Presidential Greeting - American Society for Laser Medicine and ...

40 American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Abstracts
(continuously scanned 808 nm diode laser, P < 0.01) and 25.3%
(spot-by-spot scanned alexandrite, P < 0.01). There was no
significant difference in both axillae to the hair reduction achieved
at the last treatment visit 18 months before. All patients were
satisfied with the results, no permanent side effects were
observed.
Conclusion: The continuously scanned diode laser system shows
comparable results to a spot-to-spot scanned alexandrite laser
when removing unwanted axillary hair. Both lasers removed
about 75% of the axillary hairs, this epilation effect is now proven
to last for at least 18 months.
#125
INCREASED FORMATION OF FIBROSIS AFTER
TREATMENT WITH ABLATIVE VERSUS NON-
ABLATIVE FRACTIONAL LASER THERAPY
Bas S. Wind, Arne A. Meesters, Marije W. Kroon,
Johan F. Beek, J.P. Wietze Van der Veen,
Allard C. Van der Wal, Jan D. Bos,
Albert Wolkerstorfer
Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders (SNIP),
Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam,
The Netherlands
Background: Fractional laser therapy (FLT) has become a
widely accepted modality for skin rejuvenation, but has also been
used in various skin disorders. Aim of this study was to compare
long-term histological effects of non-ablative and ablative FLT in
the treatment of pigment disorders.
Study: A randomized controlled observer-blinded study was
performed in a total of 18 patients with pigment disorders. In each
patient, two similar test regions were randomized to receive either
FLT in combination with intermittent topical bleaching (to
prevent laser-induced postinflammatory hyperpigmentation) or
topical bleaching alone (to allow comparison of the regions).
Patients with ashy dermatosis and postinflammatory
hyperpigmentation were treated with non-ablative 1,550 nm FLT
(15 mJ/microbeam, 14–20% coverage), whereas patients with
Becker’s nevus were treated with ablative 10,600 nm FLT (10 mJ/
microbeam, 35–45% coverage), for a total of four to five sessions.
Biopsies were obtained three months after the last laser
treatment, and analyzed by a blinded dermatopathologist using
hematoxylin and eosin stain.
Results: At follow-up, dermal fibrosis was observed in four
patients treated with ablative FLT. No fibrosis was observed in
patients treated with non-ablative FLT. Comparing both laser
modalities, development of fibrosis was seen significantly more
often in patients treated with ablative FLT (P < .05).
Conclusion: At the used settings, ablative fractional laser
therapy induces formation of fibrosis, whereas treatment with
non-ablative fractional laser therapy does not. Whether formation
of fibrosis has to be regarded as dermal remodeling or a subtle
subclinical form of scarring should be investigated in future
research.
#126
FRACTIONAL RADIOFREQUENCY FOLLOWED BY
HYDROQUINONE FOR TREATMENT OF
MELASMA
Shlomit Halachmi, Moshe Lapidoth
Rabin Medical Center, Petach, Tikva, Israel
Background: Melasma has been classically treated with topical
hydroquinone (HQ), but poor absorption remains a barrier to
effective treatment. The use of fractional lasers, both ablative
and non-ablative, has gained popularity in recent years.
However, the use of fractional lasers does not allow a durable
effect, in contrast to continuous application of HQ. Furthermore,
fractional therapies are accompanied by a risk of
hyperpigmentation. The use of a fractional energy in
combination with topical HQ should improve the therapeutic
index of either alone: the fractional ablative treatment will
offer a short-term benefit in melasma, which also creating
temporary channels for increased HQ absorption. Conversely,
the HQ should reduce the risk of post-treatment
hyperpigmentation.
Study: Eight patients with Fitzpatrick III–IV skin underwent a
single treatment with fractional radiofrequency in an open-label
pilot study. Immediately after treatment all patients began daily
application of 2% hydroquinone. Results were monitored after 1,
3, and 6 months.
Results: All patients tolerated the procedure well. No adverse
events were reported. Notable improvements in melasma were
appreciable at 1 month. Durable improvement was seen in all
patients at 3 and 6 months.
Conclusion: The combination of fractional radiofrequency and
topical hydroquinone provides a well-tolerated and beneficial
approach to the treatment of melasma.
#130
A PILOT STUDY OF PULSED MAGNETIC
THERAPY IN BODY CONTOURING
Shlomit Halachmi, Maurice Adatto,
Moshe Lapidoth
Rabin Medical Center, Petach, Tikva, Israel; SkinPulse, Geneva,
Switzerland
Background: Pulsed magnetic field (PMF) therapy has been
used in orthopedics and physiotherapy for over 30 years. Based on
its demonstrated effects on angiogenesis and fibroblast
stimulation, it is at times applied to treatment of chronic wounds
and post-operative healing. However, its use in dermal
stimulation for aesthetic indications has not previously been
assessed.
Study: Twenty-five patients with moderate skin laxity of the
abdomen or with moderate cellulite underwent a series of six to
eight treatments of pulsed magnetic therapy with deep dermal
heating, in a pilot, open-label, multi-center study. All patients
signed informed consent. Magnetic pulses were administered at
15 Hz, 15 Gauss over a multipolar 1 MHz 5.5 cm RF handpiece.
Patients were assessed by photography, circumference
measurements, and overall improvement at 1, 3, and 6 months
after the completion of treatment. Analyses were made by three
independent observers.
Results: All patients completed the treatments. Patient
satisfaction was universally good. Photographic assessments and
overall improvement rating revealed notable improvements in
skin laxity and cellulite. A trend toward circumference reduction
was noted. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: Pulsed magnetic field therapy is an untapped
energy-based approach with demonstrated safety and
applicability to aesthetics in general and body contouring in
particular. Additional studies are required to determine optimal
treatment protocols.