TBD Meeting (2961-19)

DENVER – An investigational 1726-nm laser with controlled air cooling and active thermal monitoring selectively damaged the sebaceous glands of acne patients without histologic disruption to the surrounding dermis, results from a small study showed.

“It is our belief that if we can destruct the sebaceous glands, it will cure acne,” Emil A. Tanghetti, MD, said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “High-dose red light PDT [photodynamic therapy] has been used, but it causes epidermal damage and an unacceptably long recovery time. Gold and silver nanoshells with infrared light have also been used. Usually these particles do not get into the sebaceous glands and appear to result in temporary improvement by wounding the infrainfundibular region of the sebaceous gland complex. It’s been shown that the 1726-nm light can target sebum and might be able to selectively damage sebaceous glands.”

Dr. Tanghetti, of the Sacramento-based Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, along with R. Rox Anderson, MD, and Fernanda H. Sakamoto, MD, PhD, of the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, are studying a 1726-nm laser being developed by Accure. This device uses robust and precise air cooling, a creative pulsing strategy to enhance the differential sebum to water absorption, and active, real-time monitoring via thermal imaging.

“The device is constructed to turn off before an unsafe temperature is reached,” Dr. Tanghetti said. “The thermal camera is looking at the treatment site as it happening. If it gets too hot, it can turn the whole device off. You can only do real-time monitoring with air cooling. You cannot do it with contract cooling or cryogen cooling.”


In a study of 10 patients with acne, the researchers developed a multiple pulse strategy to slowly and preferentially heat sebaceous glands while sparing the epidermis and the surrounding dermis. They performed 3.5-mm punch biopsies at 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment, and evaluated them with hematoxylin and eosin staining.

From a clinical standpoint, Dr. Tanghetti and his colleagues noted small papules in the treated areas immediately, 24 hours and 72 hours after treatment. “You don’t see the epidermal damage that you would see with someone who had PDT,” he said.

Histologic evaluation of tissue specimens at 24 and 72 hours revealed destruction of sebaceous glands in the dermis characterized by loss of the definition of the sebocytes, and eosinophilic changes of the basal cell layer of these glands. The collagen surrounding the gland appeared to be preserved, with occasional small clots observed in the adjacent blood vessels. “There was no obvious damage to the surrounding dermis or other follicular structures,” Dr. Tanghetti said. “The hard thing is to differentiate complete damage [of the sebaceous gland] from partial damage. That’s something we’re working on by looking at sebum production, which is going to be the ultimate outcome.”

The study authors reported having numerous financial ties to medical device and pharmaceutical companies.

[email protected]

DENVER – An investigational 1726-nm laser with controlled air cooling and active thermal monitoring selectively damaged the sebaceous glands of acne patients without histologic disruption to the surrounding dermis, results from a small study showed.

“It is our belief that if we can destruct the sebaceous glands, it will cure acne,” Emil A. Tanghetti, MD, said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “High-dose red light PDT [photodynamic therapy] has been used, but it causes epidermal damage and an unacceptably long recovery time. Gold and silver nanoshells with infrared light have also been used. Usually these particles do not get into the sebaceous glands and appear to result in temporary improvement by wounding the infrainfundibular region of the sebaceous gland complex. It’s been shown that the 1726-nm light can target sebum and might be able to selectively damage sebaceous glands.”

Dr. Tanghetti, of the Sacramento-based Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, along with R. Rox Anderson, MD, and Fernanda H. Sakamoto, MD, PhD, of the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, are studying a 1726-nm laser being developed by Accure. This device uses robust and precise air cooling, a creative pulsing strategy to enhance the differential sebum to water absorption, and active, real-time monitoring via thermal imaging.

“The device is constructed to turn off before an unsafe temperature is reached,” Dr. Tanghetti said. “The thermal camera is looking at the treatment site as it happening. If it gets too hot, it can turn the whole device off. You can only do real-time monitoring with air cooling. You cannot do it with contract cooling or cryogen cooling.”


In a study of 10 patients with acne, the researchers developed a multiple pulse strategy to slowly and preferentially heat sebaceous glands while sparing the epidermis and the surrounding dermis. They performed 3.5-mm punch biopsies at 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment, and evaluated them with hematoxylin and eosin staining.

From a clinical standpoint, Dr. Tanghetti and his colleagues noted small papules in the treated areas immediately, 24 hours and 72 hours after treatment. “You don’t see the epidermal damage that you would see with someone who had PDT,” he said.

Histologic evaluation of tissue specimens at 24 and 72 hours revealed destruction of sebaceous glands in the dermis characterized by loss of the definition of the sebocytes, and eosinophilic changes of the basal cell layer of these glands. The collagen surrounding the gland appeared to be preserved, with occasional small clots observed in the adjacent blood vessels. “There was no obvious damage to the surrounding dermis or other follicular structures,” Dr. Tanghetti said. “The hard thing is to differentiate complete damage [of the sebaceous gland] from partial damage. That’s something we’re working on by looking at sebum production, which is going to be the ultimate outcome.”

The study authors reported having numerous financial ties to medical device and pharmaceutical companies.

[email protected]

DENVER – An investigational 1726-nm laser with controlled air cooling and active thermal monitoring selectively damaged the sebaceous glands of acne patients without histologic disruption to the surrounding dermis, results from a small study showed.

“It is our belief that if we can destruct the sebaceous glands, it will cure acne,” Emil A. Tanghetti, MD, said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “High-dose red light PDT [photodynamic therapy] has been used, but it causes epidermal damage and an unacceptably long recovery time. Gold and silver nanoshells with infrared light have also been used. Usually these particles do not get into the sebaceous glands and appear to result in temporary improvement by wounding the infrainfundibular region of the sebaceous gland complex. It’s been shown that the 1726-nm light can target sebum and might be able to selectively damage sebaceous glands.”

Dr. Tanghetti, of the Sacramento-based Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, along with R. Rox Anderson, MD, and Fernanda H. Sakamoto, MD, PhD, of the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, are studying a 1726-nm laser being developed by Accure. This device uses robust and precise air cooling, a creative pulsing strategy to enhance the differential sebum to water absorption, and active, real-time monitoring via thermal imaging.

“The device is constructed to turn off before an unsafe temperature is reached,” Dr. Tanghetti said. “The thermal camera is looking at the treatment site as it happening. If it gets too hot, it can turn the whole device off. You can only do real-time monitoring with air cooling. You cannot do it with contract cooling or cryogen cooling.”


In a study of 10 patients with acne, the researchers developed a multiple pulse strategy to slowly and preferentially heat sebaceous glands while sparing the epidermis and the surrounding dermis. They performed 3.5-mm punch biopsies at 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment, and evaluated them with hematoxylin and eosin staining.

From a clinical standpoint, Dr. Tanghetti and his colleagues noted small papules in the treated areas immediately, 24 hours and 72 hours after treatment. “You don’t see the epidermal damage that you would see with someone who had PDT,” he said.

Histologic evaluation of tissue specimens at 24 and 72 hours revealed destruction of sebaceous glands in the dermis characterized by loss of the definition of the sebocytes, and eosinophilic changes of the basal cell layer of these glands. The collagen surrounding the gland appeared to be preserved, with occasional small clots observed in the adjacent blood vessels. “There was no obvious damage to the surrounding dermis or other follicular structures,” Dr. Tanghetti said. “The hard thing is to differentiate complete damage [of the sebaceous gland] from partial damage. That’s something we’re working on by looking at sebum production, which is going to be the ultimate outcome.”

The study authors reported having numerous financial ties to medical device and pharmaceutical companies.

[email protected]

DENVER – In the opinion of Jeremy A. Brauer, MD, the best way to prevent complications in resurfacing skin of color is to make sure that you’ve selected the proper patient to treat.

“You have to have the right patients and the right indication,” Dr. Brauer said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “What are they coming in for? Are they asking for what they really need?”

Taking a thorough medical history during consultations and follow-up visits is also key. “What medical or surgical problems do they have?” he asked. “Do they have a history of keloid formation? Are they on isotretinoin? What allergies do they have? What are their expectations, and are they realistic? For example, do they believe that you are going to erase all of their acne scars? On physical exam, be sure that what you’re looking at is what they’re concerned about, so that you agree upon what can and can’t be effectively treated.”

Above all else, stay true to your gut. “If you perceive that someone is not a suitable candidate for resurfacing or has unrealistic expectations, and they are insistent, it is important to stand your ground, and even find a way to politely walk away,” said Dr. Brauer of the department of dermatology at New York University.


Most complications from laser resurfacing are not unique to skin of color, he continued. A review of the topic revealed that mild complications may include prolonged erythema, acne and milia, delayed purpura, superficial erosions, contact dermatitis, and recall phenomenon (Dermatol Surg. 2010;36[3]:299-306). Moderate complications may include infection, pigmentary alteration, anesthesia toxicity, and eruptive keratoacanthomas, while severe complications may include hypertrophic scarring, ectropion formation, and disseminated infection.

An earlier analysis of fractional laser treatment found that patients with darker skin types had a significantly higher proportion of certain side effects, namely postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (Dermatol Surg. 2008;34[3]:301-7). “Additionally, the researchers found that this presented both later and lasted longer than in individuals with lighter skin types,” said Dr. Brauer, who was not involved with the study.

He listed pigmentary alterations and hypertrophic scarring/keloid formation as the potential complications from resurfacing to be most concerned about in skin of color patients. “In addition to appropriate device selection, the correct device parameters are key,” he said. “You have to make sure you use appropriate energy, but you can use higher energies with lower densities to minimize the risk of postinflammatory pigmentation. You also want to protect the epidermis by use of epidermal cooling, avoid bulk heating, and perform sessions at prolonged treatment intervals, to safely achieve optimal results.”

Dr. Brauer reported having received honoraria or being a member of the medical advisory board for Cutera, Cynosure/Hologic, and Merz. 

