Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation: rapid resolution after 755nm alexandrite picosecond laser treatment.

Minocycline-induced pigmentation (MIP) is an infrequent complication of minocycline therapy, with four subtypes each with distinct clinical features and histologic staining patterns. MIP may resolve following discontinuation of minocycline therapy or it may persist indefinitely. A 64-year-old Caucasian male presented with a 6 month history of progressive blue-gray facial pigmentation distributed symmetrically over his face. One session utilizing a 755 nm picosecond Alexandrite laser resulted in immediate and significant clearance of the pigment in all treated areas. Long-term follow-up at 2 years revealed no recurrence of the MIP.

A customized approach for arm fat reduction using cryolipolysis.

OBJECTIVES: Cryolipolysis of the arms has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for non-invasive reduction of subcutaneous fat. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the concurrent use of a new commercially-available small applicator in conjunction with an existing medium sized applicator for the customized treatment of arm fat. METHODS: Bilateral arms of 15 eligible subjects were simultaneously treated using one or two vacuum applicators with flat contours. Either a medium or small cryolipolysis applicator with an oblong cup-shaped cooling surface was selected to treat upper arm fat. The shape of the fat bulge in each subject's arm was assessed and up to two treatment cycles (-11°C for 35 minutes each) were delivered to each arm in one session, based upon investigator discretion. Throughout the procedure and at the completion of each treatment cycle, investigators assessed the subject's level of comfort, as well as sensory and motor nerve effects. Post-treatment manual massage was performed, and clinical assessments of each treatment site were recorded. Adverse events were recorded to monitor procedural safety. Baseline and 12 weeks post-treatment photographs and ultrasound measurements were taken to assess efficacy. Subject questionnaires were administered to evaluate satisfaction. RESULTS: Fifteen female subjects (mean age of 51.1, mean BMI of 26.8) completed the study. Ultrasound imaging revealed statistically significant fat layer reduction of 2.5 mm (SD ± 2.4 mm, 95%CI 1.6-3.3). Subject surveys administered 12 weeks post-treatment demonstrated 87% satisfaction with the arm cryolipolysis procedure. A panel of blinded, independent physicians correctly identified 83% of the before and after photos. Clinical assessments found adverse events were mild and included erythema and mild swelling that resolved without intervention. Mild treatment area numbness was reported by 73% of subjects at the 4-week interim visit and fully resolved at the 12-week visit. CONCLUSION: This study documents the first reported customized approach for assessment and treatment of arm fat using a small or medium cup applicator with varied applicator placement. By incorporating one or two treatment cycles per arm in a single session, the issue of variable fat distribution in people's arms can be addressed. This approach was shown to be a safe and effective way to reduce unwanted arm fat with high patient satisfaction. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Real-World Efficacy of 1064-nm Nd:YAG Laser for the Treatment of Onychomycosis.

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is a cosmetic and, at times, medical concern; therefore, effective and safe alternatives to treatment are needed. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of onychomycosis in a real-world setting. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective chart review was conducted between 2012 and 2013. One hundred consecutive patients with a culture- and/or potassium hydroxide-confirmed diagnosis of onychomycosis were treated at least twice. Baseline and follow-up photographs were taken, and the change in degree of clinical nail involvement of the subject's great toenail was determined by a blinded reviewer using validated planimetry measurement. RESULTS: A total of 199 hallux nails from 100 subjects were assessed. The mean infected area decreased from 53.2% at baseline to 50.8% at the end of the study (paired t test, P = .054; Wilcoxon signed rank test, P = .006). Degree of nail involvement was statistically significantly associated with amount of improvement; subjects who had the greatest degree of nail involvement improved the most, while those with less severe disease showed a worsening of nail appearance (Kruskal-Wallis test, P < .001). Three-quarters (72.6%) of nails that had more than 67% nail involvement showed statistically significant improvement (χ2 test, P = .001). Adverse events were limited to mild to moderate pain at the time of therapy. A total of 76 subjects were assessed for treatment satisfaction: 60% were very satisfied with treatment despite limited clinical improvement in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: Laser therapy has a very limited positive clinical effect on the appearance of onychomycosis after 2 treatment sessions.