Purpose: Scars may lead to pain, pruritus, functional impairment, and cosmetic concern despite standard therapies. Photobiomodulation (PBM) delivered by light-emitting-diode (LED) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a non-invasive option to modulate scar remodeling. However, available data derives from small, heterogenous studies. This scoping review evaluates whether red and near-infrared PBM improves clinical outcomes in burn, hypertrophic, and post-surgical scars and summarizes treatment parameters used. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE were searched through October 2025 for randomized or prospective clinical studies in which red (633-670nm) or near-infrared (808-830nm) LED or LLLT was used as monotherapy or where its contribution could be independently assessed. Seven studies (n=297) met inclusion criteria. Data on scar type, wavelength, fluence, regimen, outcomes, and adverse events were extracted. Results: Red LED improved VSS scores, pigmentation, and thickness in pediatric and adult burn scars, with greater benefits observed in scars < 12 months. In post-surgical scars, red LED reduced induration and improved POSAS scores, with a biphasic dose-response favoring moderate fluence levels. Near-infrared PBM improved color and elasticity in hypertrophic scars and reduced thickness, malleability, pain, and pruritus following hernia repair, thyroidectomy, and blepharoplasty. Across studies, PBM was well tolerated; transient erythema and warmth were most common, with rare blistering at higher fluences. Conclusion: Red and near-infrared PBM appears to be a safe, non-invasive adjunct to standard scar management, particularly for early burn and post-operative scars. Larger controlled trials are needed to define optimal wavelength, fluence, timing, and treatment parameters across diverse scar phenotypes and skin phototypes. Clinical Trial Registration: Not applicable.

Lasers and energy-based devices are integral to the management of dermatologic conditions, including pigmentary disorders, tattoo removal, vascular lesions, acne scarring, treatment of photoaging, and hair removal. In skin of color (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI), increased epidermal melanin acts as a competing chromophore with a broad absorption spectrum, increasing the risk of adverse effects such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blisters, and scarring. This review synthesizes current evidence on device selection, parameter optimization, and risk mitigation strategies to maximize safety and efficacy in this population. Low-fluence Q-switched and picosecond Nd:YAG lasers offer favorable profiles for pigmentary disorders and tattoo removal. Non-ablative fractional lasers can be used safely with conservative settings, whereas ablative modalities carry higher complication rates. Optimal outcomes require careful pre- and post-treatment considerations, including strict photoprotection and sequential, lower-energy treatments. Evidence gaps include a lack of large, prospective trials in darker skin types and standardized treatment parameters. Future research should prioritize inclusive study designs and pigment-specific protocols to improve safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes in skin of color.

OBJECTIVES:Paronychia is a common and often painful cutaneous adverse event of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor therapy that can impair function and quality of life. We report the first known case of amivantamab-associated paronychia successfully treated with 532-nm potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A 67-year-old man with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer receiving amivantamab developed painful periungual inflammation with pyogenic granuloma-like changes involving multiple fingers and both great toes after failing multiple topical therapies. A representative lesion on the left fourth digit was selected for treatment and underwent two sessions of 532-nm KTP laser therapy. Treated and untreated digits were compared for clinical response. RESULTS:Following two treatment sessions, the treated digit demonstrated marked improvement in erythema, pain, and friability. Untreated digits remained inflamed and symptomatic, serving as a within-patient comparator. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION:Given its superficial vascular targeting mechanism and broad clinical availability, the 532-nm KTP laser may represent a practical and effective therapeutic option for refractory EGFRI-associated paronychia. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful treatment of amivantamab-associated paronychia with a 532-nm KTP laser.

BACKGROUND:Home-use dermatologic devices are increasingly used because of their convenience and accessibility, yet the strength of evidence supporting their safety and efficacy varies widely. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of home-based dermatologic devices for acne and facial rejuvenation. METHODS:A scoping review of PubMed identified clinical studies evaluating home-use devices for acne vulgaris and facial rejuvenation. Levels of evidence and strength of recommendation were assessed using the GRADE framework. RESULTS:For acne, blue light-emitting diodes (LED) and combination blue-red LED devices demonstrated moderate quality evidence (Level B) with favorable safety profiles and Grade I recommendations. Red LED and light-heat energy devices showed low-quality evidence (Level C) but minimal adverse events. Home-use intense pulsed light and heat-based devices lacked supportive clinical data (Level D) and were not recommended. For facial rejuvenation, home-use fractional nonablative lasers demonstrated high-quality evidence (Level A) with consistent clinical improvement. Light-emitting diodes and radiofrequency devices showed moderate evidence (Level B), while microneedling devices were supported by low-quality evidence (Level D) and associated with infectious complications. CONCLUSION:Evidence supporting home-use dermatologic devices varies substantially by modality. Fractional lasers, LED, and radiofrequency devices demonstrate the most favorable balance of efficacy and safety, underscoring the importance of evidence-based patient counseling.

OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and early clinical and ultrasound effects of a 1726-nm laser for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) tunnels in a pediatric patient with skin of color. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A 16-year-old female (Fitzpatrick skin type VI) with moderate HS and bilateral axillary draining tunnels underwent 4 monthly treatments with a 1726-nm laser (22-24 J/cm²) directed only to the right axillary tunnel. The patient was receiving concurrent adalimumab therapy throughout the treatment period. Outcomes included investigator-rated Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), patient-reported drainage, flare frequency, and pain (0-10 visual analog scale), as well as standardized photography and high-frequency ultrasound imaging performed at baseline and through week 15.5. RESULTS:By week 15.5, VSS of the treated right axilla improved from 9 to 2, primarily reflecting improved scar pliability (4 to 1). Drainage of the treated tunnel resolved after the first laser session and did not recur. In contrast, the untreated left axillary tunnel remained chronically draining. Ultrasound imaging of the treated side demonstrated a reduction in tunnel dimensions over time. Treatment was well tolerated, with a mean pulse-associated pain score of 3/10 that resolved immediately post-procedure, and no adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION:Treatment with a 1726-nm laser was associated with early resolution of drainage, improved scar pliability, and reduced tunnel dimensions on ultrasound. Although interpretation is limited by concurrent biologic therapy, the early unilateral response supports a localized laser effect. Larger controlled studies with longer follow-up are warranted to clarify the role of 1726-nm laser therapy in the management of HS tunnels.

BACKGROUND Thread lifts are a noninvasive technique for suspending ptotic skin. Previous studies have failed to show long-term efficacy data with absorbable threads. OBJECTIVE To review the recent literature evaluating mid and lower facial absorbable thread lifts over a four-year period from October 2018 to December 2022. METHODS A systematic review was done following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using the PubMed database. Search terms included “lift,” “face lift,” “thread lift,” “suture suspension,” “silhouette suture,” “silhouette lift,” “rhytidectomy,” and “Aptos.” Technique articles with objective results were included. RESULTS Twelve studies met criteria for analysis (n = 818). The most common thread evaluated was suture suspension using polydioxanone followed by poly-l-lactic acid/polycaprolactone absorbable threads. Scores according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, Wrinkle Severity Scale, Barton's Grading System, and FACE-Q improved in all cases immediately after the procedure. The longest follow-up assessments were at 2 years. Complications were mild. CONCLUSION In the appropriate patient, thread lifts are immediately effective, and the risk of dangerous complications is low, but long-term efficacy data are lacking.

BACKGROUND Facial aging, marked by skin laxity, wrinkling, and dyspigmentation, remains a common aesthetic concern. Few studies have investigated combination approaches to treat these concomitant components of aging. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of combining monopolar radiofrequency with fractional nonablative diode laser treatments to improve skin laxity, wrinkling, and dyspigmentation. METHODS AND MATERIALS A prospective, single-arm study enrolled 20 females with mild to moderate facial skin laxity and photoaging. Subjects underwent a sequence of one monopolar radiofrequency treatment (Thermage FLX, Solta, Bausch Medica, Bothell, WA) followed by 4 fractional 1440-/1927-nm nonablative diode laser treatments (Clear + Brilliant Touch, Solta, Bausch Medica). Assessments included clinical evaluations, blinded photographic assessments, and patient satisfaction scores. RESULTS At the 6-month follow-up, a significant improvement was observed in Skin Laxity Grading Scale and Glogau Classification of Photoaging scale scores (1.65 ± 0.49–1.30 ± 0.47, p = .039, and 1.85 ± 0.36–1.35 ± 0.49, p = .00082, respectively). Blinded reviewers correctly identified 67% of post-treatment photographs, and 77% of participants were considered responders. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION Monopolar radiofrequency combined with fractional diode led to significant efficacy, suggesting a safe and promising strategy for addressing facial skin laxity, wrinkles, and dyspigmentation.

