Picosecond + Pico Fractioned laser versus traditional quality switched lasers in tattoo removal

Tattooing is increasingly common among adolescents and young adults. This study explores the clinical efficacy of picosecond laser for the correction of tattoos. Literature suggests that 25–47% of the population have had a tattoo at some point in their life (1). The incidence is slightly higher in adults 18–35 years (22–47%) compared to college students (18–25 years of age(1, 2).peer-reviewe

Management interventions for amputation stump neuromas : evidence based review and cost-benefit analysis

Amputation is a common military and civilian surgery with high morbidity. Patients without prostheses due to neuroma pain lose productivity and lifelong contributions, which is often underestimated. The surgical and non-surgical treatment of painful stump neuromas is controversial. An evidence-based assessment and cost-benefit analysis of painful stump neuroma management modalities emphasizes institutional awareness and disruptive technologies. An Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Methodology critical appraisal and structured literature review were used in the research. We found 154 records using a reproducible literature search strategy that included electronic databases and references. A full review of 27 manuscripts after exclusion criteria yielded data for analysis. Surgical, injectable, and electromagnetic spectrum methods were used. Surgical interventions had longer follow-up times than injection and radiofrequency treatments, which affected outcomes. CEBM level 4 evidence dominated primary literature, indicating low quality. No therapy was superior, but the risks varied. Injection therapies like sclerosing alcohol had limited success and side effects. Despite limited evidence, electromagnetic spectrum modalities showed potential. Including direct and indirect costs, amputation stump refitting costs millions annually. Compared to outpatient non-surgical interventions, laser therapy could save a lot of money. According to the study, surgical interventions are common but expensive and have limited functional success. Low-risk non-surgical methods like co-ablation, pulsed radiofrequency, and transcutaneous laser therapy have mixed results. The short follow-up of all non-surgical studies seems to limit them. Follow-up duration is crucial to outcome assessment. Long-term, low-risk laser-induced thermotherapy is promising for future research. This study emphasizes the need for more research and the economic benefits of disruptive technologies in treating painful stump neuromas.peer-reviewe

Cost-benefit analysis of cutaneous laser surgery in secondary burn reconstruction

Thermal disease presents a major burden to individual patient morbidity, healthcare cost as well as to over all economy. Burns also also represent a significant per-patient utlilisation of finite healthcare resources. Secondary complications in these patients, such as multiple drug resistant organisms, may have a devastating effect.peer-reviewe

Energy-based devices for the treatment of acne scars:2022 international consensus recommendations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acne scars are one of the most distressing and long-term consequences of acne vulgaris, with damaging effect on a person\u27s physical, mental, and social well-being. Numerous treatment options are available including surgical and nonsurgical techniques, depending on the clinical presentation. Although considerable advances in the development of new treatment technologies and applications have been made in the last decade, international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes have not yet caught up with current knowledge and practice in many centers. The authors intend to highlight the potential utility of energy-based devices (EBDs) for acne scarring, offer recommendations for safe and efficacious treatment, and provide consensus-based EBD treatment options based on varying presentations demonstrated in a series of real-life clinical photographs. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: An international panel of 24 dermatologists and plastic surgeons from 12 different countries and a variety of practice backgrounds was self-assembled to develop updated consensus recommendations for the treatment of acne scars. A two-step modified Delphi method took place between March 2020 and February 2021 consisting of two rounds of emailed questionnaires. The panel members approved the final manuscript via email correspondence. RESULTS: The manuscript includes a comprehensive discussion and panel recommendations regarding the following topics: 1. the role of EBD in mitigating and treating acne scars in a patient with active acne, 2. the use of various EBDs for the treatment of different acne scar types with special focus on commonly used laser platform such as vascular lasers, ablative fractional lasers (AFLs) and non-AFLs (NAFLs), 3. treatment combinations, and 4. acne scar treatments in skin of color. The last part comprised of 10 photos of real-life clinical cases with the panel recommendation treatment plan to achieve best aesthetic outcome. CONCLUSION: Panel members were unanimous in their view that EBDs have a role in the management of acne scars, with AFLs, NAFLs, vascular lasers, and RF devices preferentially selected by most of the panel experts. EBDs are considered a first-line treatment for a variety of acne scar types and patients without access to these treatments may not be receiving the best available care for optimal cosmetic results. Future high-quality research and updated international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes should reflect this status

Laser Treatment of Traumatic Scars and Contractures: 2020 International Consensus Recommendations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is currently intense multidisciplinary interest and a maturing body of literature regarding laser treatments for traumatic scars, but international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes have not yet caught up with current knowledge and practice in many centers. The authors intend to highlight the tremendous potential of laser techniques, offer recommendations for safe and efficacious treatment, and promote wider patient access guided by future high-quality research. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: An international panel of 26 dermatologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons from 13 different countries and a variety of practice backgrounds was self-assembled to develop updated consensus recommendations for the laser treatment of traumatic scars. A three-step modified Delphi method took place between March 2018 and March 2019 consisting of two rounds of emailed questionnaires and supplementary face-to-face meetings. The panel members approved the final manuscript via email correspondence, and the threshold for consensus was at least 80% concurrence among the panel members. RESULTS: The manuscript includes extensive detailed discussion regarding a variety of laser platforms commonly used for traumatic scar management such as vascular lasers and ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers, special considerations such as coding and laser treatments in skin of color, and 25 summary consensus recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Lasers are a first-line therapy in the management of traumatic scars and contractures, and patients without access to these treatments may not be receiving the best available care after injury. Updated international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes, additional high-quality research, and patient access should reflect this status. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc