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

82 American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Abstracts
#281
EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE USE OF
COSMETIC LASER AND INTENSE PULSED LIGHT
Trudy Fleming
Fleming Institute, Melbourne, Australia
Background: Training in the use of cosmetic laser and light
devices has traditionally been offered mainly by manufacturers
and product retailers in most countries. Now, however, there are
also courses offered by schools and institutes in many countries.
Some industry associations also offer training now. What is
involved with this range of training? What sort of recognized
qualification is offered, if any? Is any of the training on offer
government accredited within that state or country? How much
time is involved with the training? Is it sufficient, valid, current
and subject appropriate? How do school courses compare to what
the manufacturers offer? Who are the trainers and what
qualifications do they hold? Who are the trainees?
Study: The study involves on-site visits and interviews with
various training organizations, manufacturers and retailers of
laser/light devices along with detailed questionnaires to be filled
in at these visits. Questionnaires are also sent out to businesses
and organizations offering training that I cannot visit personally.
Information gained gives in-depth insight on the various aspects
and methods of the training offered.
Results: The research has commenced in Australia but will
include visits to UK sites in December and all information
collected will be collated and comparisons made.
Conclusion: Cosmetic laser and IPL training varies from a
matter of hours to more substantial weeks or months. Training is
offered on-site at the clients’ business premises, at manufacturers
and retailers sites and in various government and private
colleges. With such a variety of forms of laser and light device
training available, the expertise developed by the user also varies
widely. Currently there is no standardization of training within
this industry, would it really be so hard to put some international
minimum standards in place?
#282
DEVELOPMENT OF COMBINATION THERAPY
STRATEGIES
Patricia A. Owens, James Brazil, Sharon Olson
Olympic Dermatology and Laser Clinic, Olympia, WA
Background: In the treatment of photoaging skin, attention is
directed towards the improvement of facial rhytids, vascular
lesions, hyperpigmentation, skin laxity and volume loss. The
benefits of combination therapies have been noted in recent
clinical articles for global improvement. Our approach to
maximize patient outcomes has been to offer a RESTOR program
that combines different protocols utilizing lasers, radiofrequency,
IPL, liposuction, facial fillers and onabotulinum toxin A.
Study: A retrospective study over 1 year has examined three
different types of protocols that have been identified in literature
to produce beneficial outcomes. Protocols involve a consultation
and assessment process, followed by the treatment series, followup
with patient evaluation. Care has been taken to select the
appropriate protocol(s) to address the patient’s goals and their
static and dynamic changes from photoaging.
Results: Twelve months of patient data completing the RESTOR
program will be reported. Three different programs were
primarily utilized; RF monopolar tightening device/liposuction,
RF monopolar tightening device/IPL FotoFacials, and RF
monopolar tightening device/1,550 nm non-ablative fractional
resurfacing. Recovery and post-treatment side effects were
minimal and without incident. Patients were also offered a
package of facial fillers and/or onabotulinum toxin A to
compliment their outcomes. Improvement was noted in facial
contouring, laxity, pigmentation, vascularity and skin texture
dependent on each specific protocol. A synergistic effect of
combination therapies has been noted over individual treatment
outcome.
Conclusion: Combination therapies are enticing to patients and
have proven to be complimentary in their rejuvenation effects.
The RESTOR program demonstrates a successful option for
patients in order to enhance their outcomes and overall
satisfaction.
#283
EVALUATION OF THE THULIUM FIBER
1,927 NM WAVELENGTH FOR OFF-FACE
TREATMENT OF PHOTODAMAGED SKIN WITH
ACTINIC LESIONS
Rebecca Sprague, Suzanne Kilmer
Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Northern California, Sacramento,
CA
Background: This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of the
1,927 nm fractional laser for off-face treatment of actinic damage.
The 1,927 nm wavelength’s water absorption characteristics and
optimized dosimetry targets superficial dermis. Primary endpoint
of the study is overall improvement in the appearance of actinic
damage and reduction of lesions.
Study: Eleven subjects (43–65 years old) Fitzpatrick skin types
I–III with photodamage and actinic lesions on the chest, forearms
and hands received a series of up to three treatments with the
1,927 nm laser spaced at 2- to 4-week intervals. Subjects were
treated at an energy level of 10 mJ with coverage of 40–55%. Skin
responses and clinical assessment of improvement in the actinic
damage, lesions and pigmentation were performed by the
investigator and subjects at 1, 3 and 6 months after the final
treatment. Improvement was scored using a 0–4 improvement
scale (0 ¼ none, 1 ¼ mild, 2 ¼ moderate, 3 ¼ marked, 4 ¼ very
significant). Photos were taken at each treatment and study visit.
Results: Data were collected for all subjects 3 months after final
treatment and for 10 of 11 subjects 6 months after final treatment,
one subject lost to follow-up. Treatments resulted in an 86% mean
reduction of off-face actinic lesions from baseline to 6 months after
final treatment. Investigator assessment demonstrated mild-tomoderate
improvement scores at 3 and 6 months for photodamage/
actinic lesions, pigmentation. Subjective scoring was higher for
photodamage/actinic lesions and pigmentation demonstrating
moderate improvements. At 6 months, 89% observed at least a
noticeable improvement in skin texture and all subjects surveyed
reported improvement in skin tone. Procedures were welltolerated
with minimal edema or erythema. No serious adverse
events were reported.
Conclusion: The 1,927 nm thulium wavelength is a safe and
effective treatment for reduction of actinic keratoses and
improving photodamaged skin on non-facial areas. No serious
adverse effects were noted and subject satisfaction with efficacy
was high.