[email protected]

DENVER – In the opinion of Jeremy A. Brauer, MD, the best way to prevent complications in resurfacing skin of color is to make sure that you’ve selected the proper patient to treat.

“You have to have the right patients and the right indication,” Dr. Brauer said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “What are they coming in for? Are they asking for what they really need?”

Taking a thorough medical history during consultations and follow-up visits is also key. “What medical or surgical problems do they have?” he asked. “Do they have a history of keloid formation? Are they on isotretinoin? What allergies do they have? What are their expectations, and are they realistic? For example, do they believe that you are going to erase all of their acne scars? On physical exam, be sure that what you’re looking at is what they’re concerned about, so that you agree upon what can and can’t be effectively treated.”

Above all else, stay true to your gut. “If you perceive that someone is not a suitable candidate for resurfacing or has unrealistic expectations, and they are insistent, it is important to stand your ground, and even find a way to politely walk away,” said Dr. Brauer of the department of dermatology at New York University.


Most complications from laser resurfacing are not unique to skin of color, he continued. A review of the topic revealed that mild complications may include prolonged erythema, acne and milia, delayed purpura, superficial erosions, contact dermatitis, and recall phenomenon (Dermatol Surg. 2010;36[3]:299-306). Moderate complications may include infection, pigmentary alteration, anesthesia toxicity, and eruptive keratoacanthomas, while severe complications may include hypertrophic scarring, ectropion formation, and disseminated infection.

An earlier analysis of fractional laser treatment found that patients with darker skin types had a significantly higher proportion of certain side effects, namely postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (Dermatol Surg. 2008;34[3]:301-7). “Additionally, the researchers found that this presented both later and lasted longer than in individuals with lighter skin types,” said Dr. Brauer, who was not involved with the study.

He listed pigmentary alterations and hypertrophic scarring/keloid formation as the potential complications from resurfacing to be most concerned about in skin of color patients. “In addition to appropriate device selection, the correct device parameters are key,” he said. “You have to make sure you use appropriate energy, but you can use higher energies with lower densities to minimize the risk of postinflammatory pigmentation. You also want to protect the epidermis by use of epidermal cooling, avoid bulk heating, and perform sessions at prolonged treatment intervals, to safely achieve optimal results.”

Dr. Brauer reported having received honoraria or being a member of the medical advisory board for Cutera, Cynosure/Hologic, and Merz. 

[email protected]

DENVER – In the opinion of Jeremy A. Brauer, MD, the best way to prevent complications in resurfacing skin of color is to make sure that you’ve selected the proper patient to treat.

“You have to have the right patients and the right indication,” Dr. Brauer said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “What are they coming in for? Are they asking for what they really need?”

Taking a thorough medical history during consultations and follow-up visits is also key. “What medical or surgical problems do they have?” he asked. “Do they have a history of keloid formation? Are they on isotretinoin? What allergies do they have? What are their expectations, and are they realistic? For example, do they believe that you are going to erase all of their acne scars? On physical exam, be sure that what you’re looking at is what they’re concerned about, so that you agree upon what can and can’t be effectively treated.”

Above all else, stay true to your gut. “If you perceive that someone is not a suitable candidate for resurfacing or has unrealistic expectations, and they are insistent, it is important to stand your ground, and even find a way to politely walk away,” said Dr. Brauer of the department of dermatology at New York University.


Most complications from laser resurfacing are not unique to skin of color, he continued. A review of the topic revealed that mild complications may include prolonged erythema, acne and milia, delayed purpura, superficial erosions, contact dermatitis, and recall phenomenon (Dermatol Surg. 2010;36[3]:299-306). Moderate complications may include infection, pigmentary alteration, anesthesia toxicity, and eruptive keratoacanthomas, while severe complications may include hypertrophic scarring, ectropion formation, and disseminated infection.

An earlier analysis of fractional laser treatment found that patients with darker skin types had a significantly higher proportion of certain side effects, namely postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (Dermatol Surg. 2008;34[3]:301-7). “Additionally, the researchers found that this presented both later and lasted longer than in individuals with lighter skin types,” said Dr. Brauer, who was not involved with the study.

He listed pigmentary alterations and hypertrophic scarring/keloid formation as the potential complications from resurfacing to be most concerned about in skin of color patients. “In addition to appropriate device selection, the correct device parameters are key,” he said. “You have to make sure you use appropriate energy, but you can use higher energies with lower densities to minimize the risk of postinflammatory pigmentation. You also want to protect the epidermis by use of epidermal cooling, avoid bulk heating, and perform sessions at prolonged treatment intervals, to safely achieve optimal results.”

Dr. Brauer reported having received honoraria or being a member of the medical advisory board for Cutera, Cynosure/Hologic, and Merz. 

[email protected]

DENVER – The fractionated picosecond Nd:YAG laser and fractionated thulium fiber laser can be equally effective for facial rejuvenation, results from a small split-face trial showed. However, the fractionated picosecond Nd:YAG laser may result in significantly less postoperative downtime, compared with the fractionated thulium fiber laser.

The findings from the prospective, evaluator-blinded trial were presented by Douglas C. Wu, MD, PhD, at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Wu, of San Diego–based Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, and his colleague, Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, enrolled 20 subjects with at least moderate photoaging who randomly received three treatments with either the 1064/532-nm fractionated picosecond Nd:YAG laser or with the 1927-nm fractionated thulium fiber laser on each side of the face, 4 weeks apart. The primary endpoint was the degree of rhytids, laxity, dyschromia, erythema-telangiectasia, keratoses, and texture rated on a four-point scale and performed by a blinded evaluator at baseline, and 12, 20, and 30 weeks from baseline. Secondary endpoints were the global aesthetic improvement score, investigator satisfaction questionnaire, and a subject satisfaction questionnaire administered at weeks 12, 20, and 30. Recovery time and adverse events were assessed through a 14-day subject diary administered after each treatment.


All but 1 of the 20 patients were female and their mean age was 57 years. Six had Fitzpatrick skin type II, seven had type III, six had type IV, and one had type V. The device settings were on medium for both devices. The researchers observed significant improvements in elastosis, erythema, dyschromia, and texture at all treatment follow-up time points (P less than .01 for all endpoints).

There were no differences between the two lasers in terms of efficacy. “Clinically, the efficacy was rated to be the same,” Dr. Wu said. “However, when we analyzed the patient diaries, we found some very interesting results. In terms of redness, at days 3 and 4, there was a consistently increased amount of redness on the side treated with the fractionated thulium fiber laser, with swelling also being significantly increased at day 5.” Similarly, he said, the side treated with the fractionated picosecond laser experienced significantly less crusting on posttreatment days 1 through 9, less peeling on days 3 through 5, and less itching on day 4. Posttreatment pain was minimal on both sides and did not differ significantly.

Dr. Wu disclosed having numerous financial ties to pharmaceutical and device companies.

[email protected]

DENVER – The fractionated picosecond Nd:YAG laser and fractionated thulium fiber laser can be equally effective for facial rejuvenation, results from a small split-face trial showed. However, the fractionated picosecond Nd:YAG laser may result in significantly less postoperative downtime, compared with the fractionated thulium fiber laser.

The findings from the prospective, evaluator-blinded trial were presented by Douglas C. Wu, MD, PhD, at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Wu, of San Diego–based Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, and his colleague, Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, enrolled 20 subjects with at least moderate photoaging who randomly received three treatments with either the 1064/532-nm fractionated picosecond Nd:YAG laser or with the 1927-nm fractionated thulium fiber laser on each side of the face, 4 weeks apart. The primary endpoint was the degree of rhytids, laxity, dyschromia, erythema-telangiectasia, keratoses, and texture rated on a four-point scale and performed by a blinded evaluator at baseline, and 12, 20, and 30 weeks from baseline. Secondary endpoints were the global aesthetic improvement score, investigator satisfaction questionnaire, and a subject satisfaction questionnaire administered at weeks 12, 20, and 30. Recovery time and adverse events were assessed through a 14-day subject diary administered after each treatment.


All but 1 of the 20 patients were female and their mean age was 57 years. Six had Fitzpatrick skin type II, seven had type III, six had type IV, and one had type V. The device settings were on medium for both devices. The researchers observed significant improvements in elastosis, erythema, dyschromia, and texture at all treatment follow-up time points (P less than .01 for all endpoints).

There were no differences between the two lasers in terms of efficacy. “Clinically, the efficacy was rated to be the same,” Dr. Wu said. “However, when we analyzed the patient diaries, we found some very interesting results. In terms of redness, at days 3 and 4, there was a consistently increased amount of redness on the side treated with the fractionated thulium fiber laser, with swelling also being significantly increased at day 5.” Similarly, he said, the side treated with the fractionated picosecond laser experienced significantly less crusting on posttreatment days 1 through 9, less peeling on days 3 through 5, and less itching on day 4. Posttreatment pain was minimal on both sides and did not differ significantly.

Dr. Wu disclosed having numerous financial ties to pharmaceutical and device companies.

[email protected]

DENVER – The fractionated picosecond Nd:YAG laser and fractionated thulium fiber laser can be equally effective for facial rejuvenation, results from a small split-face trial showed. However, the fractionated picosecond Nd:YAG laser may result in significantly less postoperative downtime, compared with the fractionated thulium fiber laser.

The findings from the prospective, evaluator-blinded trial were presented by Douglas C. Wu, MD, PhD, at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Wu, of San Diego–based Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, and his colleague, Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, enrolled 20 subjects with at least moderate photoaging who randomly received three treatments with either the 1064/532-nm fractionated picosecond Nd:YAG laser or with the 1927-nm fractionated thulium fiber laser on each side of the face, 4 weeks apart. The primary endpoint was the degree of rhytids, laxity, dyschromia, erythema-telangiectasia, keratoses, and texture rated on a four-point scale and performed by a blinded evaluator at baseline, and 12, 20, and 30 weeks from baseline. Secondary endpoints were the global aesthetic improvement score, investigator satisfaction questionnaire, and a subject satisfaction questionnaire administered at weeks 12, 20, and 30. Recovery time and adverse events were assessed through a 14-day subject diary administered after each treatment.


