Myeung Nam Kim nan

Efficacy of Light‐Emitting Diode Photomodulation in Reducing Erythema After Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing: A Pilot Study

Background The most common side effects of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing are erythema and edema of the treated skin. Light‐emitting diode (LED) devices have been shown to stimulate fibroblast activity and hasten wound healing. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of such LED devices in treating post‐laser therapy erythema. Objectives To evaluate the clinical efficacy of LED photomodulation in reducing erythema resulting from ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. Materials and methods Randomly selected facial halves of 10 Korean subjects (Fitzpatrick skin type III–IV) were treated using a 635‐nm wavelength LED array immediately after full‐face fractional laser skin resurfacing. Each participant was subsequently treated with LED daily for the following 7 days. Clinical photographs, subjective physician assessment, and chromometer erythema index were used to track the results, with clinical improvement assessed using a 5‐point grading scale. Results The postlaser erythema resolved faster on the experimental side than the control side, with improvements noted according to physician assessment and chromometer erythema index. Statistically significant improvements between the two sides were first noted on day 4. Conclusion Treatment using a 635‐nm‐wavelength LED array decreases the intensity and duration of post‐fractional CO2 laser treatment erythema.

Electrophysiological study for comparing the effect of biological activity between type A botulinum toxins in rat gastrocnemius muscle

Background: New cosmetic applications and products based on the effects of botulinum toxin (BTX) treatment have stimulated demand for this class of natural compounds. This demand generates the need for appropriate standardized protocols to test and compare the effectiveness of new BTX preparations. Objectives: Based on the previously described electrophysiological methods, we measured and compared the inhibitory effects of two BTX type A (BTX-A) preparations on neuromuscular transmission through split-body test. Methods: The effectiveness was evaluated in terms of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and conduction velocity after BTX-A injection. We used a split-body method to compare two different BTX-As in the rat. Results: Based on the changes in the CMAP, the two different BTX-As induced paralytic effect on the rat tibialis anterior muscle. However, the two different BTX-A preparations did not differ significantly in effectiveness and did not induce a delay in conduction velocity. Conclusions: The new BTX-A preparation used in this electrophysiological study had similar effect compared with the previously marketed BTX-A.[AQ: Please approve the edits made to the sentence “The new BTX-A preparation…”) We propose that a split-body electrophysiological protocol will be useful in establishing the comparative effectiveness of new BTX products.

Selective sebaceous gland electrothermolysis as a treatment for acne: a prospective pilot study

Although many therapeutic options exist for acne, relapse often occurs after treatment is stopped. Some preliminary evidence suggests that selective electrothermolysis of the sebaceous glands may represent a novel therapeutic intervention. This trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of selective sebaceous gland electrothermolysis for the treatment of facial acne. Twelve patients with facial acne were enrolled, all of whom underwent three sessions of therapy. During each session, a 1.5‐mm long needle with 0.45‐mm of base insulation was inserted into pores of acne lesions. Upon insertion, a high‐frequency electrical current was applied for 0.25–0.50 seconds, for a total output of 40 W. Each treatment session took approximately 30–60 minutes. Subject response to therapy was evaluated at one month and 12 months after the final treatment. All the enrolled subjects completed the study and all reported satisfaction with treatment results. In all cases, a reduction in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts was observed after three sessions of selective electrothermolysis, although a few small papules and comedones persisted in several areas of untreated facial skin. Mean lesion reduction at one month after the final treatment was 98.14% for inflammatory lesions and 83.09% for noninflammatory lesions. Clinical success was achieved in the majority of patients (seven of 12 patients) at one month after the second treatment and in all patients at one month after the final treatment. All patients reported transient post‐treatment erythema, which faded after a few days. Clinically evident relapse occurred in two of 12 patients (16.7%) one year after the final treatment session. Selective sebaceous gland electrothermolysis can be a safe and effective method of achieving consistent remission in acne.