Facial Tightening Effects, Following Focused and Radial Acoustic Wave Therapy Assessment, Using a Three-Dimensional Digital Imaging.

Background And Objectives: Acoustic wave therapy is a novel facial tightening technique that involves nonthermal penetration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, affecting cells and their metabolism, and resulting in an increased release of unwanted fat and activation of blood and lymphatic flow in tissues. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of acoustic wave therapy.

Study Design/materials And Methods: A total of 333 patients underwent multiple facial tightening treatment sessions using focused and radial acoustic waves.

Serum VEGF--as a prognostic factor of atherosclerosis.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been noted in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. To examine the usefulness of the serum concentration of VEGF as an index of atherosclerosis, we analyzed the serum VEGF concentrations in 443 adults who underwent a medical checkup. The mean serum VEGF concentration of men (229+/-147 pg/ml) was significantly higher than that of women (182+/-112 pg/ml).