All but 1 of the 20 patients were female and their mean age was 57 years. Six had Fitzpatrick skin type II, seven had type III, six had type IV, and one had type V. The device settings were on medium for both devices. The researchers observed significant improvements in elastosis, erythema, dyschromia, and texture at all treatment follow-up time points (P less than .01 for all endpoints).

There were no differences between the two lasers in terms of efficacy. “Clinically, the efficacy was rated to be the same,” Dr. Wu said. “However, when we analyzed the patient diaries, we found some very interesting results. In terms of redness, at days 3 and 4, there was a consistently increased amount of redness on the side treated with the fractionated thulium fiber laser, with swelling also being significantly increased at day 5.” Similarly, he said, the side treated with the fractionated picosecond laser experienced significantly less crusting on posttreatment days 1 through 9, less peeling on days 3 through 5, and less itching on day 4. Posttreatment pain was minimal on both sides and did not differ significantly.

Dr. Wu disclosed having numerous financial ties to pharmaceutical and device companies.

[email protected]

DENVER – Among patients with facial erythema associated with erythrotelangiectatic rosacea, combining a long-pulsed 532 nm laser with daily application of a topical skin care regimen achieved equivalent to superior results in fewer treatments, compared with long-pulsed laser treatment alone.

The findings come from a pilot trial that Brian S. Biesman, MD, presented at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

“Vascular laser therapy is the standard of care for reduction of facial erythema associated with erythrotelangiectatic rosacea,” said Dr. Biesman, an oculofacial plastic surgeon who practices in Nashville, Tenn. “The question was, if we combine topicals plus laser, can we get an enhanced outcome relative to laser treatment alone?”

To find out, he and his colleagues conducted a blinded, controlled prospective study of 30 subjects with mild to moderate erythrotelangiectatic rosacea who were evenly split into two groups. Those in group 1 received three treatments with the Excel V 532 nm long-pulsed laser by Cutera. Those in group 2 received two laser treatments with the Excel V long-pulsed 532 nm long-pulsed laser plus concurrent daily use of the topical Jan Marini Skin Care Management System, which included a glycolic acid cleanser, vitamin C serum, active containing glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acids, peptide, and growth factor moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It also contained RosaLieve, a proprietary redness-reducing complex.

The researchers performed laser treatments at 4-week intervals and evaluated subjects at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks by physician and subject self-assessment using 5-point (0-4) standardized scales: the Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) and patient self-assessment as well as a dermatology Quality of Life Assessment. In both treatment groups, reduction in facial erythema as assessed by CEA and patient self-assessment showed statistically significant improvement at all measured intervals. Specifically, average CEA scores improved from 3.00 to 1.87 among patients in group 1, and from 3.07 to 1.64 among those in group 2. “These were both statistically significant from baseline,” Dr. Biesman said. “What does it really say? The laser plus topical was superior to the laser-only treatment at all measured intervals. I didn’t expect to see that. There was continued improvement noted from week 8 to week 12. That was more of a trend; it was not statistically significant. There were no complications or adverse reactions in either group. The study data indicate that best results may be achieved with a combination of laser and home care.”

He acknowledged certain limitations of the study, including its small sample size and relatively short course of follow-up. “We didn’t have standardization of topical therapy in the laser-only group,” Dr. Biesman said. “Those patients were told to use their usual topical regimen. They were not allowed to use retinoids. We also didn’t have a control arm.”

He disclosed that he has received grant funding from Jan Marini Skin Research and Cutera.

[email protected]

DENVER – Among patients with facial erythema associated with erythrotelangiectatic rosacea, combining a long-pulsed 532 nm laser with daily application of a topical skin care regimen achieved equivalent to superior results in fewer treatments, compared with long-pulsed laser treatment alone.

The findings come from a pilot trial that Brian S. Biesman, MD, presented at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

“Vascular laser therapy is the standard of care for reduction of facial erythema associated with erythrotelangiectatic rosacea,” said Dr. Biesman, an oculofacial plastic surgeon who practices in Nashville, Tenn. “The question was, if we combine topicals plus laser, can we get an enhanced outcome relative to laser treatment alone?”

To find out, he and his colleagues conducted a blinded, controlled prospective study of 30 subjects with mild to moderate erythrotelangiectatic rosacea who were evenly split into two groups. Those in group 1 received three treatments with the Excel V 532 nm long-pulsed laser by Cutera. Those in group 2 received two laser treatments with the Excel V long-pulsed 532 nm long-pulsed laser plus concurrent daily use of the topical Jan Marini Skin Care Management System, which included a glycolic acid cleanser, vitamin C serum, active containing glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acids, peptide, and growth factor moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It also contained RosaLieve, a proprietary redness-reducing complex.

The researchers performed laser treatments at 4-week intervals and evaluated subjects at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks by physician and subject self-assessment using 5-point (0-4) standardized scales: the Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) and patient self-assessment as well as a dermatology Quality of Life Assessment. In both treatment groups, reduction in facial erythema as assessed by CEA and patient self-assessment showed statistically significant improvement at all measured intervals. Specifically, average CEA scores improved from 3.00 to 1.87 among patients in group 1, and from 3.07 to 1.64 among those in group 2. “These were both statistically significant from baseline,” Dr. Biesman said. “What does it really say? The laser plus topical was superior to the laser-only treatment at all measured intervals. I didn’t expect to see that. There was continued improvement noted from week 8 to week 12. That was more of a trend; it was not statistically significant. There were no complications or adverse reactions in either group. The study data indicate that best results may be achieved with a combination of laser and home care.”

He acknowledged certain limitations of the study, including its small sample size and relatively short course of follow-up. “We didn’t have standardization of topical therapy in the laser-only group,” Dr. Biesman said. “Those patients were told to use their usual topical regimen. They were not allowed to use retinoids. We also didn’t have a control arm.”

He disclosed that he has received grant funding from Jan Marini Skin Research and Cutera.

[email protected]

DENVER – Among patients with facial erythema associated with erythrotelangiectatic rosacea, combining a long-pulsed 532 nm laser with daily application of a topical skin care regimen achieved equivalent to superior results in fewer treatments, compared with long-pulsed laser treatment alone.

The findings come from a pilot trial that Brian S. Biesman, MD, presented at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

“Vascular laser therapy is the standard of care for reduction of facial erythema associated with erythrotelangiectatic rosacea,” said Dr. Biesman, an oculofacial plastic surgeon who practices in Nashville, Tenn. “The question was, if we combine topicals plus laser, can we get an enhanced outcome relative to laser treatment alone?”

To find out, he and his colleagues conducted a blinded, controlled prospective study of 30 subjects with mild to moderate erythrotelangiectatic rosacea who were evenly split into two groups. Those in group 1 received three treatments with the Excel V 532 nm long-pulsed laser by Cutera. Those in group 2 received two laser treatments with the Excel V long-pulsed 532 nm long-pulsed laser plus concurrent daily use of the topical Jan Marini Skin Care Management System, which included a glycolic acid cleanser, vitamin C serum, active containing glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acids, peptide, and growth factor moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It also contained RosaLieve, a proprietary redness-reducing complex.

The researchers performed laser treatments at 4-week intervals and evaluated subjects at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks by physician and subject self-assessment using 5-point (0-4) standardized scales: the Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) and patient self-assessment as well as a dermatology Quality of Life Assessment. In both treatment groups, reduction in facial erythema as assessed by CEA and patient self-assessment showed statistically significant improvement at all measured intervals. Specifically, average CEA scores improved from 3.00 to 1.87 among patients in group 1, and from 3.07 to 1.64 among those in group 2. “These were both statistically significant from baseline,” Dr. Biesman said. “What does it really say? The laser plus topical was superior to the laser-only treatment at all measured intervals. I didn’t expect to see that. There was continued improvement noted from week 8 to week 12. That was more of a trend; it was not statistically significant. There were no complications or adverse reactions in either group. The study data indicate that best results may be achieved with a combination of laser and home care.”

He acknowledged certain limitations of the study, including its small sample size and relatively short course of follow-up. “We didn’t have standardization of topical therapy in the laser-only group,” Dr. Biesman said. “Those patients were told to use their usual topical regimen. They were not allowed to use retinoids. We also didn’t have a control arm.”

He disclosed that he has received grant funding from Jan Marini Skin Research and Cutera.

[email protected]

DENVER – A device that provides electromagnetic stimulation to muscles is being investigated as a way to complement noninvasive body contouring.

The device, known as CoolTone, is being developed by Allergan and uses high-powered coil electromagnetic stimulation applicators to induce eddy currents in the muscle tissue. CoolTone is pending Food and Drug Administration clearance and is not yet commercially available.

“Fat reduction is just one part of body contouring,” Mathew M. Avram, MD, said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “You have skin, fat, and muscle. More and more we’re targeting all three areas for patients’ best body contouring outcomes.”

According to Dr. Avram, director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology Laser & Cosmetic Center, Boston, CoolTone provides high-frequency electromagnetic muscle stimulation that triggers muscle contractions that cannot be achieved by normal exercise to increase muscle mass and strength. “You’re doing super physiological amounts of contractions with this stimulation – the equivalent of doing thousands of sit-ups, if you’re treating the abdomen,” he said. “It strengthens, tones, and firms muscles in abdomen, buttocks, arms, and legs. There is a history of this type of technology for athletes and other indications in physical therapy.”

The current FDA clearance for a predicate electromagnetic stimulation system for muscle conditioning is for the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and arms. “This is for improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, and development of a firmer abdomen,” said Dr. Avram, who also is director of dermatologic surgery at Mass General. “It’s for strengthening, toning, and firming of buttocks and thighs, and for improvement of muscle tone and firmness, and for strengthening muscle in arms.”

