: A current popular aesthetic problem, especially among younger women, is striae distensae (SD), also referred to as "stretch marks.".
: The potential use of the 675 nm laser has been investigated in ...the treatment of SD.
: Patients underwent three sessions of the 675 nm laser with a 1-month interval between sessions. A total of three sessions were performed. The Manchester Scar Scale was used to assess stretch mark changes, and the mean scores related to each parameter at baseline and 6M FU after the last treatment session were measured. A clinical photographic evaluation was performed to show the aesthetic improvement of SD.
: The patients' treated areas were the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and breasts. Mean scores related to each Manchester Scar Scale parameter, with their relative percentage change, at baseline and 6M FU after the last treatment session were significantly improved. The total mean Manchester Scar Scale score significantly diminished from 14.16 (±1.30) to 10.06 (±1.32) at 6M FU (
< 0.01). The clinical photographs showed promising aesthetic SD improvement.
: 675 nm laser therapy demonstrated a good tolerance for the treatment of stretch marks applied to various body areas preventing any discomfort for the patient and with a significant improvement in skin texture.
Background and Objectives: For many years, fully ablative laser treatments, particularly those performed with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, were regarded as the gold standard for resurfacing. This ...study’s goal is to assess the depth that can be reached by a new CO2 scanner system, through a skin model with greater dermal thickness, to use in the treatment of deep scarring. Materials and Methods: Male human skin tissue was laser-treated using a CO2 fractional laser and a new scanning system, and all samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, dehydrated using a series of crescent alcohol, embedded in paraffin, sectioned in series (4–5 µm thick), stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and then analysed under an optical microscope. Results: From the epidermis through the underlying papillary and reticular dermis to various depths of the dermis, microablation columns of damage and coagulated microcolumns of collagen were observed. The reticular dermis was fully penetrated up to 6 mm at higher energy levels (210 mJ/DOT), resulting in deeper tissue injury. Although the laser might penetrate further, the skin stops there, leaving just the fat and muscular tissue. Conclusions: The deep layers of the dermis can be penetrated by the CO2 laser system throughout the entire dermal thickness when using the new scanning system, suggesting that this laser’s potential impact, at the selected settings, covers all skin targets required to perform superficial or deep treatments on any dermatological issue. Finally, patients who have problems, such as morbid scar-deep complications, which affect their quality of life, are more likely to profit from this innovative technique.
Background: Dermal fillers for soft tissue for the treatment of face sagging, volume loss, and wrinkles have become popular among patients of all ages and ethnicities, and their use is becoming ...increasingly widespread. Aim: the goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a micro-pulsed, 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser on dermal filler complications, in particular on granuloma management. Methods: A subcutaneous, 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser was used on five female patients (range age 52–68 years) with hyaluronic filler granulomas located on the face (two on the cheek area and three on the lips); three patients had self-injected the filler, buying it online. Before and after the therapy, the patients received a skin ultrasound to determine the form and location of the granulomas and to determine if there had been a full or partial resolution. During this study, all possible adverse effects at the treatment site were monitored. The 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) (0 point—no change; 1 point—25%, mild improvement; 2 points—50%, moderate improvement; 3 points—75%, good improvement; 4 points—100%, excellent improvement) was recorded at a 3-month follow-up. Results: good results were obtained in the treatment of filler granulomas with the intralesional 1444 nm laser, even if just a single treatment was performed (one intervention was effective for curing granulomas up to 5 mm in diameter). Three patients were satisfied with excellent improvement, and two patients experienced good improvement. The results are functional and aesthetically satisfying, as shown by photographic assessment. At the last follow-up, the granuloma had reduced or completely disappeared in all cases, and no infections, burns, scarring or fibrosis, episodes of severe bleeding, or other serious adverse effects had been reported. All subjects tolerated the post-treatment period well. Conclusions: Our findings showed that granuloma treatment with an intralesional 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser is a minimally invasive, easy, fast, efficient, and low-risk procedure.
Lipoma is the most common benign mesenchymal tumor that is composed of mature fat cells. Subdermal laser lipoma treatment may be recommended as an alternative to surgery for its removal.
