Correction of cicatricial ectropion using non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing

The Endo-lift Laser (Intralesional 1470 nm Diode Laser) for Dermatological Aesthetic Conditions: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The prominence of minimally invasive aesthetic approaches has become increasingly pivotal. The endo-lift laser method is an intralesional 1470 nm diode laser connected to a fiber that serves both therapeutic and aesthetic properties. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the endo-lift laser method for dermatological aesthetic applications.

METHODS

PubMed, Ovid-Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched up to November 5th, 2023. A citation search was also performed. The National Institute of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies.

RESULTS

Out of 339 articles, twenty-three relevant studies were included in the current review. Applying the endo-lift laser method for rejuvenation, including face and neck lifting, enhancing skin laxity, and disappearing wrinkles, folds, and lines, demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety profile. Moreover, most studies have shown that the endo-lift laser method is promising in eliminating the adipose tissue in the jowl, abdomen, thighs, and arms. The endo-lift laser technique was also efficacious in nose remodeling and blepharoplastic procedures, including treating eyelid and eyebrow ptosis, eye bag, eyebrow position, and eyelid laxity. Patients who suffer from several diseases, such as hidradenitis suppurativa, progressive lipodystrophy, acne vulgaris, scars, and keloids, benefit from procedural treatment with the endo-lift laser technique. Across all studies, the adverse events were mild and self-limiting. Investigating the endo-lift laser method in all aesthetic and therapeutic indications resulted in high patient satisfaction rates.

CONCLUSION

The endo-lift laser technique has therapeutic effects and is recommended for various dermatological aesthetic indications. Further clinical studies with control groups and larger sample sizes are needed to acquire more reliable evidence.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE III AND IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Lateral Orbital Thickening and the Lateral Brow Thickening: A New Choice for the Lower Eyelid Suspension

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a double-suspension technique using the lateral orbital thickening (LOT) and the lateral brow thickening (LBT) in patients with lower eyelid defects. A total of 5 cadavers (4 males and 1 female) ranging in age from 50 to 78 years was subjected to observe the distribution of the orbicularis retaining ligament (ORL) and its characteristics. The ORL is a closed-loop structure that forms the LBT outside the supraorbital rim and forms the LOT in the lateral canthal region. A total of 17 patients (12 females and 5 males) with an average age of 12.3 years who underwent the ORL-assisted lower eyelid reconstruction were included in this retrospective study. After the ORL was completely released on the infraorbital rim for reducing down traction, the subocularis oculi fat and the orbicularis oculi were fixed to the LBT and the LOT for increasing the upward traction. The lower eyelid defects in 17 patients were reduced in different degrees. The defects were closed directly in 3 patients and were resurfaced by skin graft or flap in the other 14 patients. Physicians and patients were all satisfied with the final cosmetic results. Thus, the ORL is a rigid and restrictive internal connected structure, and the ORL-assisted technique decreases the defect size and reconstructs vertical force balance. The LOT and the LBT are strong and safe enough as new fixation choices for lower eyelid suspension.

Using Modified Skin-Stretching Technique as an Alternative Solution for the Closure of Moderate and Extensive Skin Defects

External skin-stretching devices have been developed and used for wound closure since 1970s. Devices such as Miami STAR^®, SureClosure^®, TopClosure^®, and WiseBand^® have their own advantages and disadvantages. The modified external skin-stretching technique of this case series study has the advantage to improve tension distribution and simplified the application. Between January 2014 and June 2017, 20 patients were treated with the modified external skin-stretching device for the closure of the skin defects of the trunk (n = 6) and extremities (n = 14). Skin defects ranged from 8 × 5 to 19 × 16 cm achieved primary closure with the utilization of the modified skin-stretching device without major complications. Subsequent minor revisions were performed under local anesthesia between 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The modified skin-stretching device utilized biomechanical properties and mechanical creep of skin tissue to achieve a reliable and effective primary closure for moderate to extensive skin defects. Therefore, this modified external skin-stretching technique provided, in the appropriate setting, an effective alternative to skin grafts or free flaps.

Treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids using an intralesional 1470 nm bare-fibre diode laser: a novel efficient minimally-invasive technique

Hypertrophic and keloid scars result from abnormal wound healing and can have a variable response to a number of available treatment modalities. The evolution of laser treatments in recent years has shown a wide range of clinical applications including their use in the treatment of scars. We investigated the effectiveness of a 1470 nm diode laser using an intralesional optical fibre delivery device in the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars. We evaluated its safety and efficacy as a novel and minimally invasive treatment alternative for scar modulation and volume reduction. A prospective cohort study was performed involving 21 patients with hypertrophic scars (HS) (n = 9) and keloids (n = 12) resulting from various aetiology. Patients were treated with one to three treatment sessions. Comprehensive evaluations were performed using the Vancouver Scar Scale, Doppler ultrasound, Cutometer, Mexameter and PeriCam PSI. Scar thickness was reduced by an average of 0.308 ± 0.138 cm (p < 0.001). In particular the two subgroups showed a significant 27.7% and 28.2% reduction in scar thickness of HS and Keloids, respectively. Scar firmness showed a significant improvement of 1.2% (p < 0.05) for HS, though for keloids this was 0.4% (p = 0.26). Keloids had a significant reduction in pigmentation at 21.3%. Blood perfusion had a significant reduction of 29.6% in HS and 22.7% in Keloids. Overall VSS total score improvement of 42% in the HS and at 37.9% in the Keloid subgroup. No adverse events such as hypo/hyperpigmentation, skin infection, or recurrence were reported. This study shows that the intralesional 1470 nm bare-fibre diode laser significantly improved hypertrophic and keloid scars based on both subjective and objective analyses and supports this type of laser therapy as a safe and effective minimally-invasive treatment option.

Laser Resurfacing for the Management of Periorbital Scarring

Laser (light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation) skin resurfacing is currently one of the most widely adopted technologies in facial rejuvenation. While most often used for aesthetic purposes, lasers also have applications in the management of scars. Since the introduction of the CO₂ laser for skin rejuvenation in the 1990s, the last three decades have seen significant growth in the number of laser devices available to the physician. More recently, promising alternatives to light-based resurfacing technologies have emerged that include radiofrequency and intense focused ultrasound. To help the physician navigate the most current laser technologies as they apply to periocular scars, this review discusses the available treatment modalities, pre-treatment assessment of periorbital scars, treatment selection, and reported outcomes and complications. The recommendations described herein are based on published literature and the authors' experience in an academic oculoplastics practice.