The electrical current induced by the CoolTone device flows readily into muscle and not into fat, he continued. This brings the current to nearby motor nerve structures that stimulate contraction once the action potential is reached. “You’re getting maximal contractions that are extreme for a full range of muscle fibers,” explained Dr. Avram, who is the immediate past president of the ASLMS. “This requires an external electrical stimulus; it’s not something you do with normal exercise. With mild exercise, only the slow-twitch muscle fibers are activated, not the fast-twitch muscle fibers. Also, the pulsing sequences are designed to preferentially excite motor nerves rather than sensory nerves. So it’s really going after the ability for you to contract your muscles as much as possible.”

Dr. Avram has received consulting fees from Merz and Alastin and holds ownership interests with ZALEA, InMode, and Cytrellis. He has served on the advisory boards for ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Soliton, Sciton, and Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, and he has intellectual property rights with Cytrellis.

[email protected]

DENVER – A device that provides electromagnetic stimulation to muscles is being investigated as a way to complement noninvasive body contouring.

The device, known as CoolTone, is being developed by Allergan and uses high-powered coil electromagnetic stimulation applicators to induce eddy currents in the muscle tissue. CoolTone is pending Food and Drug Administration clearance and is not yet commercially available.

“Fat reduction is just one part of body contouring,” Mathew M. Avram, MD, said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “You have skin, fat, and muscle. More and more we’re targeting all three areas for patients’ best body contouring outcomes.”

According to Dr. Avram, director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology Laser & Cosmetic Center, Boston, CoolTone provides high-frequency electromagnetic muscle stimulation that triggers muscle contractions that cannot be achieved by normal exercise to increase muscle mass and strength. “You’re doing super physiological amounts of contractions with this stimulation – the equivalent of doing thousands of sit-ups, if you’re treating the abdomen,” he said. “It strengthens, tones, and firms muscles in abdomen, buttocks, arms, and legs. There is a history of this type of technology for athletes and other indications in physical therapy.”

The current FDA clearance for a predicate electromagnetic stimulation system for muscle conditioning is for the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and arms. “This is for improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, and development of a firmer abdomen,” said Dr. Avram, who also is director of dermatologic surgery at Mass General. “It’s for strengthening, toning, and firming of buttocks and thighs, and for improvement of muscle tone and firmness, and for strengthening muscle in arms.”

The electrical current induced by the CoolTone device flows readily into muscle and not into fat, he continued. This brings the current to nearby motor nerve structures that stimulate contraction once the action potential is reached. “You’re getting maximal contractions that are extreme for a full range of muscle fibers,” explained Dr. Avram, who is the immediate past president of the ASLMS. “This requires an external electrical stimulus; it’s not something you do with normal exercise. With mild exercise, only the slow-twitch muscle fibers are activated, not the fast-twitch muscle fibers. Also, the pulsing sequences are designed to preferentially excite motor nerves rather than sensory nerves. So it’s really going after the ability for you to contract your muscles as much as possible.”

Dr. Avram has received consulting fees from Merz and Alastin and holds ownership interests with ZALEA, InMode, and Cytrellis. He has served on the advisory boards for ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Soliton, Sciton, and Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, and he has intellectual property rights with Cytrellis.

[email protected]

DENVER – A device that provides electromagnetic stimulation to muscles is being investigated as a way to complement noninvasive body contouring.

The device, known as CoolTone, is being developed by Allergan and uses high-powered coil electromagnetic stimulation applicators to induce eddy currents in the muscle tissue. CoolTone is pending Food and Drug Administration clearance and is not yet commercially available.

“Fat reduction is just one part of body contouring,” Mathew M. Avram, MD, said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “You have skin, fat, and muscle. More and more we’re targeting all three areas for patients’ best body contouring outcomes.”

According to Dr. Avram, director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology Laser & Cosmetic Center, Boston, CoolTone provides high-frequency electromagnetic muscle stimulation that triggers muscle contractions that cannot be achieved by normal exercise to increase muscle mass and strength. “You’re doing super physiological amounts of contractions with this stimulation – the equivalent of doing thousands of sit-ups, if you’re treating the abdomen,” he said. “It strengthens, tones, and firms muscles in abdomen, buttocks, arms, and legs. There is a history of this type of technology for athletes and other indications in physical therapy.”

The current FDA clearance for a predicate electromagnetic stimulation system for muscle conditioning is for the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and arms. “This is for improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, and development of a firmer abdomen,” said Dr. Avram, who also is director of dermatologic surgery at Mass General. “It’s for strengthening, toning, and firming of buttocks and thighs, and for improvement of muscle tone and firmness, and for strengthening muscle in arms.”

The electrical current induced by the CoolTone device flows readily into muscle and not into fat, he continued. This brings the current to nearby motor nerve structures that stimulate contraction once the action potential is reached. “You’re getting maximal contractions that are extreme for a full range of muscle fibers,” explained Dr. Avram, who is the immediate past president of the ASLMS. “This requires an external electrical stimulus; it’s not something you do with normal exercise. With mild exercise, only the slow-twitch muscle fibers are activated, not the fast-twitch muscle fibers. Also, the pulsing sequences are designed to preferentially excite motor nerves rather than sensory nerves. So it’s really going after the ability for you to contract your muscles as much as possible.”

Dr. Avram has received consulting fees from Merz and Alastin and holds ownership interests with ZALEA, InMode, and Cytrellis. He has served on the advisory boards for ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Soliton, Sciton, and Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, and he has intellectual property rights with Cytrellis.

[email protected]

DENVER – Oral low-dose isotretinoin in combination with pulsed dye laser achieves high percentage of papulopustular rosacea clearance with a low risk of side effects, results from a single-center study found.

“Rosacea has been classically treated with topical and oral antibiotics, retinoids or ivermectin, and it is really important to enhance laser contribution for rosacea clearance,” lead study author Natalia Jiménez Gómez, MD, said in an interview in advance of the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “Our work points to the high efficacy of a scarcely published combination treatment: low-dose oral isotretinoin and pulsed dye laser. Moreover, this combined treatment is employed in papulopustular rosacea, a clinical form that is usually treated without employing physical methods.”

For the study, Dr. Gómez and her colleagues retrospectively analyzed 40 patients with moderate or severe papulopustular rosacea who underwent concomitant treatment of pulsed dye laser and low-dose oral isotretinoin (5-10 mg/day). Pulsed dye laser sessions were performed with a 10-mm spot size at a pulse duration of 0.5 milliseconds delivered at a fluence of 8 J/cm² every 3-4 weeks in combination with low-dose oral isotretinoin during 4- to 6-month periods. The treatment endpoint was purpura. Five patients were withdrawn from the analysis because of loss to follow-up or to a lack of clinical images.

All 35 patients achieved a complete clearance of papulopustular lesions of rosacea within 7-10 days, said Dr. Gómez, who practices at the Madrid-based Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal. The researchers did not observe any permanent adverse events such as scarring, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation.

“The most surprising finding was the high percentage of rosacea clearance obtained with the combined treatment, considering that all the patients were previously nonresponsive to oral low-dose isotretinoin monotherapy,” Dr. Gómez said. “This finding highlights the important role of pulsed dye laser.”

She acknowledged certain limitations of the study, including its retrospective design and small sample size. “It would also be interesting to compare pulsed dye laser with intense pulsed light, so that we can conclude if one of them is more effective than the other when we combine it with low dose oral isotretinoin,” she said.

Dr. Gómez reported having no financial disclosures.

[email protected]

DENVER – Oral low-dose isotretinoin in combination with pulsed dye laser achieves high percentage of papulopustular rosacea clearance with a low risk of side effects, results from a single-center study found.

“Rosacea has been classically treated with topical and oral antibiotics, retinoids or ivermectin, and it is really important to enhance laser contribution for rosacea clearance,” lead study author Natalia Jiménez Gómez, MD, said in an interview in advance of the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “Our work points to the high efficacy of a scarcely published combination treatment: low-dose oral isotretinoin and pulsed dye laser. Moreover, this combined treatment is employed in papulopustular rosacea, a clinical form that is usually treated without employing physical methods.”

For the study, Dr. Gómez and her colleagues retrospectively analyzed 40 patients with moderate or severe papulopustular rosacea who underwent concomitant treatment of pulsed dye laser and low-dose oral isotretinoin (5-10 mg/day). Pulsed dye laser sessions were performed with a 10-mm spot size at a pulse duration of 0.5 milliseconds delivered at a fluence of 8 J/cm² every 3-4 weeks in combination with low-dose oral isotretinoin during 4- to 6-month periods. The treatment endpoint was purpura. Five patients were withdrawn from the analysis because of loss to follow-up or to a lack of clinical images.

All 35 patients achieved a complete clearance of papulopustular lesions of rosacea within 7-10 days, said Dr. Gómez, who practices at the Madrid-based Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal. The researchers did not observe any permanent adverse events such as scarring, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation.

“The most surprising finding was the high percentage of rosacea clearance obtained with the combined treatment, considering that all the patients were previously nonresponsive to oral low-dose isotretinoin monotherapy,” Dr. Gómez said. “This finding highlights the important role of pulsed dye laser.”

She acknowledged certain limitations of the study, including its retrospective design and small sample size. “It would also be interesting to compare pulsed dye laser with intense pulsed light, so that we can conclude if one of them is more effective than the other when we combine it with low dose oral isotretinoin,” she said.

Dr. Gómez reported having no financial disclosures.

[email protected]

DENVER – Oral low-dose isotretinoin in combination with pulsed dye laser achieves high percentage of papulopustular rosacea clearance with a low risk of side effects, results from a single-center study found.

“Rosacea has been classically treated with topical and oral antibiotics, retinoids or ivermectin, and it is really important to enhance laser contribution for rosacea clearance,” lead study author Natalia Jiménez Gómez, MD, said in an interview in advance of the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “Our work points to the high efficacy of a scarcely published combination treatment: low-dose oral isotretinoin and pulsed dye laser. Moreover, this combined treatment is employed in papulopustular rosacea, a clinical form that is usually treated without employing physical methods.”

For the study, Dr. Gómez and her colleagues retrospectively analyzed 40 patients with moderate or severe papulopustular rosacea who underwent concomitant treatment of pulsed dye laser and low-dose oral isotretinoin (5-10 mg/day). Pulsed dye laser sessions were performed with a 10-mm spot size at a pulse duration of 0.5 milliseconds delivered at a fluence of 8 J/cm² every 3-4 weeks in combination with low-dose oral isotretinoin during 4- to 6-month periods. The treatment endpoint was purpura. Five patients were withdrawn from the analysis because of loss to follow-up or to a lack of clinical images.

All 35 patients achieved a complete clearance of papulopustular lesions of rosacea within 7-10 days, said Dr. Gómez, who practices at the Madrid-based Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal. The researchers did not observe any permanent adverse events such as scarring, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation.

“The most surprising finding was the high percentage of rosacea clearance obtained with the combined treatment, considering that all the patients were previously nonresponsive to oral low-dose isotretinoin monotherapy,” Dr. Gómez said. “This finding highlights the important role of pulsed dye laser.”

She acknowledged certain limitations of the study, including its retrospective design and small sample size. “It would also be interesting to compare pulsed dye laser with intense pulsed light, so that we can conclude if one of them is more effective than the other when we combine it with low dose oral isotretinoin,” she said.

Dr. Gómez reported having no financial disclosures.

[email protected]

DENVER – A survey from a dermatology practice in Houston found that among patients seeking corrective treatment for laser tattoo removal, 79% had complications from previous removal attempts and 63% were treated in non-clinic facilities by a non-physician provider without physician supervision.

The findings come from a single-center study that sought to identify the type, burden, and frequency of complications from laser tattoo removal, a procedure offered by both physician and non-physician facilities. “Laser tattoo removal is increasing in popularity,” lead study author Amanda K. Suggs, MD, said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Suggs and Paul M. Friedman, MD, of Houston-based Dermatology and Laser Surgery, have observed an increase in patients seeking corrective tattoo removal after complications from and lack of efficacy of prior treatments provided predominantly at non-clinic facilities, including medical spas and tattoo removal clinics –so they decided to interview 19 patients who presented to their practice seeking corrective laser tattoo removal. The majority (84%) were female, their mean age was 34 years old, and 53% had Fitzpatrick skin types IV or higher. Nearly three-quarters of tattoos (74%) consisted of multiple colors, which are known to be more difficult to treat. Of the patients seeking corrective treatment, 42% were seeking removal of more than one tattoo.

Prior to coming to their office, the patients had undergone an average of seven prior tattoo removal treatments and 72% of patients were treated by a non-physician provider at some point. Nearly two-thirds of patients (63%) were treated in non-clinic facilities. “All patients were unsatisfied with the degree of improvement, and 79% had at least one complication from their prior treatments,” said Dr. Suggs, who is a fellow at the practice.

Of the 15 patients with prior treatment complications, 64% were treated by a non-physician provider. The most common complication was scarring (53%), followed by dyspigmentation (47%), blistering (20%) and paradoxical darkening (20%). Six patients (40%) had more than one complication. Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV or higher had a higher proportion of scarring and dyspigmentation (63% and 71%, respectively) compared with those with other skin types. “This suggests that we should use caution when treating tattoos in patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types, and use appropriate settings and endpoints when treating these patients,” Dr. Suggs said.


When she and Dr. Friedman interviewed the patients about their prior treatment experience elsewhere, all said they experienced excessive pain, only 33% received topical anesthesia, and none reported receiving an injectable anesthesia.

At the Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, the protocol for corrective laser tattoo removal involves injectable anesthesia, Dr. Suggs said. They use a picosecond laser, a perfluorodecalin patch, and, if needed, nonablative fractional resurfacing at 1550 nm for scarring. The wavelength used for the picosecond laser (1064nm, 785nm or 532nm) is chosen based on patient characteristics and tattoo color or colors.

Lance Sitton Photography/Thinkstock

In a subset analysis, the investigators interviewed eight patients again after undergoing laser tattoo removal at their practice. All underwent treatment with a picosecond laser, perfluorodecalin patch, and injectable anesthesia. All reported minimal to no pain during the procedure and an optimal experience. No complications were noted.

Dr. Friedman and Dr. Suggs emphasized that consumers should be aware of the risks and potential for complications from laser tattoo removal. They recommend that all consumers – especially those at higher risk for complications such as higher Fitzpatrick skin type patients and those with multicolored tattoos – choose a provider with extensive training in the procedure, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Dr. Suggs disclosed that she is an ambassador for Tri Sirena sun protective athletic apparel. Dr. Friedman disclosed that he is a member of the advisory board for Allergan, Solta Medical, Syneron-Candela, and Sienna Biopharmaceuticals. He is also a research investigator for Syneron-Candela and has received a research grant from Sienna.

[email protected]

DENVER – A survey from a dermatology practice in Houston found that among patients seeking corrective treatment for laser tattoo removal, 79% had complications from previous removal attempts and 63% were treated in non-clinic facilities by a non-physician provider without physician supervision.

The findings come from a single-center study that sought to identify the type, burden, and frequency of complications from laser tattoo removal, a procedure offered by both physician and non-physician facilities. “Laser tattoo removal is increasing in popularity,” lead study author Amanda K. Suggs, MD, said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Suggs and Paul M. Friedman, MD, of Houston-based Dermatology and Laser Surgery, have observed an increase in patients seeking corrective tattoo removal after complications from and lack of efficacy of prior treatments provided predominantly at non-clinic facilities, including medical spas and tattoo removal clinics –so they decided to interview 19 patients who presented to their practice seeking corrective laser tattoo removal. The majority (84%) were female, their mean age was 34 years old, and 53% had Fitzpatrick skin types IV or higher. Nearly three-quarters of tattoos (74%) consisted of multiple colors, which are known to be more difficult to treat. Of the patients seeking corrective treatment, 42% were seeking removal of more than one tattoo.

Prior to coming to their office, the patients had undergone an average of seven prior tattoo removal treatments and 72% of patients were treated by a non-physician provider at some point. Nearly two-thirds of patients (63%) were treated in non-clinic facilities. “All patients were unsatisfied with the degree of improvement, and 79% had at least one complication from their prior treatments,” said Dr. Suggs, who is a fellow at the practice.

Of the 15 patients with prior treatment complications, 64% were treated by a non-physician provider. The most common complication was scarring (53%), followed by dyspigmentation (47%), blistering (20%) and paradoxical darkening (20%). Six patients (40%) had more than one complication. Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV or higher had a higher proportion of scarring and dyspigmentation (63% and 71%, respectively) compared with those with other skin types. “This suggests that we should use caution when treating tattoos in patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types, and use appropriate settings and endpoints when treating these patients,” Dr. Suggs said.


When she and Dr. Friedman interviewed the patients about their prior treatment experience elsewhere, all said they experienced excessive pain, only 33% received topical anesthesia, and none reported receiving an injectable anesthesia.

At the Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, the protocol for corrective laser tattoo removal involves injectable anesthesia, Dr. Suggs said. They use a picosecond laser, a perfluorodecalin patch, and, if needed, nonablative fractional resurfacing at 1550 nm for scarring. The wavelength used for the picosecond laser (1064nm, 785nm or 532nm) is chosen based on patient characteristics and tattoo color or colors.

Lance Sitton Photography/Thinkstock

In a subset analysis, the investigators interviewed eight patients again after undergoing laser tattoo removal at their practice. All underwent treatment with a picosecond laser, perfluorodecalin patch, and injectable anesthesia. All reported minimal to no pain during the procedure and an optimal experience. No complications were noted.

Dr. Friedman and Dr. Suggs emphasized that consumers should be aware of the risks and potential for complications from laser tattoo removal. They recommend that all consumers – especially those at higher risk for complications such as higher Fitzpatrick skin type patients and those with multicolored tattoos – choose a provider with extensive training in the procedure, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Dr. Suggs disclosed that she is an ambassador for Tri Sirena sun protective athletic apparel. Dr. Friedman disclosed that he is a member of the advisory board for Allergan, Solta Medical, Syneron-Candela, and Sienna Biopharmaceuticals. He is also a research investigator for Syneron-Candela and has received a research grant from Sienna.

[email protected]

DENVER – A survey from a dermatology practice in Houston found that among patients seeking corrective treatment for laser tattoo removal, 79% had complications from previous removal attempts and 63% were treated in non-clinic facilities by a non-physician provider without physician supervision.

The findings come from a single-center study that sought to identify the type, burden, and frequency of complications from laser tattoo removal, a procedure offered by both physician and non-physician facilities. “Laser tattoo removal is increasing in popularity,” lead study author Amanda K. Suggs, MD, said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Suggs and Paul M. Friedman, MD, of Houston-based Dermatology and Laser Surgery, have observed an increase in patients seeking corrective tattoo removal after complications from and lack of efficacy of prior treatments provided predominantly at non-clinic facilities, including medical spas and tattoo removal clinics –so they decided to interview 19 patients who presented to their practice seeking corrective laser tattoo removal. The majority (84%) were female, their mean age was 34 years old, and 53% had Fitzpatrick skin types IV or higher. Nearly three-quarters of tattoos (74%) consisted of multiple colors, which are known to be more difficult to treat. Of the patients seeking corrective treatment, 42% were seeking removal of more than one tattoo.

Prior to coming to their office, the patients had undergone an average of seven prior tattoo removal treatments and 72% of patients were treated by a non-physician provider at some point. Nearly two-thirds of patients (63%) were treated in non-clinic facilities. “All patients were unsatisfied with the degree of improvement, and 79% had at least one complication from their prior treatments,” said Dr. Suggs, who is a fellow at the practice.

