Laser-induced postinflammatory hyperpigmentation could be a limiting factor for selecting patients appropriate for the use of ruby laser in the treatment of lentigenes, especially in dark-skinned individuals.

A controlled comparison study in a university-based laser clinic center was conducted recently and published in Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 34, Number 11, November 2008 , pp. 1465-1468(4). Ninety-one solar lentigines in patients with skin type II, III, and IV were enrolled. All patients were followed for 6 months for frequency of side effects. Before-and-after photographs and images from all follow-up sessions were taken and then assessed by a blinded dermatologist for the evaluation of side effects.

RESULTS

Complete clearance was achieved in all patients. Postinflammatory dyspigmentation occurred in 7.8% patients with Fitzpatrick skin type II, 9.8% patients with type III, and 16.6 patients with type IV (p=.67); all improved over a 6-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Q-switched ruby laser treatment is a safe procedure for the treatment of solar lentigines even in dark-skinned individuals. Considering routine factors in addition to melanin content alone is required for minimizing side effects, especially postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin.

NBC News reports on new laser-assisted technology that melts fat, offering advantages over traditional liposuction. New Image Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego, founded by Dr. Jeffrey Schafer, is a leader in this new procedure, called laser lipolysis.

There are several drawbacks associated with traditional liposuction: increased blood loss, ecchymoses, long recovery times with increased postoperative discomfort, and skin laxity. Laser-assisted lipolysis (LAL or aka Laser Lipo) has advantages.

In October 2006, a 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the surgical incision, excision, vaporization, ablation, and coagulation of all soft tissues and has been used for LAL as well as improvement of areas of flaccidity. The objective of this new device is to melt fat while also reducing the blood loss, ecchymoses, long recovery times and skin laxity. It achieves these improvements by destruction of adipocytes, coagulating small blood vessels and collagen, the end result being reduced adiposity, skin retraction and decreased flaccidity.

A topical anesthesia is used for the procedure. An aesthetic medical doctor sets a cannula underneath the casing to suck away the liquefied plump. A small laser liposuction can be performed in about 30 minutes. Large areas may take up to 2 hours.

Laser liposuction charges vary from $300 to thousands of dollars depending on the scope of work required.

The laser can be used in many areas of the abdomen, hips and neck.

No systemic complications have been identified and few local complications reported. These complications included local infections and skin burns. Touch-up procedures may be necessary. Laser-assisted lipolysis (LAL) is a safe adjunct to traditional tumescent liposuction which assists in melting fat and tightening the skin. LAL may serve as a useful tool for the surgeon performing liposuction.