Introduction: The growing demand for non-surgical, non-invasive procedures for fat and circumference reduction and for cellulite treatments has led to the development of various energy-based technologies. Bi-polar radiofrequency (RF) technology combined with additional technologies, such as vacuum, massage or infrared (IR) light is widely used in various body contouring treatments in the medical aesthetic market. The current study is based on a retrospective efficacy analysis of an RF device, combining two RF modalities, coupled with suction. Methods: Representative treatment outcomes, documented in photographs taken at baseline and post-treatment were gathered from several clinics. Photos of the various treatment areas were evaluated by independent evaluators for cellulite and contour improvement. Results: Before and after photographs were gathered from 31 patients treated in different clinics. Analysis was carried out on different body areas such as thighs, abdomen, back, buttocks and arms and analyzed by two independent evaluators. Scoring was performed according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scale and indicated an overall improvement in the contour of all treated body areas. In cellulite cases, improved appearance according to the cellulite grading scale was noted. Conclusion: This retrospective analysis supports the device’s efficacy for fat and circumferences reduction and cellulite improvement. The device’s unique specifications contribute to treatment safety and efficacy which is highly tolerable by the patients.

Introduction: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is well accepted in the medical aesthetic field for the treatment of various skin lesions, including pigmented and vascular lesions. The light penetrates into the skin and is selectively absorbed by lesion chromophore. Absorbed energy is converted into heat, coagulating the lesion, which naturally fades following the treatment. The current article presents a retrospective efficacy evaluation of an IPL device with high peak power. Methods: Representative treatment results were collected from several clinics based on photographs taken at baseline and after treatments. Photos were evaluated and analyzed for aesthetic improvement of the various skin conditions in different facial and body areas. Results: Analysis included cases of pigmented and vascular lesions, textural lesions, and more specific conditions such as melasma and rosacea. The two evaluators’ scoring demonstrated improvement in all cases according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scale. Conclusion: The vast experience gathered from the market in treating various skin lesions supports the safety and efficacy of the investigated IPL device. The device’s particular specifications contribute to the successful results and ease of treatment for the practitioner and the patient.

Introduction: Fractional radiofrequency (RF) technology has been shown to be a gold standard therapy for acne scars. We have previously published clinical and histological results from the treatment of 8 patients with active acne and acne related scarring using a fractional RF device. Evidence of safety and efficacy was demonstrated, including long term follow-up clinical results from 4 patients, up to two years post last fractional treatment. In the current article we present histology evidence of acne scar skin renewal 3.5 years post treatment. Methods: Skin biopsies from acne scars in a concealed facial area were taken before, after four treatments and at 3.5 years after the last fractional treatment. Biopsies were examined with standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain, as well as Verhoeff’s Van Gieson (VVG) and Shikata stains for elastic fibers. Results: Histological findings demonstrate regeneration of elastic fibers and reduction of the dermal fibrosis. Scar depth of Patient #2 was reduced by 80% in the corresponding follow-up period. Conclusion: The long-term histological results further support the previously published findings that fractional RF is a safe and effective treatment for acne related scars.

Introduction: Photoepilation by lasers is a popular procedure in aesthetic dermatology for removing unwanted body and facial hair. The use of the most appropriate laser wavelength is crucial as it affects treatment depth and melanin absorption. The three commonly used hair removal lasers are of specific wavelengths: 755 nm, 810 nm, and 1064 nm, each preferred certain types of skin and hair characteristics. The current evaluation reports the safety and efficacy of unique blended modes 755/810 nm and 810/1064 nm diode lasers for hair removal. Methods: Hair removal results from 50 patients treated with the 755/810 nm handpiece and 50 patients treated with the 810/1064 nm handpiece were gathered from a few clinics. 3 treatments on various body areas were conducted 6 weeks apart and patients were followed up with 6 months after the last treatment. Results were evaluated by baseline, follow-up photographs, and hair counts. Results: Treatment area photos demonstrated hair reduction in the treated body and facial areas. Average hair count reduction at 6 months follow-up was 84% for the 755/810 nm handpiece and 81% for the 810/1064 nm handpiece. No significant or unexpected adverse events were detected in any of the patients. Conclusions: The novel blended mode hair removal diode lasers are proven to be safe and effective for hair removal in facial and body areas for patients of various skin types and hair characteristics.