BACKGROUND:Low-level laser/LED therapy (LLLT) has been described as a treatment option for alopecia, but no study has comprehensively reviewed its efficacy in multiple alopecia types. OBJECTIVE:To review and evaluate LLLT for various alopecia types. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL was conducted to identify studies assessing the effect of LLLT on patients diagnosed with alopecia. Prespecified outcome measure was the change in hair density. Meta-analysis was performed to calculate the standardized mean difference in hair density before and after LLLT compared with placebo. RESULTS:Thirty-eight studies were included that described 3,098 patients with androgenetic alopecia (2,930/3,098), scarring alopecia (49/3,098), alopecia areata (50/3,098), telogen effluvium (17/3,098), and chemotherapy-induced alopecia (32/3,098). The mean change in hair density increased significantly in androgenetic alopecia patients after LLLT for 4 to 26 weeks compared with placebo (<20 weeks: SMD = 1.14; 95% CI [0.51-1.78]; p = .000; I 2 = 88.26%; >20 weeks: SMD = 1.44; 95% CI [0.97-1.91]; p = .000; I 2 = 80.81%). Change in hair density was reported in 5 studies evaluating other alopecia types; however, statistical information was insufficient for meta-analysis. CONCLUSION:LLLT is a promising treatment option for patients with androgenetic alopecia, but future studies are needed to better understand its efficacy in other alopecia types.

Acne has a prevalence of over 90% among adolescents, and subsequently progresses to acne scarring in approximately 47% of cases. Due to the severe psychological and social ramifications acne scarring has on patients, there is a need for more effective treatments. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous preparation enriched with growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, has shown efficacy in promoting wound healing and tissue remodeling in dermatology. Recent evidence suggests that the efficacy of PRP may be enhanced when combined with laser therapy, which induces controlled tissue damage through photo-thermolysis thereby promoting tissue remodeling and epidermal regeneration. The microchannels created by laser treatments are thought to allow deeper penetration of PRP into the skin, potentially increasing its therapeutic effects. This review aims to analyze the combined use of PRP and laser therapy for treating acne scarring by examining randomized control trials from the past decade indexed on PubMed. Six studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The findings of this review support the hypothesis that combining PRP with laser therapy offers superior clinical results compared to monotherapy, providing a more effective approach to managing acne scarring.

It is the realization of a long-dreamed aspiration to create a university that would advance global health delivery by training a new generation of global health leaders who are equipped to not just build, but sustain effective and equitable health systems.

Chin augmentation has grown in popularity due to the chin’s prominent role in the overall appearance of the face. Fillers provide a safe, versatile alternative to more invasive surgical options. Corrections can be made gradually, and treatments may be adjusted with age-related changes of the lower face. A variety of proposed metrics help physicians analyze the chin in the context of a patient’s other features to guide treatment. Filler use may be complemented by supplemental procedures, such as neuromodulators, deoxycholic acid , ultrasound/radiofrequency-based therapy, and fractionated laser, depending on a patient’s specific needs.

Cellulite is a common esthetic concern for a large majority of post-pubertal women usually regardless of body habitus and body mass index . Previous therapies have been largely ineffective or lack durable responses. Cadaveric studies have elucidated anatomic differences in the fibrous septae within the subcutaneous tissue between men and women. The orientation of the septae in women may explain the appearance of cellulite. Treatments targeting the fibrous septae have proven to be most successful and long-lasting. The aim of this article is to describe the latest updates in cellulite treatment, specifically vacuum-assisted tissue-stabilized guided subcision, targeted verifiable subcision, rapid acoustic pulse, and enzymatic treatment with collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes.

We aim to discuss the use of laser for the treatment of eyebrow microblading and cosmetic tattoo complications through a review of the literature. Our research question is whether quality-switched or picosecond laser is superior for the removal of eyebrow tattoos. This structured review was conducted using a PubMed search using the search terms “laser tattoo removal” AND “cosmetic tattoo” AND “eyebrow” with the article type filtered to “case reports,” “clinical trial,” and “randomized controlled trial” ranging from dates 1994–2023. All case reports or series evaluating the effect of laser on eyebrow cosmetic tattooing pigment were included. We summarize the results of 11 studies evaluating the use of laser for cosmetic tattoo removal, with 129 patients treated specifically for eyebrow pigment. Most studies (8/11) report Fitzpatrick skin type or race. Seven studies utilize quality-switched (QS) neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), alexandrite or ruby, three used picosecond (PS) Nd:YAG or alexandrite, and three used carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. We report laser energy, spot size, and pulse duration, as well as treatment outcomes and adverse events. Historically, methods of pigment removal included dermabrasion, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, radiofrequency, infrared light, intense pulsed light, and surgical excision; however, these methods often led to poor cosmetic outcomes including scarring and further dyspigmentation. QS laser treatments provided superior cosmetic outcomes and thus were considered the gold standard treatment option for pigment removal. However, the advent of PS lasers has challenged this given their increased selectivity, lower fluence requirements, and reduction in surrounding thermal damage. Our review demonstrates that PS Nd:YAG is quicker and more effective that QS Nd:YAG in the treatment of eyebrow tattoos. Additionally, the paradoxical darkening seen with QS lasers is less common with PS lasers. We also demonstrate that CO2 laser may be a helpful adjunct to QS or PS laser. This review focuses on Fitzpatrick skin type and race, providing a unique perspective on the use of laser treatment in skin of color, which often poses an additional treatment challenge.

