A Novel Approach to Shaping the Lateral Abdomen: Simultaneous Application of High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) Therapy and Synchronized Radiofrequency at the Flanks: A Multicenter MRI Study.

Background: An accumulation of adipose tissue on the lateral abdomen (flanks) coupled with muscle deconditioning negatively affects core stability, muscular balance, and the intrinsic strength essential for maintaining optimal body mechanics and posture. This lateral fat accumulation and diminution of muscle result in an unfavorable abdominal profile and present challenges in finding appropriately fitting attire.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness and safety of the simultaneous application of high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) therapy and synchronized radiofrequency for sculpting the lateral abdomen.

Safety and Efficacy of Renuvion Helium Plasma to Improve the Appearance of Loose Skin in the Neck and Submental Region.

Background: Minimally invasive procedures that deliver thermal energy to subcutaneous tissue offer a solution when deciding between excisional and noninvasive options to address face and neck aging-related changes. A minimally invasive helium plasma device, Renuvion, was first utilized for subdermal tissue heating to reduce skin laxity under an FDA general clearance for cutting, coagulation, and ablation of soft tissue.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the helium plasma device for improving the appearance of loose skin in the neck and submental region.

High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field With Synchronized Radiofrequency Achieves Superior Gluteal Muscle Contouring Than High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field Procedure Alone.

Background: The high-intensity focused electromagnetic field (HIFEM) procedure is an effective method for noninvasive toning and shaping of buttocks.

Objectives: To investigate and compare the efficacy of simultaneous application of HIFEM procedure with radiofrequency (RF) heating vs HIFEM standalone procedure on the buttocks.

Methods: Sixty-seven subjects (21-67 years, BMI 16-34 kg/m) were recruited and divided into two groups.

Light-Guided Percutaneous Neck Rejuvenation With Division of Platysma Bands and Suture Suspension: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Background: Traditional invasive suture suspension techniques have proven efficacy and durability. A previously described percutaneous placement of a neck suspension suture with light guidance has transformed this into a minimally invasive technique. This novel technique provides a major advance for minimally invasive neck rejuvenation.

Comparison of a Novel Silicone Gel Wound Dressing vs Bacitracin After Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplantation.

Background: Follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplantation subjects are excellent candidates to assess wound dressings. The wound surface area is large and adequately delineated to allow randomization, while in-patient split scalp designs allow patients to serve as their own controls.

Objectives: This randomized, single-blinded, split-scalp comparison trial compares a novel, film-forming silicone gel-Stratamed (SM; Stratpharma AG, Basel, Switzerland)-to Bacitracin (Bac; McKesson Medical-Surgical Inc.

Roundtable Discussion: Making Sense of Current Liposuction Technologies.

Suction-assisted lipectomy (or "liposuction") is a fundamental technique for all plastic surgeons, and like many procedures in aesthetic surgery, its applications are continuing to evolve. With the rapid introduction of new technologies, many plastic surgeons are left with questions about how these new devices work, what results to expect, and how to best apply these technologies in their practice. We recognized that there is a need for unbiased recommendations to guide surgeons on how to approach current liposuction devices (as well as their adjuncts) and how to use them effectively for their patients.

Temperature-Controlled Monopolar Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Submental Skin Laxity: A Prospective Study.

Background: Laxity of the submental area is a common cosmetic complaint of the aging population.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of a temperature-controlled, minimally invasive percutaneous monopolar radiofrequency device to improve dermal laxity and achieve lift.

Methods: A total of 72 subjects (35-65 years old) with mild to moderate skin laxity in the submental area were included in this single-center prospective study.

Bipolar Radiofrequency as an Adjunct to Face and Body Contouring: A 745-Patient Clinical Experience.

Background: Radiofrequency (RF) technology has ushered in a new paradigm in body contouring for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who desire fat removal without exacerbating skin laxity issues. A bipolar internal RF device, used as an adjunct to liposuction, has been found to be simpler and more accurate than previous technologies.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the authors' clinical experience with bipolar RF-assisted liposuction (RFAL).

Comparison of Cellulite Severity Scales and Imaging Methods.

Cellulite is characterized by dimpled contour alterations of the skin and is present in approximately 85% to 90% of postpubertal females. Although the pathophysiology of cellulite remains to be fully elucidated, experimental evidence indicates a multifactorial process involving the number and types of fibrous septae, microvascular dysfunction, subcutaneous inflammation, decreased dermal thickness with age, and fat deposition. Cellulite is a major cosmetic concern for many women, and a number of both noninvasive (eg, massage, cosmeceuticals, laser therapy) and minimally invasive techniques (eg, subcision, collagenase injection) have been evaluated to improve the appearance of the affected skin.

Marginal Mandibular Nerve Mapping Prior to Nonablative Radiofrequency Skin Tightening.

Background: Aging skin and increased skin laxity is a prevalent concern of patients. Nonsurgical treatments, such as radiofrequency, are increasing in popularity due to decreased pain, downtime, and scarring. ThermiRF (Thermi, Irving, TX) is a subdermal radiofrequency treatment for tightening skin.