Introduction: Acne vulgaris and acne scarring are prevalent conditions that can have a negative effect on a patient’s quality of life. Fractional radiofrequency technologies have been shown to be clinically safe and effective in managing acne scars through dermal remodeling without causing direct damage to the epidermis. In a recently published study, we presented our clinical and histological results in the treatment of patients with active acne and acne related scarring using a Fractional RF (FRF) device. In the current article we demonstrate long term follow-up results, up to two years post last fractional treatment. Methods: Four out of the eight patients who completed a four treatment regimen were invited for long term follow-up visit to document treatment results. In some cases, touch-up treatments were conducted to optimize clinical results. Results: Patients demonstrated significant improvement of acne lesions, acne scarring, pores and skin texture. Long term photos demonstrated that clinical improvement progressed with time. Conclusion: The current study further supports the previous findings that FRF is a safe and effective treatment modality for active acne and acne related scars. Treatment protocol can be customized according to patient needs and clinical results last for long term.

Background: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common disease that often results in disfiguring facial scarring that carries into adulthood. Here we report our experience with fractional radiofrequency (FRF) device in treatment of patients with acne and acne related scarring. Materials & Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients with acne scarring who completed a four treatment regimen in our clinic. Results: We identified eight patients who completed four treatments with median age of 20.5 years (range 17 - 41). All patients demonstrated significant improvement of acne lesions and acne scarring. Skin biopsies demonstrated reduction of scar depth and increased new collagen production, and repopulation of the scar tissue by elastic fibers and adnexal structures after the fourth treatment. Conclusion: FRF emerges as a safe and effective treatment modality for AV and acne related scars. Further randomized controlled studies are required to fully evaluate the magnitude of this positive effect and more basic science studies are needed in order to better characterize its mechanism of action on acne lesions.

The growth of the medical aesthetic industry is tremendous, and not surprisingly, has been followed by the introduction of new novel technologies for home use. This study focuses on the Silk’n Home Skin Tightening (HST), a home use device that uses a thermally regulated radiofrequency (RF) delivery technology. This technology allows the end point dermal temperatures to be sustained safely for a prolonged period of time, optimizing the non-ablative dermal collagen, elastin and ground substance production. Enhancement of the clinical results of rhytides and laxity improvement are noted. In this study, the HST protocol and technology innovation is outlined. The results of a blinded, independent assessment of photographs before and 1 month after 20 biweekly sessions demonstrated that 96% of patients achieved an average improvement of 1.6 grades (32%) in their Fitzpatrick wrinkling and elastosis scale, with no significant complications.

Background: At-home phototherapy devices for the treatment of acne have emerged as an appealing treatment option and as an effective adjunct treatment to existing modalities. The principal goal of the study was to determine the changes in the number of inflammatory lesions in acne patients. Methods: Patients received instruction for daily at-home use of Silk’n Blue device for 12 weeks. Follow-up visits were conducted at 1 and 3 months to collect data. Results: Fifteen subjects with mild to severe cases experienced improvement over the course of the trial. The decrease in mean inflammatory acne counts (from 41.26 to 24.46) and mean percent reduction (41.8%) were statistically significant (p

This study was designed to determine the prevalence and type of peristomal skin complications in ileostomy and colostomy patients. The influence of sex, race, age, and stoma location as possible risk factors for developing these conditions was examined. A chart review in combination with a telephone survey was conducted. The population included all ileostomy and colostomy patients (362) who had their procedure between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1985 at the Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. Ninety-three patients were ultimately surveyed. There were 58 ileostomy and 35 colostomy cases. This study concluded that there may be a direct relationship between age and peristomal skin problems; gender is not a risk factor for acquiring these conditions in ileostomy (p greater than 0.7) or colostomy (p greater than 0.3) patients; most patients seek the enterostomal therapist for treatment of peristomal skin problems; and the most common peristomal skin condition is minor to moderate skin irritation with redness. It is recommended that both the health professional managing the ostomy patients, and the ostomy patients themselves, receive more education concerning the techniques and the importance of proper stoma care. Future studies examining the role of the dermatologist with regard to these problems are recommended.

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is rarely seen in children. We report a case of LyP in a 4‐year‐old boy in whom immunopathologic studies demonstrated T cell antigen deletions. In contrast to all but two previous reports, a T suppressor (CD‐8) phenotype was predominant. Southern blot analysis of DNA isolated from a typical skin lesion indicated a clonal rearrangement of the T cell receptor β gene. Because of a 10% frequency of malignant lymphomas in patients with LyP, long‐term observation is cruciai, especially in chiidren. We recommend routine clonal rearrangement studies for aid in diagnosis and follow‐up, and as possible prognostic indicators in children with this condition.