Of the 15 patients with prior treatment complications, 64% were treated by a non-physician provider. The most common complication was scarring (53%), followed by dyspigmentation (47%), blistering (20%) and paradoxical darkening (20%). Six patients (40%) had more than one complication. Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV or higher had a higher proportion of scarring and dyspigmentation (63% and 71%, respectively) compared with those with other skin types. “This suggests that we should use caution when treating tattoos in patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types, and use appropriate settings and endpoints when treating these patients,” Dr. Suggs said.


When she and Dr. Friedman interviewed the patients about their prior treatment experience elsewhere, all said they experienced excessive pain, only 33% received topical anesthesia, and none reported receiving an injectable anesthesia.

At the Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, the protocol for corrective laser tattoo removal involves injectable anesthesia, Dr. Suggs said. They use a picosecond laser, a perfluorodecalin patch, and, if needed, nonablative fractional resurfacing at 1550 nm for scarring. The wavelength used for the picosecond laser (1064nm, 785nm or 532nm) is chosen based on patient characteristics and tattoo color or colors.

Lance Sitton Photography/Thinkstock

In a subset analysis, the investigators interviewed eight patients again after undergoing laser tattoo removal at their practice. All underwent treatment with a picosecond laser, perfluorodecalin patch, and injectable anesthesia. All reported minimal to no pain during the procedure and an optimal experience. No complications were noted.

Dr. Friedman and Dr. Suggs emphasized that consumers should be aware of the risks and potential for complications from laser tattoo removal. They recommend that all consumers – especially those at higher risk for complications such as higher Fitzpatrick skin type patients and those with multicolored tattoos – choose a provider with extensive training in the procedure, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Dr. Suggs disclosed that she is an ambassador for Tri Sirena sun protective athletic apparel. Dr. Friedman disclosed that he is a member of the advisory board for Allergan, Solta Medical, Syneron-Candela, and Sienna Biopharmaceuticals. He is also a research investigator for Syneron-Candela and has received a research grant from Sienna.

[email protected]

DENVER – Researchers in the early stages of developing an international registry of outcomes in the field of laser surgery have found a lack of uniformity in outcome reporting from existing studies in the medical literature. They’ve also observed insufficient reporting of outcome definitions and under-representation of life impact domains.

“Today, laser therapy is not only an important treatment modality for cosmetic indications, but also for medical skin disorders and diseases,” lead study author Frederike Fransen said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “These disorders include inflammatory lesions, vascular and pigmented lesions, tumors, and scars. Although there are a lot of options for laser therapy, the evidence for most of these skin conditions is quite low, consisting mostly of case reports and case series. However, if we want more evidence-based practice, we need more practice-based evidence.”

A new effort to gain insight into safety and effectiveness of laser treatments known as the international Laser Treatment Dermatology Registry (LEAD) is a platform to address this challenge. “We envision a registry that connects expertise and experience of a large international team of laser specialists, clinicians, and researchers,” said Ms. Fransen, a PhD candidate in the department of dermatology at Amsterdam University Medical Center. “Our goal is to gain insight into safety and effectiveness of laser treatments.” The collaboration includes researchers from the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, and the team will be complemented by experts from the United States, Asia, and North Africa.


For the first phase of the endeavor, Ms. Fransen and Albert Wolkerstorfer, MD, PhD, of the University of Amsterdam worked with colleagues from the Cochrane Skin-Core Outcome Set Initiative (CS-COUSIN) to develop a consensus of outcomes to be included in the registry. This involved a literature review of 350 articles to explore the outcomes used in laser research. From these, the researchers identified 100 articles for outcome mapping: 25 randomized, controlled trials, 44 trials that were not randomized or controlled, and 31 case reports. Their review yielded 98 outcomes and 53 outcome instruments.

Ultimately, outcomes were assigned to eight domains, Ms. Fransen said: appearance, long-term effects, physician-reported physical signs, patient-reported physical signs, satisfaction, health-related quality of life, psychological functioning, and adverse events. Of these domains, the most commonly used in existing medical literature were appearance such as clinical improvement and clearance (81%), followed by adverse effects such as erythema and scarring (55%), physician-reported signs such as morphology (30%), and long-term effects such as recurrence (27%). Ms. Fransen and Dr. Wolkerstorfer observed under-representation of patient-centered outcomes, including satisfaction of appearance or treatment (29%), patient-reported physical signs such as overall state and severity of disease (12%), health-related quality of life (4%), and psychological functioning such as anxiety and depression (1%).

The analysis also revealed that different outcomes measures were used in the various studies, and inconstant definitions within scaling systems. For example, for clearance of lesions/no clearance of lesions, some studies defined excellent clearance as 75% or greater, and others defined marked clearance as 70% or greater. In addition, some studies that used percentage quintile grading as an outcome defined grade 5 as a greater than 95% improvement, while others defined grade 5 as “clear,” or a greater than 90% improvement.

The next step in developing the LEAD registry involves performing an international e-Delphi survey, a method to obtain agreement on outcomes for the registry among health care professionals and patients with different opinions and backgrounds. “The process ends when sufficient agreement is obtained,” Ms. Fransen said. “Looking at future steps, the development of this collaborative initiative with a minimum set of outcomes is essential. When establishing this registry we can achieve sufficient sample size and confirmatory cases toward stronger evidence of laser treatments for orphan diseases.”

The project was supported by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and by an educational grant from ASLMS.

[email protected]

DENVER – Researchers in the early stages of developing an international registry of outcomes in the field of laser surgery have found a lack of uniformity in outcome reporting from existing studies in the medical literature. They’ve also observed insufficient reporting of outcome definitions and under-representation of life impact domains.

“Today, laser therapy is not only an important treatment modality for cosmetic indications, but also for medical skin disorders and diseases,” lead study author Frederike Fransen said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “These disorders include inflammatory lesions, vascular and pigmented lesions, tumors, and scars. Although there are a lot of options for laser therapy, the evidence for most of these skin conditions is quite low, consisting mostly of case reports and case series. However, if we want more evidence-based practice, we need more practice-based evidence.”

A new effort to gain insight into safety and effectiveness of laser treatments known as the international Laser Treatment Dermatology Registry (LEAD) is a platform to address this challenge. “We envision a registry that connects expertise and experience of a large international team of laser specialists, clinicians, and researchers,” said Ms. Fransen, a PhD candidate in the department of dermatology at Amsterdam University Medical Center. “Our goal is to gain insight into safety and effectiveness of laser treatments.” The collaboration includes researchers from the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, and the team will be complemented by experts from the United States, Asia, and North Africa.


For the first phase of the endeavor, Ms. Fransen and Albert Wolkerstorfer, MD, PhD, of the University of Amsterdam worked with colleagues from the Cochrane Skin-Core Outcome Set Initiative (CS-COUSIN) to develop a consensus of outcomes to be included in the registry. This involved a literature review of 350 articles to explore the outcomes used in laser research. From these, the researchers identified 100 articles for outcome mapping: 25 randomized, controlled trials, 44 trials that were not randomized or controlled, and 31 case reports. Their review yielded 98 outcomes and 53 outcome instruments.

Ultimately, outcomes were assigned to eight domains, Ms. Fransen said: appearance, long-term effects, physician-reported physical signs, patient-reported physical signs, satisfaction, health-related quality of life, psychological functioning, and adverse events. Of these domains, the most commonly used in existing medical literature were appearance such as clinical improvement and clearance (81%), followed by adverse effects such as erythema and scarring (55%), physician-reported signs such as morphology (30%), and long-term effects such as recurrence (27%). Ms. Fransen and Dr. Wolkerstorfer observed under-representation of patient-centered outcomes, including satisfaction of appearance or treatment (29%), patient-reported physical signs such as overall state and severity of disease (12%), health-related quality of life (4%), and psychological functioning such as anxiety and depression (1%).

The analysis also revealed that different outcomes measures were used in the various studies, and inconstant definitions within scaling systems. For example, for clearance of lesions/no clearance of lesions, some studies defined excellent clearance as 75% or greater, and others defined marked clearance as 70% or greater. In addition, some studies that used percentage quintile grading as an outcome defined grade 5 as a greater than 95% improvement, while others defined grade 5 as “clear,” or a greater than 90% improvement.

The next step in developing the LEAD registry involves performing an international e-Delphi survey, a method to obtain agreement on outcomes for the registry among health care professionals and patients with different opinions and backgrounds. “The process ends when sufficient agreement is obtained,” Ms. Fransen said. “Looking at future steps, the development of this collaborative initiative with a minimum set of outcomes is essential. When establishing this registry we can achieve sufficient sample size and confirmatory cases toward stronger evidence of laser treatments for orphan diseases.”

The project was supported by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and by an educational grant from ASLMS.

[email protected]

DENVER – Researchers in the early stages of developing an international registry of outcomes in the field of laser surgery have found a lack of uniformity in outcome reporting from existing studies in the medical literature. They’ve also observed insufficient reporting of outcome definitions and under-representation of life impact domains.

“Today, laser therapy is not only an important treatment modality for cosmetic indications, but also for medical skin disorders and diseases,” lead study author Frederike Fransen said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “These disorders include inflammatory lesions, vascular and pigmented lesions, tumors, and scars. Although there are a lot of options for laser therapy, the evidence for most of these skin conditions is quite low, consisting mostly of case reports and case series. However, if we want more evidence-based practice, we need more practice-based evidence.”

A new effort to gain insight into safety and effectiveness of laser treatments known as the international Laser Treatment Dermatology Registry (LEAD) is a platform to address this challenge. “We envision a registry that connects expertise and experience of a large international team of laser specialists, clinicians, and researchers,” said Ms. Fransen, a PhD candidate in the department of dermatology at Amsterdam University Medical Center. “Our goal is to gain insight into safety and effectiveness of laser treatments.” The collaboration includes researchers from the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, and the team will be complemented by experts from the United States, Asia, and North Africa.


