Laser Rejuvenation of Nonfacial Skin: A Review and a Personal Approach.

Background: Laser skin rejuvenation historically has emphasized facial photodamage. In this review, we examine energy-based rejuvenation for nonfacial skin.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to summarize past and current energy-based rejuvenation off the face.

Enhanced Pulsed Dye Laser for Facial Rejuvenation.

Background And Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of an enhanced pulsed dye laser (PDL) for treatment of facial-dyschromia.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Thirteen patients were enrolled in the study. Nine patients were female, four were male, with a mean age of 61 years.

A Combination Approach to Surgical Scars.

Background: Scar formation from surgical procedures is an unavoidable risk. Despite measures taken by both the surgeon and patient during the perioperative and postoperative periods to maximize cosmesis, some patients will wish to pursue surgical or laser scar revision.

Objective: The authors propose a treatment algorithm to assist in approaching surgical scar revision with combination treatments.

Consensus statement regarding storage and reuse of previously reconstituted neuromodulators.

Background: Legacy recommendations suggest that vials of botulinum toxin be used within 24 hours of reconstitution and in a single patient. Current standard of care is consistent with storage after reconstitution and use of a single vial for several patients.

Objective: To develop expert consensus regarding the effectiveness and safety of storage and reuse of botulinum toxin.

Pulsed dye laser and pulsed dye laser-mediated photodynamic therapy in the treatment of dermatologic disorders.

Background: The pulsed dye laser (PDL) is used for treating cutaneous vascular disorders. Recent reports have also shown its effectiveness in conditions of other etiologies, although the precise mechanisms of action are unknown. PDL has also been used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for many dermatologic conditions.

Split-face treatment of facial dyschromia: pulsed dye laser with a compression handpiece versus intense pulsed light.

Background: Many visible light lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices are available to treat photodamaged skin.

Objectives: The objective was to perform a multiple-treatment split-face comparison evaluating a pulsed dye laser (PDL) with a compression handpiece versus IPL for photorejuvenation.

Methods: Ten subjects were treated three times at 3- to 4-week intervals.

In vitro spectral analysis of tattoo pigments.

Background: Absorption spectra of common tattoo pigments, their reaction to irradiation at 532 and 752 nm, and correlation with their titanium and iron component are important to the selection of an optimal laser device.

Objective: The objectives were (1) to establish the absorption spectra of common tattoo pigments and India ink and (2) to determine their response to laser irradiation at 532 and 752 nm and correlate this to their composition.

Materials And Methods: Samples of 28 tattoo pigments and India ink were mixed in agar and analyzed with a spectrophotometer.

A pulsed dye laser with a 10-mm beam diameter and a pigmented lesion window for purpura-free photorejuvenation.

Background And Objectives: In traditional pulsed dye lasers (PDLs), power limitations and pulse characteristics have compromised purpura-free procedures. This study evaluated a new PDL with a modified pulse structure and a 10-mm beam diameter for purpura-free photorejuvenation. A compression handpiece was used for targeting lentigines.

Use of a long-pulse alexandrite laser in the treatment of superficial pigmented lesions.

Background/objective: Although the alexandrite 755-nm-wavelength laser is effective in the treatment of unwanted hair, there are no published studies gauging the efficacy of the variable long-pulse alexandrite laser in the treatment of superficial pigmented lesions.

Study Design/methods: Eighteen patients underwent a single treatment session using a variable pulse-width alexandrite laser. Test sites were performed using a 10-mm spot size and up to four pulse widths (3, 20, 40, 60 ms) with and without epidermal cooling.

Use of a novel pulse dye laser for rapid single-pass purpura-free treatment of telangiectases.

Background: Purpura-free elimination of telangiectases with a single pass of a pulsed dye laser with a large spot has proved difficult.

Objective: The purpose of this report was to define parameters that achieve single-pass purpura-free telangiectasia reduction.

Materials: Thirty patients between the ages of 23 and 78 years were treated with a pulsed dye laser with a 10-mm spot and fluences ranging from 9 to 10 J/cm2.

Laser treatment of leg veins: Physical mechanisms and theoretical considerations.

Background And Objectives: A discussion of laser treatment of leg veins is based on a review of the literature, theoretical analysis, and the clinical experiences of the authors. Theoretical computations are discussed within the context of clinical observations.

Study Design/materials And Methods: A Monte Carlo model is used to examine volumetric heat production, fluence rate, and temperature profiles in blood vessels at 1,064 and 532 nm wavelengths with various beam diameters, vessel diameters, and pulse durations.

Nonfacial laser rejuvenation.

With continuing developments in laser rejuvenation of nonfacial skin, dermatology nurses and support staff need to stay abreast of procedural, preoperative, and postoperative aspects of new therapies.