Search

Microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFRF) has been used to improve photoaging and scars. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MFRF with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for facial atrophic acne scars and skin rejuvenation by blinded visual evaluation, self-report, and reflective confocal microscopy (RCM). Fifteen subjects were randomized to the MFRF with bFGF group and fifteen to the MFRF group. All subjects underwent three-session therapy and a follow-up period. Significant group differences were in ECCA, global improvement score, satisfaction, and downtime before and after treatment. Combination therapy could be more effective than monotherapy for acne scars and facial rejuvenation. In addition, RCM can be used to observe the changes in skin collagen before and after treatment in evaluating cosmetic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) followed by pulsed dye laser (PDL) irradiation for the treatment of recalcitrant port-wine stain (PWS). Methods: Thirty-five patients (19 females and 16 males) with recalcitrant PWS were treated with topical application of 20% ALA and then irradiated with a 595-nm PDL (energy density of 6.5-9.0 J/cm2 and pulse duration of 6 or 10 ms) at 6-8 weeks intervals. Clinical improvement of lesions was evaluated by comparing photographs of lesions at baseline and 2 months after the last treatment. Results: Topical ALA spreading followed by irradiation with a 595-nm PDL improved PWS in 21 out of 35 patients who were previously recalcitrant to PDL treatment alone. Side effects were limited to transient erythema, vesicle formation, edema and mild purpura with no obvious subsequent scarring or undesirable pigment changes. Conclusion: The topical application of ALA followed by irradiation with a 595-nm PDL is an effective and safe treatment for PWS recalcitrant to PDL therapy alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a common vascular tumor that can be treated using various means. However, some large lesions and those located on some difficult-to-treat body sites may represent a formidable selection to the clinician because of the residual pain after treatment, difficulties in surgical excision at one trial and covering with one dressing, and the risk of sequelae. We report a successful treatment of such a giant lesion that arises in the scar which was left because of port wine stain, using a Nd/YAG holmium pulsed dye laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effect and safety of the holmium: YAG laser in the treatment of facial recalcitrant verruca vulgaris. Methods: 42 patients with recalcitrant facial verruca vulgaris (64 warts in all) were enrolled in the study. Warts were treated with holmium: YAG pulsed dye laser with a top energy of 1.2-1.5 J, pulse frequency 10-12 Hertz, average power 10 Watt. Adverse reaction, complication, recurrence and clinical assessment of the lesion were documented with follow-up 6 months. Results: Ages of patients ranged from 16 to 73 years. 62 warts in 42 patients were eliminated by only one treatment session. The average time for wound-healing is 10.3 days. No severe discomfort, bleeding, edema, ulceration and secondary infection developed. No obvious complications were found. Only 4 warts in 3 patients remained mild atrophy scar and 7 warts in 6 patients remained pigment change. These defects became slighter after 6-month follow-up and left no bad effect on aesthetic. Two of the patients encountered recurrence in the treated site follow-up 6 months. Conclusions: Holmium laser is an effective and safe therapy for recalcitrant verruca vulgaris. It is the choice of treatment for those lesions in cosmetically sensitive areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article on the effect of photodynamic therapy and carbon dioxide laser.