Gregg M. Menaker

A Clinical Study of Hair Removal Using the Long-pulsed Ruby Laser

background. Laser hair removal is rapidly becoming a widely used modality. Clinical studies are needed to assess these hair removal systems. The long‐pulsed ruby laser is one such modality for the removal of unwanted hair. objectives. To evaluate the efficacy of the long‐pulsed ruby laser (694 nm, 3‐msec pulsewidth, 7‐ or 10‐mm spot size) in removing unwanted hair, and to provide treatment guidelines for the proper utilization of this laser system. methods. Forty‐eight areas of unwanted facial and body hair from 25 patients with blonde, brown, or black hair were treated with the long‐pulsed ruby laser at fluences between 10 and 40 J/cm2. Hair regrowth was measured at 4 weeks after the first treatment, 4 weeks after the second treatment, 4 weeks after the third treatment, and 16 weeks after the third treatment by counting the number of terminal hairs compared with baseline pre‐treatment values. All complications and treatment outcomes were documented. results. The mean percent of regrowth after the first treatment was 65.5%, 41% after the second treatment, and 34% after the third treatment. Overall, regardless of skin type or targeted body region, patients who underwent three treatment sessions demonstrated an average 35% regrowth in terminal hair count compared with baseline pretreatment values 6 months after initial therapy. conclusion. Long‐pulsed ruby laser treatment resulted in significant hair growth delay in most cases. Repeated laser treatments produced an increased number of vellus hairs, an increase in growth delay, and a decreased percentage of hair regrowth.

ASDS guidelines of care: injectable fillers.

S 1 1 5 Injectable soft tissue augmentation materials available for use in the United States have proliferated during the past 5 years. In addition to bovine collagen and autologous fat, physicians can now choose between numerous other options, including hyaluronic acid derivatives, poly-L-lactic acid, injectable calcium hydroxylapatite, injectable liquid silicone, polymethylmethacrylate microspheres, and human collagen. While these materials are generally safe and versatile, each has specific features that inform its best use. The guidelines presented herein are not intended to delineate the standard of care but rather to present how most injectors commonly use these materials in patients. These guidelines are a consensus document produced by the ASDS Guidelines of Care Task Force in conjunction with recognized experts in the field who have volunteered their time. While efforts have been made to maintain accuracy and timeliness at the point of submission, these guidelines will no doubt evolve over time and should be considered in the context of the patients’ individual needs. In the 1970s, research into collagen production led to a bovine formulation that could be placed in a syringe and injected. Because of bovine collagen’s temporary persistence, and requirement for skin testing, other fillers were developed and tested in Europe, Asia, and North America in the 1990s. Today, there are a number of fillers to choose from, each with its own strengths and drawbacks.

External Ultrasonic Tumescent Liposuction A Preliminary Study

background External ultrasonic tumescent liposuction represents a new application of ultrasound energy to the standard tumescent liposuction procedure. Hoping to retain the in vivo properties of ultrasonic delivery while avoiding the growing number of invasive complications, external ultrasonic tumescent liposuction is a new technique with the potential of improving traditional tumescent liposuction therapy. objective The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the role of external ultrasonic tumescent liposuction as an adjunct to traditional tumescent liposuction. methods Ten patients underwent standard tumescent liposuction with the addition of 10 minutes of preoperative ultrasound therapy applied to one‐half of their targeted treatment regions. Both objective and subjective parameters were assessed during the subsequent side‐by‐side evaluations. results Six of the W cases had a measurable increase in the amount of supernatant fat extracted per unit of aspirate volume from those regions pretreated with ultrasound energy. In five of the 10 cases, the operating physician noted slightly easier cannula maneuverability through adipose tissue on the ultrasound side. Roughly half of the patients had an improved postoperative course, with less swelling/edema, less bruising or ecchymoses, more skin retraction, and less postoperative pain/discomfort. conclusion The favorable results of this preliminary study warrant further investigation and research into external ultrasonic tumescent liposuction ns an adjunct to the traditional tumescent liposuction procedure.