Eber, Ariel E. MD*; Hooper, Perry B. MD*; McCabe, Leah BSN, RN, BCMAS†; Dover, Jeffrey S. MD, FRCPC*; Kaminer, Michael S. MD* Author Information

Botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) is produced by Clostridium botulinum and widely used for aesthetic indications requiring neuromuscular blockade. For dynamic facial lines, BoNTA is effective and safe, but also temporary, requiring repeat injections approximately every 3-4 months for maintenance of effects. There is a desire by both patients and providers for a longer-lasting neurotoxin to prevent periods of suboptimal correction. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2022, daxibotulinumtoxinA for injection (DAXI or Daxxify™) is the first long-lasting BoNTA formulated with a 150-kDa BoNTA (RTT150) and proprietary stabilizing excipient peptide (RTP004) in place of human serum albumin. DAXI is approved for treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines. The median duration of effect was 6 months and results lasted as long as 9 months in some patients. Its unique formulation and prolonged effectiveness positions DAXI as a safe, novel BoNTA for improved durability and patient satisfaction.

To the Editor: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy in the United States, with its prevalence exceeding that of all other human cancers combined.1American Cancer SocietyAmerican Cancer Society website.http://www.cancer.org/indexDate accessed: September 5, 2019Google Scholar Although rarely fatal, NMSC can often negatively affect a patient's quality of life (QoL).2Vinding G.R. Christensen K.B. Esmann S. Olesen A.B. Jemec G.B. Quality of life in non-melanoma skin cancer—the skin cancer quality of life (SCQoL) questionnaire.Dermatol Surg. 2013; 39: 1784-1793Crossref PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar To combat this significant public health burden, disseminated skin cancer prevention guidelines include avoiding midday sun exposure, seeking shade, sunscreen application, avoiding tanning beds, and wearing sun-protective clothing. However, patients poorly adhere to these recommendations, and public knowledge regarding skin cancer remains limited. Moreover, evidence suggests that racial/ethnic disparities in NMSC exist, and to date, correlations between QoL and patient characteristics have not been well established. In this study, we investigate how several factors, including patient demographics and sun-health knowledge, are associated with sun-safe behaviors and QoL after NMSC diagnosis. We conducted an institutional review board–approved, survey-based study at the University of Miami Department of Dermatology. Data were collected on patient demographics, skin cancer risk factors, sun exposure, sun-protective behaviors, skin cancer knowledge, and skin cancer QoL (SCQoL). Patients aged 18 to 90 years undergoing Mohs surgery were recruited. Continuous and categorical variables were analyzed with the Student t test and Pearson chi-square test or Fisher exact test, respectively. One-way analysis of variance compared skin cancer knowledge and SCQoL scores by ethnicity. All tests were 2-tailed, and a P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical analyses were completed using JMP Pro, version 14.2.0 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC). Survey data from 175 consecutive participants were analyzed (73.7% men; mean age, 67.0 ± 12.3 y; range, 36-96 y). The majority (66.3%) identified as white non-Hispanic, and 33.1% identified as white Hispanic (WH). When compared to white non-Hispanic participants, white Hispanic participants wore hats (P < .001) and sunglasses (P = .010) less frequently and had lower skin cancer knowledge scores (P = .003), confirming the findings of others regarding disparities based on race/ethnicity,3Loh T.Y. Ortiz A. Goldenberg A. Brian Jiang S.I. Prevalence and clinical characteristics of nonmelanoma skin cancers among Hispanic and Asian patients compared with white patients in the United States: a 5-year, single-institution retrospective review.Dermatol Surg. 2016; 42: 639-645Crossref PubMed Scopus (28) Google Scholar but we also found higher (worse) SCQoL scores (P = .001) (Table I), reported for the first time to our knowledge.Table IDemographic characteristics, skin cancer protection behavior, skin cancer knowledge, and skin cancer quality of life score of 175 participantsDemographicsAll (N = 175)White Hispanic (n = 58)White non-Hispanic (n = 116)P valueAge, y, mean ± SD66.9 ± 12.364.6 ± 12.168.0 ± 12.4.094Sex, n (%) Male129 (73.7)37 (64)92 (79).028 Female46 (26.3)21 (36)24 (21)Smoking, n (%) Current24 (14)7 (13)17 (15).846 Former58 (35)18 (33)40 (36) Never84 (51)29 (54)55 (49)Education Less than high school7 (4)6 (11)1 (1)<.001 High school equivalency22 (13)14 (25)8 (7) Some college47 (28)14 (25)33 (29) Completed college36 (21)13 (24)23 (20) Completed graduate school57 (34)8 (15)49 (43)Income, n (%)$90,000 ($30,000-$125,000)37,500 ($13,000-$100,000)$100,000 ($48,800-$150,000)<.001Precancerous lesion history, n (%)73 (42.0)20 (34.5)53 (45.7).158Diagnosis, n (%) Basal cell carcinoma129 (74.6)43 (75.4)86 (74.1).854 Squamous cell carcinoma54 (31.2)17 (29.8)37 (31.9).782Prevention hats, n (%) Always32 (19)4 (7)28 (25)<.001 Most43 (26)12 (22)30 (27) Sometimes58 (34)17 (32)41 (36) Never35 (21)21 (39)14 (12)Prevention sunglasses, n (%) Always72 (43)17 (31)44 (49).013 Most41 (24)11 (20)30 (26) Sometimes31 (19)12 (22)18 (16) Never24 (14)14 (26)10 (9)Skin cancer knowledge score, mean (range)6 (5-6)5 (4-6)6 (5-6).003SCQoL score, mean ± SD7.3 ± 5.39.7 ± 5.76.0 ± 4.5<.001GED, General Educational Development test; SCQoL, skin cancer quality of life; SD, standard deviation. Open table in a new tab GED, General Educational Development test; SCQoL, skin cancer quality of life; SD, standard deviation. South Florida is diverse, with many individuals identifying as Hispanic. The incidence of NMSC is lower in Hispanic compared with white individuals, but a high index of suspicion is needed, given ethnic differences in presentation. For instance, Hispanic patients with NMSC tend to be younger than their white counterparts, and basal cell carcinomas are more likely to be pigmented in Hispanic individuals.4Bigler C. Feldman J. Hall E. Padilla R.S. Pigmented basal cell carcinoma in Hispanics.J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996; 34: 751-752Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (51) Google Scholar,5Ma F. Collado-Mesa F. Hu S. Kirsner R.S. Skin cancer awareness and sun protection behaviors in white Hispanic and white non-Hispanic high school students in Miami, Florida.Arch Dermatol. 2007; 143: 983-988Crossref PubMed Scopus (76) Google Scholar In a survey regarding sun protection in high school students, Hispanic participants were less aware of sun-protective clothing, less likely to use sunscreen, and more likely to use tanning beds.3Loh T.Y. Ortiz A. Goldenberg A. Brian Jiang S.I. Prevalence and clinical characteristics of nonmelanoma skin cancers among Hispanic and Asian patients compared with white patients in the United States: a 5-year, single-institution retrospective review.Dermatol Surg. 2016; 42: 639-645Crossref PubMed Scopus (28) Google Scholar Similarly, our study found that white Hispanic individuals wore hats and sunglasses significantly less frequently than their non-Hispanic counterparts. To our knowledge, our study is the first to identify a relationship between skin cancer QoL and ethnicity, and better understanding of this observation is needed. Overall, white Hispanic participants were less knowledgeable about skin cancer risks and suffered worse QoL after NMSC diagnosis (Fig 1), suggesting the need for targeted patient education initiatives to bridge ethnic disparities regarding skin cancer knowledge and, ultimately, improve QoL among Hispanic individuals with skin cancer.

BACKGROUND Light-emitting diode (LED) has been used for wound healing because of its stimulatory effects on fibroblast proliferation, matrix synthesis, angiogenesis, and downmodulation of inflammatory reactions. OBJECTIVE The aim of the authors' study was to investigate the effects of red LED (wavelength 633 nm) photomodulation on lower extremity surgical defects left to heal by secondary intention. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fourteen subjects with surgical defects of the lower leg were irradiated with a 633 ± 3-nm light source for 20 minutes (105 mW/cm 2 , 126 J/cm 2 ) at 4 weekly sessions. RESULTS The number of days required for wounds to heal was greater in the treatment group (63.2 ± 12.2 days) than in the control group (48.67 ± 11.1 days), although this difference was not statistically significant ( p = .07). The percentage of the original wound remaining was not statistically different between treatment and control groups between Weeks 1 and 2 ( p = .71) and Weeks 3 and 4 ( p = .56). It was significant between Weeks 2 and 3 ( p = .01). CONCLUSION This study revealed that red LED photomodulation at a wavelength of 633 nm did not result in clinical improvement in wound healing of surgical defects on the lower extremities.