The purpose ...of the study was to investigate the efficacy of the 1,444 nm Nd:YAG laser subcutaneous intralesional application as a treatment option for lipoma.
On 60 patients (37 women and 23 men) with lipomas localized above the muscle and lipomatosis in various regions, a subcutaneous, micro-pulsed 1,444 nm Nd:YAG laser procedure was executed. Before treatment, an ultrasound was performed and the lipomas were measured. The same lighting setup and photographic tools were used to take pictures of each patient.
The lipoma reduced or completely disappeared in all cases at the last follow-up, and no infections, burns, skin lesions, episodes of severe bleeding, or other serious adverse effects were reported. The most common transient side effects were ecchymosis and edema. Partial lesion reduction refers to rare cases of lipomatosis in which the lipomas were so small that suction and accurate positioning of the capsular membrane contours were impossible.
Lipoma treatment with a 1,444 nm Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure without risk of scarring. For cellular disruption, laser treatment is an effective and safe option.
Axillary bromhidrosis is an apocrine glands hyperactivity disease.
A total of 24 patients (15 men and 9 women) with axillary bromhidrosis underwent a laser procedure with a 1,444-nm Nd:YAG laser. ...Parameters evaluated in this study were as follows: the degree of malodor (T0, baseline; T30, after 1 month; and T180, after 6 months), postoperative pain, short-term decreased mobility (T1, after 1 day; T7, after 7 days; and T30, after 1 month), and overall satisfaction (T30, after 1 month and T180, after 6 months). A visual analog scale (VAS), from 0 to 10, was used to assess pain and decreased mobility, with lower values denoting less severity.
A total of 24 patients were followed up for 6 months after laser treatment. At baseline, all patients (100%) complained of a strong axillary malodor (mean degree of malodor at T0 = 2.0 ± 0.00). It decreased to 0.50 ± 0.64 at T30. At T180, the degree of malodor was 0.54 ± 0.57. Both T30 and T180 degrees of malodor significantly decreased from the baseline value (p < 0.01). The mean degree of patient satisfaction at T30 was 1.75 ± 0.52, and at T180, it was 1.67 ± 0.21. Among the 24 patients, eight complained of moderated pain 1 day after treatment. The pain subsided on day 7, except for two patients, with VAS = 1. Pain and mobility restrictions were in any case resolved within T30.
Treatment with a 1,444-nm Nd:YAG laser for subdermal interstitial coagulation could be a less invasive and more effective option treatment for axillary bromhidrosis.
Background: A healthy lifestyle is not always able to improve the abdomen’s appearance, especially in those patients who have undergone sudden weight changes. Objective: We aimed at evaluating the ...efficacy of combined microwaves and flat magnetic stimulation (FMS) to treat abdominal localized adiposity and laxity. Methods: Twenty-five patients were subjected to two treatment sessions per month on the abdominal area with microwaves. FMS was also performed twice per week, with a minimum of two days between each session for two months. The technology uses three types of different protocols: massage, muscle definition (shaping), and muscular strengthening. Measurements, including body mass index (BMI) and waist, and abdominal ultrasound were performed at baseline and three months after the last treatment session. Blood examinations were performed, and a 5-Likert scale questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction. Results: At follow-up, three months after the last treatment, the mean waist circumference (WC) was significantly reduced, and skin laxity improved in all patients (p < 0.001). A significant improvement in abdominal muscle tissue thickness was also shown in all abdominal areas, and the thickness of the adipose tissue evaluated by ultrasound was reduced. Conclusions: This study proves that the combination of microwaves and FMS treatment is secure and efficient for treating abdominal subcutaneous fat and skin laxity.
Background
Postpartum abdominal changes represent a major esthetic concern affecting women. As the abdomen stretches during pregnancy and some of the muscles lose tone, there is an increased skin ...laxity and a loss of abdominal elasticity. As a result, the abdomen becomes saggy.
Aims
To evaluate the performance of a combined microwaves and fractional microablative CO2 laser treatment for reshaping and improvement of abdomen texture/laxity and striae distensae in postpartum women.
