augmentation is a popular procedure performed by esthetic medicine doctors, however, it is associated with a significant number of side effects. High frequency ultrasound imaging helps with diagnosis of side effects.The patient was 43-year-old healthy female, 8 months after lip augmentation.The examination showed a variety of delayed side effects of lip augemntation. Ultrasound imaging revealed an increased echogenicity of lip soft tissue, too deep filler injection, occlusion of the inferior labial artery.

A study of the activity and effectiveness of recombinant fibroblast growth factor (Q40P/S47I/H93G rFGF-1) in anti-aging treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) is a powerful mitogen involved in the stimulation of DNA synthesis and the proliferation of a wide variety of cell types. Fibroblast growth factor 1 was genetically modified to improve its thermal stability and resistance to protease degradation without losing its biological activity. AIM: To study the impact of Q40P/S47I/H93G rFGF-1 on skin cells, its penetration through the skin and the evaluation of the rFGF-1-cosmetic product properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In vitro studies included the examination of primary fibroblast and keratinocyte viability after the incubation with rFGF-1. The penetration abilities of rFGF-1 in various formulations and carrier systems were examined ex vivo by the Raman spectroscopy. In vivo studies - HF Ultrasound and 3D Imaging System - were used to evaluate the anti-aging properties of creams containing rFGF-1. RESULTS: In vitro studies demonstrated that rFGF-1 strongly enhanced the viability of the treated cells. The Raman Spectroscopy analysis indicated that rFGF-1 encapsulated in lipid spheres penetrate through the stratum corneum to the depth of 60 µm, and added to the o/w formulation - could penetrate to a depth of 90 µm. The results obtained from Primos revealed the reduction of the volume and the depth of the wrinkles. Changes in the skin structure in the analyzed areas were evaluated by HF Ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant FGF-1 strongly stimulated fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation. However, the transition of this protein through the SC required an appropriate carrier system - lipid spheres. All tests - in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo - have proved that rFGF-1 is a substance with a potentially wide spectrum of use.

Application of high-frequency ultrasonography in closing small blood vessels.

One of the most common treatments performed in phlebological and aesthetic medicine clinics is closing small blood vessels in the lower extremities, so-called telangiectasias and reticular vessels. Currently, there are several methods that allow for closing the dilated vessels and obtaining desirable effects, both therapeutic and aesthetic. Unfortunately, despite applying various methods and instruments, the effects of treatments are frequently not satisfactory. The factor that largely contributes to decreasing the efficacy of such procedures is complicated anatomy of the venous system and the lack of a method to precisely specify the vessel's course, its diameter, location in the skin etc. High-frequency ultrasonography is a method enabling accurate determination of the vessels' course as well as the measurement of their basic parameters, such as diameter, depth in the skin and presence or absence of perfusion. Thanks to ultrasound imaging with the use of high-frequency transducers, an adequate treatment method and procedure parameters may be selected, which entails enhancing the efficacy of the procedure itself. Ultrasonography may be also used for monitoring the performed procedures.

The use of high frequency ultrasound imaging in skin moisturization measurement.

INTRODUCTION: The appropriate skin hydration level enables its normal function and healthy appearance. PURPOSE: The purpose of present research was to assess the applicability of high frequency ultrasound (HFU) to the monitoring of skin moisturization treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample encompassed 27 women, aged 20-67 y.o. (mean age of 45.48 y.o.) with dry skin. All women applied a strong moisturizing cream on their facial skin for 14 days. The course of treatment was monitored using the HFU. The following parameters were subjected to the ultrasound evaluation: epidermal echo thickness, dermis thickness, and separately the thickness of the superior and inferior layer of dermis. The measurements were taken on the participants' chins and cheeks. In addition, skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were determined. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were obtained between the echogenicity of the superior layer of the dermis on the chin and cheek. After treatment, the statistically significant values of TEWL decrease and hydration increase were obtained on the cheek skin. No statistically significant differences between the TEWL or hydration levels were found on the chin. No statistically significant differences between the epidermal echo and dermis thickness values for the two measurement points were observed. CONCLUSION: The HFU is a useful method for the monitoring of skin moisturization treatments.

Ultrasound image of the skin, apparatus and imaging basics.

Ultrasound imaging of the skin is becoming more and more popular. Skin ultrasound examinations are used both in order to assess healthy skin and to evaluate pathological lesions. They are mainly performed in dermatology as well as in broadly understood aesthetic medicine and cosmetology. At present, skin imaging is enabled by high-frequency equipment and high-quality conventional devices. The introduction of high-frequency electronic transducers which are supported by conventional scanners may be a turning point in skin ultrasound equipment. Irrespective of the ultrasound scanner, three layers may be distinguished in the image of the healthy skin: epidermal echo, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. High-frequency equipment allows for detailed imaging of the epidermal echo, dermis and upper part of the subcutaneous tissue. It is also possible to visualize the skin appendages (hair with follicles and nails) as well as slight vessels that run in the dermis and upper subcutaneous tissue. Contrary to high-frequency equipment, conventional scanners do not allow for a detailed assessment of the epidermal and dermal echoes. Instead, they enable the visualization of the entire subcutaneous tissue. The following parameters are used for the assessment of skin ultrasound images: thickness of individual skin layers, caliber of blood vessels, echogenicity of the dermis or its individual layers, echogenicity of the subcutaneous tissue as well as the presence or absence of flow in slight venous vessels. Currently, the studies on the usage of sonoelastography for skin assessment are in progress. Considering the dynamic development of skin imaging equipment and its diagnostic possibilities, one might suspect that high-frequency examinations will become more common and will be fundamental for the evaluation of both healthy and pathologically altered skin. This paper is an introduction to a series of articles on the clinical application of high-frequency ultrasound. The next articles will be published in the subsequent issues.

Imaging of the skin and subcutaneous tissue using classical and high-frequency ultrasonographies in anti-cellulite therapy.

BACKGROUND: The development of ultrasonography allowed for skin imaging used in dermatology and esthetic medicine. By means of classic and high-frequency ultrasonographies, changes within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue can be presented. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to show the possibilities of applying classic and high-frequency ultrasonographies in esthetic dermatology based on monitoring various types of anti-cellulite therapies. METHODS: Sixty-one women with cellulite were assigned to two smaller groups. One group was using anti-cellulite cream and the second group was a placebo group. The ultrasound examination was carried out before the initiation and after the completion of the treatment and evaluated epidermal echoes, the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue and the dermis, dermis echogenicity, the length and surface area of the subcutaneous tissue fascicles growing into the dermis, and the presence or absence of edemas. RESULTS: After the completion of the treatment, a statistically significant difference was observed. The most useful parameters were as follows: the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue, echogenicity, the surface area and length of the subcutaneous tissue, as well as the presence of edemas. The discussed changes were not observed in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Classic and high-frequency ultrasonographies are useful methods for monitoring anti-cellulite therapies.