Alhaddad, Marwan

BACKGROUND Aging of the face and upper neck is a complex process characterized by loss of collagen and elastic fibers, resulting in clinical skin laxity. Noninvasive interventions such as monopolar capacitively coupled radiofrequency (MRF) have gained popularity, offering a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional surgical face lift. The latest MRF device features larger tips, vibration, cooling, and impedance matching. OBJECTIVE We performed the first open-label clinical trial, measuring the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of this device for noninvasive lifting and tightening of the face and upper neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty subjects 30 to 60 years of age with mild/moderate skin laxity of the face and upper neck were enrolled. After pretreatment with ketorolac 60 mg intramuscular injection, subjects underwent treatment with MRF. Follow-up evaluations were performed on Days 30, 60, and 180. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that the newest generation MRF produced statistically significant improvement in skin laxity 6 months post-treatment, especially in the jowls and melolabial folds. According to the Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Score, 73% of subjects had improvement at 6 months post-treatment. Subject satisfaction and improvement questionnaires supported these findings. CONCLUSION Our data coupled with the excellent adverse effect profile validates MRF as an attractive treatment modality for facial and upper neck skin laxity.

BACKGROUND Foam sclerotherapy is a common treatment of lower extremity reticular veins. The effect of different liquid–gas ratios on foam stability and efficacy has been controversial. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of 2 different polidocanol (POL) to air ratios for the treatment of reticular veins of the lower extremities. METHODS AND MATERIALS Patients with lower extremity reticular veins were randomized to foam sclerotherapy with POL mixed with 4 mL of room air for one lower extremity or 2 mL for the other lower extremity. All telangiectasias were treated with glycerin immediately after treatment of the reticular veins. Adverse events (AEs) and efficacy were evaluated by both subject and blinded investigator. RESULTS Thirty subjects completed the study. No statistically significant difference was seen in AEs between the 2 different POL to air ratios by subject questionnaire and blinded investigator scores at all time points. Subjects and blinded investigator reported a mean improvement between 0% and 50% at Day 21 and 26% to 75% at Day 90, which was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION Two different POL to air ratios, 1:2 versus 1:4, were similarly safe and efficacious for the treatment reticular veins of the lower extremities.

BACKGROUND Skin laxity of the upper knee and lower thigh is a common complaint among patients. OBJECTIVE This is a randomized, double-blinded, split-body, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of poly- l -lactic acid (PLLA) for treatment of upper knee skin laxity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty female subjects between the ages of 30 and 65 years with upper knee laxity were enrolled. The patients were randomized to receive 3 treatments of PLLA in 1 knee, whereas the other knee received 3 treatments of bacteriostatic water. RESULTS Statistically significant improvement as rated on the physician global aesthetic improvement scale was seen at Day 56 after final treatment in the active knee when compared with the placebo knee. This improvement was sustained at Day 84 and Day 168 after final treatment visits. No statistically significant difference was seen between the active and placebo knees on the subject global aesthetic score or the subject satisfaction scale. CONCLUSION Based on our study, PLLA may be a safe and effective modality in addressing upper knee skin laxity. Larger studies with longer follow-up times and a validated knee laxity scale are needed to further determine if and how much improvement can be achieved.