Clinical Papers

Minimally invasive or noninvasive skin-tightening procedures have become trends in facial and neck rejuvenation. Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) is a new choice for the treatment of skin relaxation that is more effective than noninvasive surgery without surgical incision. The authors recommend a 2-step method in which radiofrequency is applied after appropriate liposuction is performed. This approach is safer and more effective than traditional RFAL, and the authors detail the safety guidelines, operative techniques, postoperative satisfaction results, and complications. DOWNLOAD PAPER

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common skin disorder that may result in long-lasting acne scars. Techniques such as delivering fractional radiofrequency (RF) energy through miniature pins or needles have been utilized to manage active acne and acne scars. Skin restoration through dermal remodeling, neo-collagenesis, neo-elastogenesis, and epidermal re-newal are typical results of such treatments. DOWNLOAD PAPER

Fractional radiofrequency (RF) technology has been shown to be a gold standard therapy for acne scars. We have previously published clinical and histological results from the treatment of 8 patients with active acne and acne related scarring using a fractional RF device. Evidence of safety and efficacy was demonstrated, including long term follow-up clinical results from 4 patients, up to two years post last fractional treatment. In the current article we present histology evidence of acne scar skin renewal 3.5 years post treatment. DOWNLOAD PAPER

Increasingly, patients are seeking minimally invasive methods to tighten skin and remodel adipose tissue. A large treatment gap exists among 3 types of patients: (1) the younger demographic, who increasingly desire soft tissue tightening without traditional operations, scars, and downtime; (2) patients with soft tissue laxity who are not “severe enough” to justify an excisional procedure, but not “mild enough” to rely on liposuction with soft tissue contraction alone; and (3) those with recurrent laxity who already underwent traditional excisional procedures. In these populations, plastic surgeons risk under- or overtreating with traditional methods. The purpose of this supplement is to describe the utility of radiofrequency (RF) microneedling (Fractora modified to Morpheus8 InMode Aesthetic Solutions, Lake Forest, CA) in combination with bipolar RF (FaceTite/BodyTite, InMode AestheticSolutions). By combining these procedures, the aforementioned treatment gap can be addressed. The RF microneedling allows for subdermal adipose remodeling and skin tightening. Addition of bipolar RF also tightens the skin by contraction of the underlaying fibroseptal network in addition to induction of neocollagenesis, elastogenesis, and angiogenesis at skin surface temperatures of 40° to 50°C. In our experience, these technologies have been effective and safe in these patient populations. DOWNLOAD PAPER

Visible leg veins are a common cosmetic concern treated mostly by 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser that has become the chosen laser therapy for treating all leg veins up to 3 mm in size. The objective of the current prospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new 1064 nm diode laser for leg veins and spider veins on the lower extremities. DOWNLOAD PAPER

Postpartum pelvic floor disorders are estimated to impact 24% of women in the United States. This study describes the use of a radiofrequency device (Votiva, InMode) for postpartum pelvic floor restoration using an electrostimulator to objectively measure treatment effect.  A retrospective evaluation was conducted between April 2017 and May 2018 of consecutive patients undergoing vaginal radiofrequency treatment. Inclusion criteria were patients at least 6 weeks postvaginal delivery with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Resting pelvic floor muscle tone and maximal pelvic floor contraction were measured. DOWNLOAD PAPER

Photoepilation by lasers is a popular procedure in aesthetic dermatology for removing unwanted body and facial hair. The use of the most appropriate laser wavelength is crucial as it affects treatment depth and melanin absorption. The three commonly used hair removal lasers are of specific wavelengths: 755 nm, 810 nm, and 1064 nm, each preferred certain types of skin and hair characteristics. The current evaluation reports the safety and efficacy of unique blended modes 755/810 nm and 810/1064 nm diode lasers for hair removal. DOWNLOAD PAPER

BodyTite® is a bipolar, radiofrequency assisted lipocoagulation (RFAL) systemand concept that helps the liposuction surgeon better control soft tissue contractionand the contours of the face, neck and body when performing aspiration lipoplasty,or skin tightening alone. There are several different BodyTite® hand pieces that are designed for different clinical procedures and body contouring applications. This chapter outlines the basic science of RFAL, the scientific evidence for contraction and efficacy, as well as, the authors 10-year experience using BodyTite® and RFAL hand pieces to deliver the best possible soft tissue contraction and body contouring. DOWNLOAD PAPER

Laser hair removal is a common light‐based aesthetic procedure. Diode lasers and specifically the long‐pulse diode laser 810 nm are the most popular preference for hair removal due to the deep penetration and targeting of the hair follicle. In a recently published article, we presented our hair removal clinical evaluation results using an 810 nm scanning diode laser. Three‐ and six‐month follow‐up hair counts demonstrated an average hair reduction of about 70%. DOWNLOAD PAPER