This edition of the Journal places a strong emphasis on the new area of fractional laser resurfacing . First Sasaki, in an excellent review, describes the histologic, clinical and complication profile of fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. This manuscript is followed by a sequence of articles all interrelated to the same topic. Marini first describes sequential photo-thermal fractional resurfacing and remodeling with variable pulse Er:YAG laser and scanner-assisted Nd:YAG laser treatment; Kim then describes fractional resurfacing in conjunction with peels and subcision for the treatment of acne scars. Finally Akita evaluates syringomas treated with fractional photothermolysis while Mordon reviews a novel approach to the treatment of hypertrophic scars.
Even with this issue of the journal's strong emphasis on fractional laser resurfacing, a variety of other fascinating articles will be of great interest to our readers. Cho reviews scar characteristics and treatment expectations; Winter describes post-pregnancy body contouring; and Lin looks at a single treatment of a Q-switched ruby laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of Chinese tattoos. Finally, I personally wrote a manuscript entitled “Breakthroughs in U.S. Dermal Fillers for Facial Soft- Tissue Augmentation”.
I would like to close this editorial with a comment about a recent meeting attended by myself and several members of the editorial board. This brand new meeting, the “Lasers and Aesthetic Medicine on 5 Continents” congress took place in September in Nice, France. In attendance was an international scientific panel of dermatologists and plastic surgeons who over the course of 3 days put together one of best ever meetings dealing with both the basic science of and controversies in the field of aesthetic medicine. The meeting will take place once every 2 years with the next meeting taking place in Cannes, France from September 15–17, 2011. Put the dates on your calendar – this meeting should not be missed.