For the first phase of the endeavor, Ms. Fransen and Albert Wolkerstorfer, MD, PhD, of the University of Amsterdam worked with colleagues from the Cochrane Skin-Core Outcome Set Initiative (CS-COUSIN) to develop a consensus of outcomes to be included in the registry. This involved a literature review of 350 articles to explore the outcomes used in laser research. From these, the researchers identified 100 articles for outcome mapping: 25 randomized, controlled trials, 44 trials that were not randomized or controlled, and 31 case reports. Their review yielded 98 outcomes and 53 outcome instruments.

Ultimately, outcomes were assigned to eight domains, Ms. Fransen said: appearance, long-term effects, physician-reported physical signs, patient-reported physical signs, satisfaction, health-related quality of life, psychological functioning, and adverse events. Of these domains, the most commonly used in existing medical literature were appearance such as clinical improvement and clearance (81%), followed by adverse effects such as erythema and scarring (55%), physician-reported signs such as morphology (30%), and long-term effects such as recurrence (27%). Ms. Fransen and Dr. Wolkerstorfer observed under-representation of patient-centered outcomes, including satisfaction of appearance or treatment (29%), patient-reported physical signs such as overall state and severity of disease (12%), health-related quality of life (4%), and psychological functioning such as anxiety and depression (1%).

The analysis also revealed that different outcomes measures were used in the various studies, and inconstant definitions within scaling systems. For example, for clearance of lesions/no clearance of lesions, some studies defined excellent clearance as 75% or greater, and others defined marked clearance as 70% or greater. In addition, some studies that used percentage quintile grading as an outcome defined grade 5 as a greater than 95% improvement, while others defined grade 5 as “clear,” or a greater than 90% improvement.

The next step in developing the LEAD registry involves performing an international e-Delphi survey, a method to obtain agreement on outcomes for the registry among health care professionals and patients with different opinions and backgrounds. “The process ends when sufficient agreement is obtained,” Ms. Fransen said. “Looking at future steps, the development of this collaborative initiative with a minimum set of outcomes is essential. When establishing this registry we can achieve sufficient sample size and confirmatory cases toward stronger evidence of laser treatments for orphan diseases.”

The project was supported by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and by an educational grant from ASLMS.

[email protected]

DENVER – Combining gold microparticles with energy from a standard dermatology laser represents a new in-office treatment option for patients with mild to moderate acne, according to Jill S. Waibel, MD.

“Why do we need lasers and light for acne? We have compliance issues, particularly in the pubertal population,” she said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “We also have systemic side effects from medications and antibiotic resistance. Acne is still the number one reason people see a dermatologist.”

The gold microparticles were cleared by the Food and Drug Administration in September 2018 for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Based on European study data and ongoing studies in the United States, the optimal treatment approach begins with putting on a topical retinoid nightly and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) wash to clear follicular debris and reduce bacterial load prior to the application of gold microparticles and laser energy.

Dr. Waibel, director of the Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, presented results from a clinical trial of 64 patients with mild to moderate acne that was conducted at seven European centers. All patients applied topical 0.1% adapalene/2.5% benzoyl peroxide daily for 2-4 weeks, then they underwent three microparticles plus laser procedures over a 2-week period. “It takes about 10 minutes to put the gold nanoparticles on,” Dr. Waibel said. “They’re rubbed in by a massager, the particles get in down into the follicle. Once it’s in the follicle, you wipe the gold completely off and you activate the FDA-approved 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser.”

Energy was delivered at a fluency of 25-34 J/cm² and a pulse duration of 30 seconds. Concomitant rescue medications were allowed at the discretion of the investigator after the 2-month evaluation. Formal evaluations included inflammatory lesion counts at baseline, 2, 3, and 6 months; the Investigator Global Assessment scale at baseline, 2, 3, and 6 months; and safety and tolerability. Most of the patients (78%) were female, and their average age was 23 years, with a range between 13 and 38 years. The average level of pain reported by patients was 4 on a scale between 0 and 10, and mild, transient erythema and edema were reported post procedure. There were no adverse events otherwise.

Dr. Waibel reported that the interim mean improvement of inflammatory lesion counts was 66% at 3 months and 79% at 6 months. “At six months, 63% of patients were clear or almost clear according to the Investigator Global Assessment scale,” she added.

After the three treatment sessions, researchers observed a 63% reduction in acne at 2 months, a 74% reduction at 6 months, and an 85% reduction at 12 months. By comparison, a subset of 26 patients who received gold microparticle monotherapy had a 49% reduction in acne at 2 months and a 65% reduction at 6 months.

“A short course of retinoid and benzoyl peroxide prior to gold microparticles treatment improved the inflammatory lesion count reduction, compared with historical studies,” Dr. Waibel said (J Invest Dermatol. 2015;135[7]:1727-34). “Gold microparticles treatment for acne may be part of a multitherapy approach for patients with mild to moderate facial acne. Clinical outcomes are predictable and durable through 12 months.”

The approach is being further studied in the United States and researchers are exploring the potential for fewer treatments over a period of two weeks. Dr. Waibel disclosed that she has served on the advisory board for Sebacia, which developed the gold microparticles, and has received clinical trials funding from the company. She also reported having financial relationships with numerous other device and pharmaceutical companies.

[email protected]

DENVER – Combining gold microparticles with energy from a standard dermatology laser represents a new in-office treatment option for patients with mild to moderate acne, according to Jill S. Waibel, MD.

“Why do we need lasers and light for acne? We have compliance issues, particularly in the pubertal population,” she said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “We also have systemic side effects from medications and antibiotic resistance. Acne is still the number one reason people see a dermatologist.”

The gold microparticles were cleared by the Food and Drug Administration in September 2018 for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Based on European study data and ongoing studies in the United States, the optimal treatment approach begins with putting on a topical retinoid nightly and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) wash to clear follicular debris and reduce bacterial load prior to the application of gold microparticles and laser energy.

Dr. Waibel, director of the Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, presented results from a clinical trial of 64 patients with mild to moderate acne that was conducted at seven European centers. All patients applied topical 0.1% adapalene/2.5% benzoyl peroxide daily for 2-4 weeks, then they underwent three microparticles plus laser procedures over a 2-week period. “It takes about 10 minutes to put the gold nanoparticles on,” Dr. Waibel said. “They’re rubbed in by a massager, the particles get in down into the follicle. Once it’s in the follicle, you wipe the gold completely off and you activate the FDA-approved 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser.”

Energy was delivered at a fluency of 25-34 J/cm² and a pulse duration of 30 seconds. Concomitant rescue medications were allowed at the discretion of the investigator after the 2-month evaluation. Formal evaluations included inflammatory lesion counts at baseline, 2, 3, and 6 months; the Investigator Global Assessment scale at baseline, 2, 3, and 6 months; and safety and tolerability. Most of the patients (78%) were female, and their average age was 23 years, with a range between 13 and 38 years. The average level of pain reported by patients was 4 on a scale between 0 and 10, and mild, transient erythema and edema were reported post procedure. There were no adverse events otherwise.

Dr. Waibel reported that the interim mean improvement of inflammatory lesion counts was 66% at 3 months and 79% at 6 months. “At six months, 63% of patients were clear or almost clear according to the Investigator Global Assessment scale,” she added.

After the three treatment sessions, researchers observed a 63% reduction in acne at 2 months, a 74% reduction at 6 months, and an 85% reduction at 12 months. By comparison, a subset of 26 patients who received gold microparticle monotherapy had a 49% reduction in acne at 2 months and a 65% reduction at 6 months.

“A short course of retinoid and benzoyl peroxide prior to gold microparticles treatment improved the inflammatory lesion count reduction, compared with historical studies,” Dr. Waibel said (J Invest Dermatol. 2015;135[7]:1727-34). “Gold microparticles treatment for acne may be part of a multitherapy approach for patients with mild to moderate facial acne. Clinical outcomes are predictable and durable through 12 months.”

The approach is being further studied in the United States and researchers are exploring the potential for fewer treatments over a period of two weeks. Dr. Waibel disclosed that she has served on the advisory board for Sebacia, which developed the gold microparticles, and has received clinical trials funding from the company. She also reported having financial relationships with numerous other device and pharmaceutical companies.

[email protected]

DENVER – Combining gold microparticles with energy from a standard dermatology laser represents a new in-office treatment option for patients with mild to moderate acne, according to Jill S. Waibel, MD.

“Why do we need lasers and light for acne? We have compliance issues, particularly in the pubertal population,” she said at the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “We also have systemic side effects from medications and antibiotic resistance. Acne is still the number one reason people see a dermatologist.”

The gold microparticles were cleared by the Food and Drug Administration in September 2018 for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Based on European study data and ongoing studies in the United States, the optimal treatment approach begins with putting on a topical retinoid nightly and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) wash to clear follicular debris and reduce bacterial load prior to the application of gold microparticles and laser energy.

Dr. Waibel, director of the Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, presented results from a clinical trial of 64 patients with mild to moderate acne that was conducted at seven European centers. All patients applied topical 0.1% adapalene/2.5% benzoyl peroxide daily for 2-4 weeks, then they underwent three microparticles plus laser procedures over a 2-week period. “It takes about 10 minutes to put the gold nanoparticles on,” Dr. Waibel said. “They’re rubbed in by a massager, the particles get in down into the follicle. Once it’s in the follicle, you wipe the gold completely off and you activate the FDA-approved 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser.”

Energy was delivered at a fluency of 25-34 J/cm² and a pulse duration of 30 seconds. Concomitant rescue medications were allowed at the discretion of the investigator after the 2-month evaluation. Formal evaluations included inflammatory lesion counts at baseline, 2, 3, and 6 months; the Investigator Global Assessment scale at baseline, 2, 3, and 6 months; and safety and tolerability. Most of the patients (78%) were female, and their average age was 23 years, with a range between 13 and 38 years. The average level of pain reported by patients was 4 on a scale between 0 and 10, and mild, transient erythema and edema were reported post procedure. There were no adverse events otherwise.

Dr. Waibel reported that the interim mean improvement of inflammatory lesion counts was 66% at 3 months and 79% at 6 months. “At six months, 63% of patients were clear or almost clear according to the Investigator Global Assessment scale,” she added.

