Laser treatment of solar lentigines on dorsum of hands: QS Ruby laser versus ablative CO2 fractional laser - a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Lentigines solares (LS) on the dorsum of hands are often esthetically disturbing. Q-switched ruby laser treatment is highly effective in the treatment of these lesions. Ablative fractional photothermolysis may be a suitable alternative.

Benign pigmented lesions.

Benign pigmented lesions are a frequent complaint in dermatological patients, especially those seeking advice and therapy in a laser or cosmetic practice. Significant advances in laser technology over the last decades now allow us to effectively and safely treat various benign pigmented lesions. However, a thorough understanding of the biology of the lesion to be treated, the physical properties of the lasers to be used, and laser-tissue interactions is crucial for a successful and safe treatment.

Fractional photothermolysis.

The novel concept of 'fractional photothermolysis' was introduced to the market in 2003, and has since gained tremendous popularity and importance for numerous clinical indications. Its development and introduction were driven by the need for an effective yet safe and low-risk resurfacing technique, in contrast to the ablative and non-ablative lasers available at the time. The first device that was introduced to the market used non-ablative wavelengths.

Laser principles.

Since the construction of the first laser in the 1960s, the role that lasers play in various medical specialities, including dermatology, has steadily increased. However, within the last 2 decades, the technological advances and the use of lasers in the field of dermatology have virtually exploded. Many treatments have only become possible with the use of lasers.

The risk of alar necrosis associated with dermal filler injection.

Background: Injection of dermal fillers is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. Serious complications from fillers are rare but potentially devastating to patients and physicians. Skin necrosis, such as nasal alar necrosis, is one of the most feared serious complications of dermal fillers, but there is a paucity of literature on the incidence of such events, as well as potential treatment options.

Fractional photothermolysis--an update.

The novel concept of non-ablative fractional photothermolysis was introduced to the market in 2003 as an answer to the need for effective, yet low risk, resurfacing techniques. Unlike conventional ablative and non-ablative lasers, fractional ablative and non-ablative photothermolysis treats only a fraction of the skin, leaving up to a maximum of 95% of the skin uninvolved. The undamaged surrounding tissue allows for a reservoir of viable tissue, permitting rapid epidermal repair.

Hyaluronic acid gel (Juvéderm) preparations in the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds.

Soft tissue augmentation with temporary dermal fillers is a continuously growing field, supported by the ongoing development and advances in technology and biocompatibility of the products marketed. The longer lasting, less immunogenic and thus more convenient hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are encompassing by far the biggest share of the temporary dermal filler market. Since the approval of the first HA filler, Restylane, there are at least 10 HA fillers that have been approved by the FDA.