ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Multiple therapies involving ablative and nonablative techniques have been developed for the rejuvenation of photodamaged skin. Radiofrequency (RF) is emerging as a gentler, nonablative skin-tightening device that delivers uniform heat to the dermis at a controlled depth. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of bipolar radiofrequency (Polaris™) and 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser (Mosaic™) for the treatment of photoaging using a randomized, split-face, patient- and evaluator-blind study. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical effects after the treatment of photoaging. Ten Asian women (Fitzpatrick skin type III to IV) underwent 9 weeks of treatment (3 sessions at 3-week intervals) with monotherapy (Polaris™) on one side of the face and combination therapy with non-ablative bipolar radiofrequency (Polaris™) and 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser (Mosaic™) on the other side. RESULTS: Among 10 patients, 4 were male and 6 were female. Subjective and objective assessments showed that the combination therapy was more effective. As the number of the treatment sessions increased, there was an accompanying increase in the satisfaction level and efficacy. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that bipolar radiofrequency combined with 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser could be effective treatment for photoaging.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Asian People , Clothing , Dermis , Hot Temperature , Rejuvenation , SkinABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The utilization of botulinum toxin has rapidly expanded into various aesthetic applications. Achieving success with the aesthetic use of neurotoxins depends on several factors, including an understanding of the anatomy, the methods of dilution and the injection technique. Any guidelines representing a consensus for aesthetic treatments using botulinum toxin type A (BTA) have not been published in Korea. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to provide consensus recommendations on the treatment of facial wrinkles and benign masseter hypertrophy using BTA in Korean patients. METHODS: A panel of experienced Korean dermatologists was convened to develop a clinical consensus. The clinical consensus was comprised of the recommendations of the panel and the guidelines on general issues, such as the reconstitution and handling of the BTA, the procedural considerations, the dosing and injection-site standardizations, and the prevention and treatment of unwanted effects. Specific recommendations were provided according to the area of treatment, including glabellar lines, horizontal forehead lines, lateral periorbital wrinkles and benign masseter hypertrophy. RESULTS: The recommended final concentration of BTA was 50 units/ml (5 units/0.1 ml) after reconstitution with physiologic saline. For glabellar lines, the members recommend three injection points (a total of 8 units). For forehead wrinkles, the members recommend nine injections in two rows into the frontalis with 1 unit/point. For crow's feet, the members recommend three injections per side (7 units/side) at the lateral part of the orbicularis oculi. For benign masseter hypertrophy, three injections per side (24~30 units/side) were recommended. CONCLUSION: These consensus recommendations will provide a framework for Korean dermatologists who wish to perform safe and efficacious injection of BTA for facial rejuvenation.