The treatment of acne with laser and light sources has been an area of intense interest within our field over the past several years. Many new technologies have emerged. It has appeared as a topic in several of our recent issues. In this issue, Prieto and Sadick evaluate the use of combined pulsed light and radiofrequency treatments for facial acne. They include histologic analysis of its effects. Additionally, Ortiz et al. provide a review of current laser and light treatments for acne. A review is particularly timely given the emergence of a vast array of new technologies devoted to the treatment of acne in the last few years.
Despite the emergence of topical and oral medications for hair loss, hair transplantation remains the most effective treatment for male and female pattern hair loss. State of the art hair transplantation techniques continue to evolve. In this issue, Avram provides an updated review of hair transplantation in 2005, including the best ways to approach the patient consultation process.
Cellulite continues to generate intense interest both in the lay press as well as the medical literature. It has appeared as a topic within this journal in the past two issues. The emergence of light based treatments in this field is a new and potentially exciting development. Few studies have been performed to date. Alster and Tanzi present their data the use of a combined radiofrequency, infrared light and mechanical tissue manipulation device to improve the appearance of cellulite.
Tissue tightening and the improvement of facial rhytides is another hot topic within the field of cosmetic and laser therapy. Technologies continue to improve. Kulick examines the effect of combination radiofrequency and diode laser treatments for the non‐ablative treatment of facial wrinkles.
The healing phase after laser skin resurfacing and deep chemical peeling procedures are characterized by a prolonged wound healing phase that features erythema and discomfort. The erythema persists from weeks to months. Trelles et al. utilize a novel blend of high‐intensity, narrow‐band, blue light and near infrared light to shorten post laser skin resurfacing erythema and discomfort.
Finally, Niccoli‐Filho et al. utilize CO2 resurfacing for the correction of developmental defects of the lip.