Quantitative evaluation of skin shrinkage associated with non-invasive skin tightening: a simple method for reproducible linear measurement using microtattoos.

Non-invasive skin-tightening devices can induce thermal denaturation and skin shrinkage via externally applied radiofrequency emissions or high-frequency ultrasound. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop and test a method for measurement of skin reduction associated with application of such energy devices. Twenty-five healthy participants with mild to moderate skin laxity of the arms were enrolled.

Utility of recorded guided imagery and relaxing music in reducing patient pain and anxiety, and surgeon anxiety, during cutaneous surgical procedures: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background: Guided imagery and music can reportedly reduce pain and anxiety during surgery, but no comparative study has been performed for cutaneous surgery to our knowledge.

Objectives: We sought to determine whether short-contact recorded guided imagery or relaxing music could reduce patient pain and anxiety, and surgeon anxiety, during cutaneous surgical procedures.

Methods: Subjects were adults undergoing excisional surgery for basal and squamous cell carcinoma.

Interest of pregnant women in the use of SMS (short message service) text messages for the improvement of perinatal and postnatal care.

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) is emerging as a useful tool to improve healthcare access especially in the developing world, where limited access to health services is linked to poor antenatal care, and maternal and perinatal mortality.The objective of this study is to 1) understand pregnant women's access and usage of cell phones and 2) survey the health information needs and interests in a population attending public hospitals and health centers of two cities in Argentina. This information is not available and it is the basis to develop a strategy for improving maternal care via cell phones.

State medical board regulation of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.

Background: There is little information regarding commonalities, differences, and trends in the regulation of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures (MICP) across different state medical boards in the United States.

Objective: We sought to assess current state medical board regulations regarding MICP, so as to better understand current and emerging trends in rules regarding delegation, and management of patient complaints.

Methods: We conducted structured interviews with officials at US allopathic medical boards, supplemented with information from board World Wide Web sites.

The use of brachytherapy in the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer: a review.

Nonmelanoma skin cancers can be treated by various modalities, including electrodessication and curettage, excisional techniques, and radiation. In selected cases, radiation may be preferable to surgery. When radiation is an option, brachytherapy, a form of radiation therapy that places the radiation source close to the area to be treated, may have advantages relative to conventional external beam radiation in particular patients.

Comparison of treatment of cherry angiomata with pulsed-dye laser, potassium titanyl phosphate laser, and electrodesiccation: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To assess the comparative efficacy of energy treatments in resolving cherry angiomata.

Design: Rater-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Outpatient dermatology clinic in an urban referral academic medical center.