ABSTRACT
Facial aging is a complex biological process that affects the skin and superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). A new technology (RecoSMA) for skin rejuvenation based on acoustic-interference method using Er:YAG laser (2936 nm) equipped with a special module SMA that targets both the dermis and SMAS was evaluated in an open-label prospective cohort study of 100 female patients treated for facial rejuvenation. Measure of clinical improvement included investigator-rated clinical photography using the Modified Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale, and ultrasound measurements in the dermis a week, 30 days and six months post treatment. All patients completed the study and no complications were noted. Improvements in skin tone and texture were noted in all participants and significant decrease in wrinkle depth was demonstrated at the six-month follow-up that was confirmed by ultrasound skin measurements. Data presented herein confirm the safety and efficacy of RecoSMA treatment for facial rejuvenation.
Subject(s)
Dermis/surgery , Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use , Rejuvenation , Rhytidoplasty/methods , Skin Aging , Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System/surgery , Adult , Aged , Dermis/diagnostic imaging , Face , Female , Humans , Laser Therapy/adverse effects , Laser Therapy/instrumentation , Lasers, Solid-State/adverse effects , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Rhytidoplasty/adverse effects , Rhytidoplasty/instrumentation , Treatment Outcome , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Knowledge concerning genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections in eastern Europe is scarce. Data on the legal aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the infection have never been collected, summarised, and presented to the international scientific community. The aim of this study was to present the current situation on the main aspects of chlamydial infections in the countries of eastern Europe. METHODS: Written questionnaires concerning legal aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the infection were distributed among national STI operating administrators as well as researchers who had presented papers at earlier meetings of European chlamydia or STI societies. RESULTS: Most of the countries have not legalised reporting of chlamydial infections and in those who have done so, the quality of the reporting system is poor. Contact tracing is mostly done on a voluntary basis. Reported chlamydia incidence varies from 21 to 276 per 100000 inhabitants. The most commonly used diagnostic test remains the direct immunofluorescence test; however, some tendencies towards nucleic acid amplification are in evidence. Diagnostic services are paid for by the patient himself, while treatment in many countries is partially or completely covered by public insurance. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report summarising data concerning the situation on C trachomatis infections in eastern Europe. The reporting system and diagnosis of C trachomatis infections remain suboptimal, which allows neither control of the epidemiological situation nor optimal treatment of the patients. The most urgent work currently necessary is the education of professionals and the general population.
