More research and new indications are what’s new in aesthetic treatments for patients with skin of color, according to Dr. Michelle Henry, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Next Steps in Derm, in partnership with Skin of Color Update, interviewed Dr. Henry, who shared her excitement over new data that shows the effectiveness of certain laser procedures in patients with skin of color. Learn about lasers for treating acne and new radiofrequency monopolar devices that have important updates. Find out about a combination device that can help in rejuvenation of the skin around the eyes. Plus hear about a new technology that Dr. Henry calls “precision microneedling.”
Further Reading
If you want to read more about aesthetic treatments in patients with skin of color, check out the following articles published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology:
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Fractional radiofrequency was developed as a potentially lower-risk and downtime alternative to traditional fractional ablative and nonablative lasers for skin resurfacing. Pin-based FRF (pFRF) delivers radiofrequency heat in focal, high-energy density columns within intact skin, without microneedle insertion. The main objective of this publication was to get an expert consensus on best-in-practice protocols for treating common aesthetic indications for resurfacing using a novel pFRF device.
Methods: An international panel of 10 dermatologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons from 6 countries and a variety of practice settings was assembled to develop updated consensus recommendations for using pFRF. A modified Delphi method included: a preliminary questionnaire, video conference roundtable discussion, individual review of initial data, a secondary questionnaire, and multiple rounds of email discussion until a group consensus was reached.
Results: The panel developed standardized pFRF protocols for the treatment of acne scars, enlarged pores, skin texture, rhytides, and striae. For each diagnosis, device parameters and techniques are outlined. General requirements for patient preparation, anesthesia, and post-treatment care are described. Special consideration was given to device settings for condition severity and Fitzpatrick skin type. These guidelines are meant to provide new practitioners with a starting point for safe and effective patient treatment.
Conclusions: pFRF without microneedles is a useful alternative to fractional laser technology and radiofrequency microneedling for resurfacing patients’ skin texture irregularities. Patients tolerate the procedure and recovery well. Here, protocols for the treatment of 5 common aesthetic skin complaints with a novel pFRF device are provided.
Treatment of Mild to Severe Acne Vulgaris With a 650-Microsecond 1064-nm Nd:YAG Laser
ABSTRACT
Background: Effective treatment of acne remains a challenge to dermatologists.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a 650-microsecond, pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser therapy for mild to severe facial acne vulgaris.
Methods: Human subjects of Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI with mild, moderate, or severe acne enrolled in the prospective, single-center study. Subjects received 5 treatments at 2-week intervals with the 650-microsecond, 1064-nm, pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Follow-up visits were 30 days and 90 days after the final treatment. At each visit, subject global assessments, lesion counts, investigator’s global assessments (IGAs), and tolerability appraisals were performed.
Results: The median percent reduction in lesion count was 48.15% after 1 treatment and 83.72% at treatment 3 and remained at 86.67% at 90 days. Sixty percent of subjects noted improvement after treatment 1, and most subjects noticed improvement on or before treatment 3. Median IGA values decreased rapidly to reach a plateau of 1.0 (almost clear) at week 6 and remained there at the 30- and 90-day follow-up. Ninety percent of subjects were slightly to highly satisfied after 3 treatments, and 90% slightly to strongly agreed that their acne treatments improved their self-esteem after 4 treatments. Anesthesia or skin cooling were not used, and adverse events were not observed.
Conclusions: The 650-microsecond, pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser has been proven to deliver long-lasting clearance of mild to severe facial acne vulgaris with high subject satisfaction and without adverse effects on skin types I to VI
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