After the three treatment sessions, researchers observed a 63% reduction in acne at 2 months, a 74% reduction at 6 months, and an 85% reduction at 12 months. By comparison, a subset of 26 patients who received gold microparticle monotherapy had a 49% reduction in acne at 2 months and a 65% reduction at 6 months.

“A short course of retinoid and benzoyl peroxide prior to gold microparticles treatment improved the inflammatory lesion count reduction, compared with historical studies,” Dr. Waibel said (J Invest Dermatol. 2015;135[7]:1727-34). “Gold microparticles treatment for acne may be part of a multitherapy approach for patients with mild to moderate facial acne. Clinical outcomes are predictable and durable through 12 months.”

The approach is being further studied in the United States and researchers are exploring the potential for fewer treatments over a period of two weeks. Dr. Waibel disclosed that she has served on the advisory board for Sebacia, which developed the gold microparticles, and has received clinical trials funding from the company. She also reported having financial relationships with numerous other device and pharmaceutical companies.

[email protected]

DENVER – When consumers use Google to search for information about cosmetic and laser dermatologic procedures, results link to the websites of professional societies only 8% of the time, and even less frequently to websites of academic centers and peer-reviewed medical journals, results from a novel study showed.

EricVega/iStock Unreleased

“An increasing number of patients are seeking information about cosmetic and laser dermatology from online sources,” Jennifer L. Sawaya, MD, said in an interview in advance of the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “There are several studies that have discussed the role of the Internet and social media in dermatology. To our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically look at the results of Google search terms within our field to investigate which sources are providing this information.”

Dr. Sawaya, a fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Boston, and her colleagues cross-measured keyword analytics provided by Zalea, an online resource on cosmetic treatments for consumers, with the most used Instagram hashtags to obtain 10 online keywords: body contouring, Botox, fillers, CoolSculpting, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, skin tightening, skin rejuvenation, cosmetic surgery, and liposuction. Next, they used an advanced Google search to obtain the top 25 search results for each of those 10 keywords and categorized information sources as professional societies, peer-reviewed journals, non–peer-reviewed online health information, news/media, device/cosmeceutical companies, clinical practices, academic centers, or medical spas.

Overall, the top search results came from clinical practices 23% of the time, followed by online health information sites (19%), medical spas (16%), and news/media (15%). A much smaller percentage of the search results came from professional societies (8%), academic centers (6%), and peer-reviewed medical journals (5%). Within the clinical practices and medical spas, nearly half of these sources were plastic surgeons, while board-certified dermatologists comprised only 21% of the clinical information sources.

When Dr. Sawaya and her associates evaluated the source of search results for each keyword, results varied. For example, search results for “body contouring” came most frequently from professional societies and clinical practices (20% each), “Botox” from news/media (36%), “fillers” from online health information (28%), “CoolSculpting” from clinical practices (40%), “laser hair removal” from news/media (32%), “tattoo removal” from medical spas (28%), “skin tightening” from news/media (24%), “skin rejuvenation” from medical spas (28%), “cosmetic surgery” from clinical practices (52%), and “liposuction” from online health information (36%).

“Our clinical take-home message is essentially a call for an increasing amount of evidence-based, academic content to be made available for online consumption,” Dr. Sawaya said. “In an era when patients seek a lot of medical information online and make important decisions through this manner, we have an obligation to understand what is out there and do our best to improve the quality of available information.”

She acknowledged certain limitations of the study, including the fact that results of a Google search may vary depending on the type of device used (mobile, desktop) as well as the location of the device. “An additional limitation is how the search history on the device may impact results,” she said. “To control for this, the device history, cache, and cookies were cleared prior to the search. Despite these controls, it is unclear how and to what extent prior searches affect the Google ranking algorithm. We acknowledge that the findings in this study reflect a single point in time and that the results of a Google search will change dynamically based on many factors. Finally, we acknowledge that our study is based on a single search engine site and that the trends we observe with Google may not be extrapolated to other online channels.”

Dr. Sawaya reported having no financial disclosures.

[email protected]

DENVER – When consumers use Google to search for information about cosmetic and laser dermatologic procedures, results link to the websites of professional societies only 8% of the time, and even less frequently to websites of academic centers and peer-reviewed medical journals, results from a novel study showed.

EricVega/iStock Unreleased

“An increasing number of patients are seeking information about cosmetic and laser dermatology from online sources,” Jennifer L. Sawaya, MD, said in an interview in advance of the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “There are several studies that have discussed the role of the Internet and social media in dermatology. To our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically look at the results of Google search terms within our field to investigate which sources are providing this information.”

Dr. Sawaya, a fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Boston, and her colleagues cross-measured keyword analytics provided by Zalea, an online resource on cosmetic treatments for consumers, with the most used Instagram hashtags to obtain 10 online keywords: body contouring, Botox, fillers, CoolSculpting, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, skin tightening, skin rejuvenation, cosmetic surgery, and liposuction. Next, they used an advanced Google search to obtain the top 25 search results for each of those 10 keywords and categorized information sources as professional societies, peer-reviewed journals, non–peer-reviewed online health information, news/media, device/cosmeceutical companies, clinical practices, academic centers, or medical spas.

Overall, the top search results came from clinical practices 23% of the time, followed by online health information sites (19%), medical spas (16%), and news/media (15%). A much smaller percentage of the search results came from professional societies (8%), academic centers (6%), and peer-reviewed medical journals (5%). Within the clinical practices and medical spas, nearly half of these sources were plastic surgeons, while board-certified dermatologists comprised only 21% of the clinical information sources.

When Dr. Sawaya and her associates evaluated the source of search results for each keyword, results varied. For example, search results for “body contouring” came most frequently from professional societies and clinical practices (20% each), “Botox” from news/media (36%), “fillers” from online health information (28%), “CoolSculpting” from clinical practices (40%), “laser hair removal” from news/media (32%), “tattoo removal” from medical spas (28%), “skin tightening” from news/media (24%), “skin rejuvenation” from medical spas (28%), “cosmetic surgery” from clinical practices (52%), and “liposuction” from online health information (36%).

“Our clinical take-home message is essentially a call for an increasing amount of evidence-based, academic content to be made available for online consumption,” Dr. Sawaya said. “In an era when patients seek a lot of medical information online and make important decisions through this manner, we have an obligation to understand what is out there and do our best to improve the quality of available information.”

She acknowledged certain limitations of the study, including the fact that results of a Google search may vary depending on the type of device used (mobile, desktop) as well as the location of the device. “An additional limitation is how the search history on the device may impact results,” she said. “To control for this, the device history, cache, and cookies were cleared prior to the search. Despite these controls, it is unclear how and to what extent prior searches affect the Google ranking algorithm. We acknowledge that the findings in this study reflect a single point in time and that the results of a Google search will change dynamically based on many factors. Finally, we acknowledge that our study is based on a single search engine site and that the trends we observe with Google may not be extrapolated to other online channels.”

Dr. Sawaya reported having no financial disclosures.

[email protected]

DENVER – When consumers use Google to search for information about cosmetic and laser dermatologic procedures, results link to the websites of professional societies only 8% of the time, and even less frequently to websites of academic centers and peer-reviewed medical journals, results from a novel study showed.

EricVega/iStock Unreleased

“An increasing number of patients are seeking information about cosmetic and laser dermatology from online sources,” Jennifer L. Sawaya, MD, said in an interview in advance of the annual conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. “There are several studies that have discussed the role of the Internet and social media in dermatology. To our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically look at the results of Google search terms within our field to investigate which sources are providing this information.”

Dr. Sawaya, a fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Boston, and her colleagues cross-measured keyword analytics provided by Zalea, an online resource on cosmetic treatments for consumers, with the most used Instagram hashtags to obtain 10 online keywords: body contouring, Botox, fillers, CoolSculpting, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, skin tightening, skin rejuvenation, cosmetic surgery, and liposuction. Next, they used an advanced Google search to obtain the top 25 search results for each of those 10 keywords and categorized information sources as professional societies, peer-reviewed journals, non–peer-reviewed online health information, news/media, device/cosmeceutical companies, clinical practices, academic centers, or medical spas.

Overall, the top search results came from clinical practices 23% of the time, followed by online health information sites (19%), medical spas (16%), and news/media (15%). A much smaller percentage of the search results came from professional societies (8%), academic centers (6%), and peer-reviewed medical journals (5%). Within the clinical practices and medical spas, nearly half of these sources were plastic surgeons, while board-certified dermatologists comprised only 21% of the clinical information sources.

When Dr. Sawaya and her associates evaluated the source of search results for each keyword, results varied. For example, search results for “body contouring” came most frequently from professional societies and clinical practices (20% each), “Botox” from news/media (36%), “fillers” from online health information (28%), “CoolSculpting” from clinical practices (40%), “laser hair removal” from news/media (32%), “tattoo removal” from medical spas (28%), “skin tightening” from news/media (24%), “skin rejuvenation” from medical spas (28%), “cosmetic surgery” from clinical practices (52%), and “liposuction” from online health information (36%).

“Our clinical take-home message is essentially a call for an increasing amount of evidence-based, academic content to be made available for online consumption,” Dr. Sawaya said. “In an era when patients seek a lot of medical information online and make important decisions through this manner, we have an obligation to understand what is out there and do our best to improve the quality of available information.”

She acknowledged certain limitations of the study, including the fact that results of a Google search may vary depending on the type of device used (mobile, desktop) as well as the location of the device. “An additional limitation is how the search history on the device may impact results,” she said. “To control for this, the device history, cache, and cookies were cleared prior to the search. Despite these controls, it is unclear how and to what extent prior searches affect the Google ranking algorithm. We acknowledge that the findings in this study reflect a single point in time and that the results of a Google search will change dynamically based on many factors. Finally, we acknowledge that our study is based on a single search engine site and that the trends we observe with Google may not be extrapolated to other online channels.”

Dr. Sawaya reported having no financial disclosures.

[email protected]