Justo Alcolea

Efficacy and safety of laser therapy on axillary hyperhidrosis after one year follow‐up: A randomized blinded controlled trial

Hyperhidrosis is a debilitating problem that is not only uncomfortable and inconvenient, but also embarrassing in work and social situations. In spite of the availability of several options for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, recently, there has been an increasing interest in the use of laser therapy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a laser diode device emitting at wavelengths of 924 and 975 nm and classical curettage either alone, simultaneously or in combination.

Laser assisted lipolysis for neck and submental remodeling in Rohrich type I to III aging neck: A prospective study in 30 patients

Abstract Background: Since the first studies by Apfelberg in 1994 and the mathematical model by Mordon in 2004, laser lipolysis (LAL) has been on the rise. Laser lipolysis has the advantages of reduced operator fatigue, excellent patient tolerance, quick recovery time, as well as the additional benefit of dermal tightening. This article reports our experience with laser-assisted lipolysis (LAL) in submental and neck remodelling. Methods: Between June 2010 and January 2013, a prospective study was performed on 30 patients treated for Rohrich type I to III aging neck, with LAL. The laser used in this study was a 980 nm diode laser (Quanta system, spa model D-plus, Solbate Olona (VA), Italy). Laser energy was transmitted through a 600 μm optical fiber and delivered in a continuous mode 15 W power. Previous mathematical modelling suggested that 0.1 kJ was required in order to destroy 1 ml of fat. Patients were asked to fill out a satisfaction questionnaire. The cervicomental angle was measured 6 months post-operatively and compared with the preoperative values. Results: Other than three patients who developed mild hyperpigmentation that disappeared after 4 months, there were no complications in the series. Pain during the anaesthesia and discomfort after the procedure were minimal. The time taken to return to normal activities was 3.2 ± 1 days. All patients would strongly recommend this treatment. Overall satisfaction was high with both patients and investigators and was validated by decrease in cervicomental angle demonstrating a systematic decrease in fat thickness and improved skin tightening. Conclusion: LAL is a safe and reproducible technique for remodeling in Rohrich type I to III aging neck. The procedure allows for a reduction in the amount of adipose deposits while providing concurrent skin contraction.

Laser-assisted lipolysis for gynecomastia: safe and effective skin retraction

OBJECTIVES To evaluate efficacy of laser lipolysis in the treatment of gynecomastia to correct breast volume, flaccidity and excess skin without its excision. METHODS Prospectively, 32 patients with gynecomastia under tumescent anaesthesia and sedation underwent laser lipolysis with 980 nm diode laser, 15W continuous emission and 8 to 12 kJ energy per breast. Externally cold air was used to protect the skin. No drainages were used but a compressive bandage. Patients evaluated results on a VAS scale. Two doctors evaluated results comparing before and 6 month after photographs and also measured the areola and chest diameter. RESULTS Twenty three patients considered results as Very Good, 7 Good and 2 Fair Cutaneous retraction of the areola was noticeable one month after the surgery and was maximum 6 months after. Evaluation by doctors was 26 Very Good, 5 Good and 1 Fair. There were no burns, ischemia or lesions in areolas or nipples. CONCLUSION Laser assisted liposuction is a simple and efficacious technique, barely traumatic and permits a rapid reincorporation to normal activities.

Laser-assisted lipolysis for neck and submental remodeling in Rohrich type IV patients: Fact or fiction?

Abstract Background: Since the first studies by Apfelberg in 1994 and the mathematical model of Mordon introduced in 2004, laser-assisted lipolysis (LAL) has been on the rise. In a previous study, we presented our results in patients treated with LAL for Rohrich type I to III aging neck. The average cervicomental angle decreased from 152.6 ± 5.9 to 123.6 ± 8.8 degrees after LAL. This demonstrated a systematic decrease in fat thickness, and improved skin tightening. Objective: This new protocol focuses solely on LAL in the Rohrich type IV aging neck. Methods: Between June 2012 and February 2013, a prospective study was performed on 10 patients treated with LAL for Rohrich type IV aging neck. The laser used in this study was a 1470 nm diode laser (Alma Lasers, Caesarea, Israel). Laser energy was transmitted through a 600 μm optical fiber and delivered in a continuous mode, at 15 W power. Previous mathematical modeling suggested that 0.1 kJ was required in order to destroy 1 ml of fat. Patients were asked to fill out a satisfaction questionnaire. The cervicomental angle was measured 6 months postoperatively, and compared with the preoperative values. Results: No seromas were observed, but prolonged edema was observed in two patients. Pain during anesthesia and discomfort after the procedure were minimal. The average cervicomental angle decreased from 191.5 ± 5.7 to 164.9 ± 14.2 degrees (p < 0.01). This demonstrated a systematic decrease in fat thickness and improved skin tightening. Even though the cervicomental angle was higher than 140° in each case, the investigators, in agreement with the patients, decided to perform a complementary surgery with platysma muscle advancement and plication six months after LAL, in only two of the ten patients. This complementary surgery led to a mean cervicomental angle of 140.2 ± 11.4, and fair satisfaction of both patients and investigators. Conclusion: LAL alone appears insufficient for complete remodeling in Rohrich type IV aging neck. While LAL alone is sufficient for Grade I to III, a complementary surgery must be added for Grade IV.

