Minimally Invasive Procedures for Gender Affirmation.

Despite an increase in the visibility of the transgender population, those who transition continue to face barriers to receiving care through traditional medical providers. Dermatologists can play an important role in the care of transgender patients, through increased understanding and awareness, better outreach, modified medical forms, improved office procedures, and safer and immediately available minimally invasive aesthetic treatments. Minimally invasive aesthetic enhancements that help align appearance with aesthetic goals and gender identity can enhance confidence and improve quality of life.

Microfocused ultrasound for skin tightening.

The demand for noninvasive skin tightening procedures is increasing as patients seek safe and effective alternatives to aesthetic surgical procedures of the face, neck, and body. Over the past decade, radiofrequency and infrared laser devices have been popularized owing to their ability to deliver controlled heat to the dermis, stimulate neocollagenesis, and effect modest tissue tightening with minimal recovery. However, these less invasive approaches are historically associated with inferior efficacy so that surgery still remains the treatment of choice to address moderate to severe tissue laxity.

A randomized, controlled trial of four ablative fractionated lasers for photoaging: a quadrant study.

Background: Fractionated technology has revolutionized laser therapy. With the success of initial devices, several fractionated lasers have appeared on the market. Claims of superiority have made device choice difficult for physicians and patients.

Delayed inflammatory reaction to bio-alcamid polyacrylamide gel used for soft-tissue augmentation.

Background: Given the recent boom of the cosmetic industry, there is a wealth of new products available to patients and physicians, including soft-tissue fillers. Bio-Alcamid polyacrylamide gel (Polymekon, Milan, Italy) is a filler that has potential to cause adverse reactions.

Observations: Two patients who had previously been treated with Bio-Alcamid outside of the United States presented with different manifestations of inflammatory responses to the product.

Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis.

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis with an increased susceptibility to specific human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes. Classically, this viral infection leads to the development of tinea versicolor-like macules on the trunk, neck, arms, and face during childhood, and over time, these lesions can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. More recently, an EV-like syndrome has been described in patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity.

Incidence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis at two large medical centers.

Purpose: To determine the incidence and associated risk factors of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients who undergo gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA)-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Materials And Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained for retrospective review of the medical records from two hospitals to identify all cases of biopsy-confirmed NSF and all patients administered a GBCA from January 1, 1997, to June 30, 2007. Informed patient consent was not required.