A procedure that uses a carbon dioxide laser passed over the surface of the skin, improves the look of skin that has been damaged by the sun. The study, involving 28 patients aged 48 to 78 years old, found that the laser resurfacing produced changes in the skin's composition and that it was "clearly efficacious in producing cosmetic improvements in patients' skin."

Concentration and Volume of Botulinum Exotoxin A Matters

Higher volume injections of botulinum exotoxin A at lower concentrations affects a larger area near the injection site. "In the present study, we saw an approximate 50 percent increase in area simply by increasing the volume five-fold. The results indicate that we can add another level of sophistication to the use of botulinum exotoxin A by varying levels of precision. To treat larger, confluent areas, such as the forehead, a larger volume can be used to achieve more spread," the authors write.

Adding a Stream of Cold Air to Laser Treatment For Wrinkles Makes Procedure Less Painful

In patients undergoing treatment for facial wrinkles using a carbon dioxide laser, the pairing of a focused stream of cold air with the laser during treatment made the procedure less painful. Eight patients were treated in the study--half of each patient's face was treated with the carbon dioxide laser alone, and the other half was treated with the laser and cold-air cooling. "In summary, the present method of using air cooling along with single-pass CO2 laser skin resurfacing is an effective technique," write the researchers. "Without exception, all patients felt that the treatment on the side that was cooled with air was much more pleasant."

Acne Scars Diminished by Laser Treatment

Acne scars, which are often permanent, can be reduced using the nonablative 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Eleven patient
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JAMA and Archives Journals
15-Nov-2004