Laser-assisted lipolysis for arm contouring in Teimourian grades III and IV: A prospective study involving 22 patients.

Background Upper arm deformities secondary to weight loss or senile elastosis have led to an increased demand for aesthetic contouring procedures. Objective To objectively assess whether, in Teimourian high-grade upper arm remodelling, laser-assisted lypolysis (LAL) alone could result in patient satisfaction. Methods Between 2012 and 2013, 22 patients were treated for excessive upper arm fat (Teimourian grade III and IV) solely with LAL. The laser used in the present study was a 1470 nm diode laser (Alma Lasers, Israel) with the following parameters: continuous mode, 15 W power and transmission through a 600 μm optical fibre. Previous mathematical modelling suggested that 0.1 kJ was required to destroy 1 mL of fat. Patients were asked to complete a satisfaction questionnaire. The arm circumference was measured pre- and postoperatively. Treatment parameters, adverse effects and outcomes were recorded. Results Pain during the anesthesia and discomfort after the procedure were minimal. Complications included ecchymoses and prolonged edema. The mean (± SD) arm circumference decreased 5.5±1.0 cm in the right arm (P<0.01) and 5.2±1.1 cm in the left arm (P<0.01) in grade III patients and 4.9±1.1 cm in the right arm (P<0.01) and 4.9±1.1 cm in the left arm (P<0.01) in grade IV patients. Although the circumference of both arms significantly decreased in grade III and grade IV patients, the skin tightening remained incomplete. Overall, the average opinion of treatment was poor for both patients and investigators. Of the 22 patients, only nine (41%) would recommend this treatment. Conclusion LAL for upper arm remodelling is not sufficient to ensure full skin tightening for patients with Teimourian grades III and IV upper arm deformities. A complementary surgery is mandatory for grades III and IV.

1064-nm Nd: YAG laser-assisted cartilage reshaping for treating ear protrusions.

Correction of prominent ears is a common plastic surgical procedure. The laser‐assisted cartilage reshaping (LACR) technique for protruding ears was developed at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Lille, France, using both the 1064‐ and 1540‐nm wavelengths, with a view to simplifying the surgical procedure. Herein we report our results with the 1064‐nm wavelength.

Long-term outcomes of laser assisted blepharoplasty for ptosis: about 104 procedures in 52 patients.

Abstract Background: Eyelid ptosis or blepharoptosis is defined as an abnormal drooping of the upper eyelid when looking straight ahead. Laser-assisted blepharoplasty (LAB), first introduced by Baker in 1984, presents the following advantages: improved intraoperative haemostasis, decreased operating time and improved appearance in the immediate postoperative periods. This article reports our long-term experience with LAB in ptosis correction surgery and underlines the advantages of the technique. Methods: A total of 52 patients were treated for ptosis with LAB between 2000 and 2011. The patients had an average age of 59.5 ± 9.6 years. Etiologies were senile ptosis in 34 cases, traumatic ptosis in 9 cases and congenital ptosis in 9 cases. The ptosis was classified as mild in 24 cases, moderate in 11 cases, and severe in 17 cases. The surgical technique was similar to the one described by Baker. The laser used in our studies was the CO2 Lumenis Active™ with the following parameters for skin incision: ultrapulse mode, continuous emission, 3-W power (program 1). The laser was then reprogrammed (program 2) with the following parameters for resection of a skin-orbicular muscle flap: regular mode, continuous emission, 9-W power with the beam slightly defocused. Results: Early complications included oedema in 8 patients. More than 1 mm of lid asymmetry was seen in 8 patients with 6 patients under corrected and two over corrected. Two of them chose secondary surgery. Mean down time was 5.5 ± 1.7 days (2–7 days). The mean late follow-up was performed after 2–10 years (mean 6.6 ± 1.7 years). Late complications included 4 recurrences 5, 6, 6, and 8 years, respectively, after the first procedure. All but one were successfully re-operated with the same technique. Overall patient satisfaction ranked high and all but one would recommend this treatment to others. Conclusion: LAB in ptosis surgery is a safe and reproducible technique particularly appreciated by patients. The procedure allows for improved intraoperative haemostasis, decreased operating time and improved appearance in the immediate postoperative periods.