This edition of the Journal starts off with an article by Levy looking at the role of a novel new intense pulsed light source in the treatment of portwine stains. This is followed by a group of manuscripts looking at various roles of ablative lasers. Various articles include one on fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser treatment of atrophic acne scarring in Asian patients; a look at the erbium: YAG laser and its role in the treatment of Zoon's disease; a new look at the role of both the carbon dioxide and pulsed dye laser in the treatment of rhinophyma; and another attempt to treat stretch marks with a fractional carbon dioxide laser.
Elman presents a novel study looking at a radiofrequency device in the treatment of rhytides while Kono looks at skin tightening with a long pulsed Nd: YAG laser. What is unique in this split face study is that one side is treated with an Nd: YAG laser and cryogen cooling; the other side of the face was treated with an Nd: YAG laser and pneumatic skin flattening.
Pigmentary disorders continue to be commonly treated with q-switched lasers and Salem looks at the role of the q-switched Nd:YAG laser in treating pigmentation problems in Egyptians. Q-switched lasers are highly effective and generally quite safe. However, complications can and do occur. Wright describes complications seen with the Q-switched ruby laser.
The diversity of topics seen in the Journal is its greatest strength. This edition is no different as the series of varied articles end with two fascinating articles. One from Lowe on Dosing, Efficacy and Safety—plus the use of computerized photography for Botulinum Toxins Type A. The other article from Gold describes eczematous dermatitis seen after vascular laser treatment. Enjoy!