Patients/Methods
Fifteen women (median age 38 years) received three monthly abdomen treatments with a new microwaves platform, the ONDA Coolwaves® (DEKA) system, followed by a treatment with fractional microablative CO2 laser (SmartXide2; DEKA) a month thereafter. We followed up each patient's weight and nutritional habits. Outcome was assessed using reproducible circumference and abdominal measurements, digital and 3D photography, the laxity score as well as patient satisfaction index.
Results
The overall mean circumferences reduction was 3.6 ± 1.2 cm. Significant improvement in skin laxity and tightening was noted by physicians and patients as well as a reduction of striae distensae. Interestingly, as a result of skin remodeling, repositioning of the umbilicus was also demonstrated. Treatments were well tolerated with no side effects.
Conclusions
Our data showed a sustainable reduction in circumference and improvement in appearance of abdomen in postpartum women, without compromising patients' safety.
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Im vergangenen Jahrzehnt hat der Body-Shaping-Markt kontinuierliche Zuwächse verzeichnet. Um die Verfahren zur Reduzierung von lokalen Fettansammlungen zu verbessern, ...wurde eine neuartige Methode entwickelt, die sich speziell auf subkutanes Körperfett konzentriert.
Studienziel
Ziel dieser Studie ist es nachzuweisen, dass ein neuartiges Mikrowellengerät mit einer Frequenz von 2,45 GHz bei der Reduzierung von Fettzellen sichtbare Ergebnisse mit größerer Sicherheit und Beständigkeit erzielt.
Materialien und Methoden
Neunzehn gesunde Patienten – 10 Frauen und 9 Männer – (im Alter von 24 bis 55 Jahren, was einem Altersdurchschnitt von 39 Jahren entspricht) und sichtbaren Fettansammlungen im Bauchbereich erhielten 3 Mikrowellenbehandlungssitzungen (im Abstand von jeweils 4 Wochen) unter Verwendung des neuen Onda Plus Body Shaping-Systems (von DEKA, Italien). Dieses Gerät verwendet einen Mikrowellenapplikator mit einer Frequenz von 2,45 GHz und einer integrierten Kühlung für einen optimalen Behandlungskomfort des Patienten während der Anwendung. Es wurde ein geeignetes Behandlungsprotokoll festgelegt, das ca. 10 min lang in jedem Behandlungsbereich angewandt wurde. Vor Beginn der Behandlung haben alle Patienten eine Einwilligungserklärung sowie ein Fotofreigabeformular unterzeichnet. Vor jeder Behandlungssitzung wurden folgende Daten erfasst: Körpergewicht, Größe, Taillenumfang sowie Fotos. Alle zu behandelnden Bereiche wurden im Stehen mit einem hautverträglichen weißen Stift vorgezeichnet. Ausgeschlossen wurden adipöse Patienten und solche, bei denen die Fettablagerungen über den gesamten Körper verteilt waren oder deren Haut sich in einem Zustand irreversibler Schlaffheit befand. Bei jedem Patienten wurde eine Blutuntersuchung durchgeführt – sowohl vor Beginn der Behandlung (T0) als auch am Ende des gesamten Behandlungsprotokolls (T3).
Ergebnisse
Sämtliche Patienten erfüllten die Einschluss‑/Ausschlusskriterien der Studie und unterzeichneten eine Einwilligungserklärung. Die 19 gesunden Erwachsenen wurden in 3 Gruppen aufgeteilt je nach Größe der Bauchfalte (Pinch). Gruppe 1 bestand aus 4 Patienten mit einem Pinch von mehr als 4,5 cm, Gruppe 2 bestand aus 10 Patienten mit einem Pinch von 2,5–4,5 cm, und Gruppe 3 bestand aus 5 Patienten mit einem Pinch von weniger als 2,5 cm. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass beim Follow-up nach 3 Monaten die klinisch messbare Reduzierung des Bauchumfangs bei allen Patienten 3,80 ± 1,21 cm betrug.
Schlussfolgerung
Es hat sich gezeigt, dass das mikrowellenbasierte Body-Contouring-System sicher und effektiv für die Reduzierung des Bauchumfangs verwendet werden kann. Es wurden weder starke Schmerzen noch merkliches Unbehagen während einer der Behandlungssitzungen berichtet.
