Laser Rejuvenation of Nonfacial Skin: A Review and a Personal Approach

Nonfacial Skin Rejuvenation of the Neck, Chest, and Hands. Part Two: Using Laser Techniques

BACKGROUND

Interest in aesthetic procedures that help maintain a youthful look is on the rise. While many nonsurgical techniques focus on facial rejuvenation, there is a need for a detailed review of treatments, specifically for nonfacial areas.

AIM

This review explores various clinic-based methods for revitalizing the neck, chest, and hands, with a particular emphasis on different laser treatments.

METHODS

For this second part of the review, we conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed to evaluate the effectiveness of various laser treatments. The review covers treatment parameters such as wavelength, fluence, and pulse, along with outcomes, follow-up care, and potential side effects. A discussion on the role of sclerotherapy in treating these areas was also included.

CONCLUSIONS

This article compiles recent findings on the safety and effectiveness of these treatments, showcasing progress in laser technologies and the growing trend of noninvasive body rejuvenation. It offers practical insights for both practitioners and patients looking for reliable options in nonsurgical body treatments.

Laser Test Spots: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Laser test spots are commonly suggested for the assessment of clinical response and adverse effects, but use by laser operators is not well described.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of laser test spots in the existing published literature regarding methodology (location, treatment parameters) and objective (clinical efficacy, safety, other).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This scoping review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines and included indexed studies performing test spots in human subjects for dermatologic conditions with clinical reassessment at a subsequent visit.

RESULTS

Among 5,261 identified publications, 103 studies with 959 test spots were selected for inclusion. Test spots conducted were mostly on lesional skin (89.3%) assessing both clinical response and adverse effects (76.9%). Most test spots used multiple laser parameters with a single wavelength (48.3%). Fluence was most frequently adjusted either alone (30.1%) or in combination with pulse duration or spot size. Other described test spots examined single set of laser parameters, multiple wavelengths with various parameters, or were left unspecified.

CONCLUSION

Laser test spot methodology was diverse and performed for dual objectives of efficacy and safety. The authors have compiled clinical considerations to assist laser operators in deciding whether performing a test spot may be beneficial to their patient.

Application of Three-Dimensional Technology in Evaluating the Lower Face Lifting by Regional Platysma Injection with Botulinum Toxin-A

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injection of regional platysma has been utilized in the lower-part elevation and mandibular contour sculpture. However, the relative research, especially in quantitative assessment appears very spare. Our aim is to investigate the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) technology as a method for regional platysma injection with BTX-A.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From October 2019 to September 2020, patients with mild or moderate degrees of facial sagging on the lower face were recruited to regional platysma BTX-A injection, and 3D scanning and measurement technology was used to evaluate the difference of curved distances and angels. Patients' improvement was assessed by the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS).

RESULTS

A total of 57 patients underwent regional platysma BTX-A injection and 32 patients were followed up successfully. Compared with Pre-operative, postoperative facial reference curves distance and cervico-mental angles had statistical differences (p < 0.05). GAIS suggested that the 3D imaging measurement technology could improve satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

3D technology can evaluate the improvement of the lower face with BTX-A. It provides effective measurement methods and raises satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 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 .