Treatment of Atrophic Facial Acne Scars With Microneedling Followed by Polymethylmethacrylate-Collagen Gel Dermal Filler.

Background: Microneedling and soft-tissue filler injections have been used independently to improve acne scarring. The effectiveness of a combined approach using microneedling followed by polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-collagen gel has not been carefully studied.

Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of microneedling alone versus microneedling followed by injection of PMMA-collagen gel filler for correction of atrophic facial acne scars.

Prediction of Treatment Outcomes for Neck Rejuvenation Utilizing a Unique Classification System of Treatment Approach Using a 1440-nm Side-Firing Laser.

Background: The appearance of a youthful neck is lost with age causing excessive skin laxity, a loss of subcutaneous fat, prominence of platysmal banding, and jowling. In view of the success obtained with laser treatment for neck rejuvenation, the authors have recently taken an algorithmic approach to developing a 7-category classification system of the aging conditions throughout the anatomic spectrum of three areas: skin, fat, and muscle. This system will correlate with specific treatment options.

A Single-Blind Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Gold Nanoparticle Photothermal-Assisted Liposuction in an Ex Vivo Human Tissue Model.

Background: Liposuction is one of the most performed cosmetic surgery procedures. In a previously reported study, gold-nanoparticle (GNP) laser-assisted liposuction (NanoLipo) was shown to improve procedure parameters and outcomes in a porcine model.

Objectives: An ex vivo human liposuction model was developed to assess the ease, efficacy, and outcomes of NanoLipo, and to further explore its mechanism of action in facilitating liposuction.

Use of a controlled subdermal radio frequency thermistor for treating the aging neck: Consensus recommendations.

Introduction: A new temperature-controlled device has been used as a percutaneous radio frequency probe to treat lax submental and other facial areas. It has significant advantages over other esthetic devices as it provides the dual benefit of fat lipolysis and skin tightening. Our goal here is to present consensus recommendations for treating the aging neck.

Subsurface Laser and Radiofrequency for Face and Body Rejuvenation.

Minimally invasive devices are a departure from standard laser therapies, because energy is delivered directly below the skin through a 1-mm incision. Lasers can affect such tissues as fat for enhanced disruption, coagulation of small blood vessels, and skin tightening at the right temperatures. Minimally invasive radiofrequency devices can tighten skin but can also improve neck muscle laxity.

Laser Resurfacing: Full Field and Fractional.

Laser resurfacing is a very popular procedure worldwide. Full field and fractional lasers are used in many aesthetic practices. There have been significant advances in laser resurfacing in the past few years, which make patient treatments more efficacious and with less downtime.

A Multicenter Study for Cellulite Treatment Using a 1440-nm Nd:YAG Wavelength Laser with Side-Firing Fiber.

Background: Treatment of cellulite using a 1440-nm YAG wavelength laser with side-firing fiber has proven safe and effective, lasting at least 6 months.

Objectives: The authors evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single, subdermal procedure to treat the underlying structure of cellulite for at least 1 year.

Methods: Fifty-seven patients underwent a 3-step cellulite treatment with a 1440-nm Nd:YAG laser with a side-firing fiber and temperature-sensing cannula.

Gold Nanoparticle-assisted Selective Photothermolysis of Adipose Tissue (NanoLipo).

Background: Conventional suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) often results in contour irregularity. Selective photothermal heating of adipose tissue by polymer-coated gold nanorods energized by an external near-infrared exposure at 800 nm is introduced in this work to facilitate fat removal.

Methods: The effects of NanoLipo were examined in food-grade porcine abdominal tissue (skin, fat, and fascia) by histology.

Noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques in body contouring.

Major surgical body contouring procedures have several inherent drawbacks, including hospitalization, anesthetic use, pain, swelling, and prolonged recovery. It is for these reasons that body contouring through noninvasive and minimally invasive methods has become one of the most alluring areas in aesthetic surgery. Patient expectations and demands have driven the field toward safer, less-invasive procedures with less discomfort, fewer complications, and a shorter recovery.

Open-label treatment of moderate or marked melasma with a 4% hydroquinone skin care system plus 0.05% tretinoin cream.

Objective: To evaluate treating epidermal melasma using a 4% hydroquinone skin care system plus tretinoin 0.05% cream.

Design: Multicenter open-label study with all patients receiving above-mentioned treatment for up to 24 weeks.

A multicenter study for a single, three-step laser treatment for cellulite using a 1440-nm Nd:YAG laser, a novel side-firing fiber, and a temperature-sensing cannula.

Background: Historically, treatments for cellulite have not been able to address all of its physiological components and require multiple sessions.

Objective: The authors evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single, subdermal procedure to treat the underlying structure of cellulite.

Methods: Fifty-seven patients underwent a 3-step cellulite treatment with a 1440-nm Nd:YAG laser with a side-firing fiber and temperature-sensing cannula.

The aging neck: a diagnostic approach to surgical and nonsurgical options.

Background: The neck is a prominent indicator of aging. Loss of subcutaneous fat, prominence of platysmal banding, jowling along the mandibular border, and excessive skin laxity due to loss of collagen and elastin are common conditions that are treated. Laser technology provides additional benefits when treating the first two anatomical layers of the neck.