This issue of the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy combines two issues to include the proceedings of the Facial Aesthetics Conference and Exhibition last June. Advances in photorejuvenation light sources and techniques continue to be hot topics within the field of cosmetic and laser therapy. Combination therapies incorporating different wavelengths or even different modalities are being evaluated. Russell et al. present profilometric data to assess the efficacy of combination light emitting diode therapy (633 nm and 830 nm) in facial skin rejuvenation, while Lask et al. present results of a multicenter study evaluating non thermal blue light (405–425 nm) and near infrared light (850–890 nm) for photorejuvenation. Photodynamic therapy, introduced decades ago is now regaining favour as an effective treatment modality not only for neoplasms and acne, but for photoaging as well. Lowe and Lowe present a pilot study evaluating 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (5‐ALA) with a light emitting diode (633 nm) for the treatment of the facial aging. Combining nonablative with ablative treatments, Freedman et al. present the clinical and histologic effects of sequential 1329 nm Nd:YAG and 2940 nm Er:YAG lasers for photorejuvenation.
Broad band light systems are useful to treat a multitude of skin targets. Clement et al. discuss the advantages of a partial discharge system for driving a pulsed xenon arch flashlamp and the optimal spectral outputs for hair removal, treating pigmented lesions, vascular lesions, and acne.
The emergence of new and improved fillers in the past several years has created great excitement in the cosmetic and lay community. With the effect of “plumping” one's skin to regain its youthful vigor, biodegradable fillers have become all the rage. Most fillers begin marketing in Europe long before becoming approved in the United States. Tempering this enthusiasm with experience, Andre et al. discuss adverse reactions to dermal fillers in Europe, while Engelhard et al. discuss the preclinical and clinical safety of poly‐L‐lactic acid (SculptraTM) for facial lipoatrophy.
On the opposite pole of dermal fillers, mesotherapy for the dissolution of fat has become popular despite the lack of safety trials. Rotunda et al. review the literature on mesotherapy for the treatment of cellulite, appraising each compound and its purported effects.
Finally, in the continual pursuit to optimize wound healing and cosmetic outcome, Khatri et al. compares a new hydrocolloid dressing, H2460, with Flexzan after laser skin resurfacing.