This edition of the Journal begins with a fascinating set of manuscripts dedicated to the treatment of difficult problems. There is increasing interest in the use of energy-based devices for acne. Ash evaluates the treatment of acne using a high-intensity 414-nm diode array. This study is followed by a new look at tattoo removal using a rapid tattoo removal or RTR technique with a combination of pulsed Er:YAG and Q-switched Nd:YAG in a split study protocol.
There is a lot of history behind the laser-based approach to both acne scars and unwanted hair removal. With that in mind, Al Dhalimi looks at the treatment of atrophic facial acne scars with a fractional Er:YAG laser while Paasch compares a novel 755-nm diode laser versus a conventional 755-nm scanned alexandrite laser for the removal of unwanted hair.
The next studies look at a three-dimensional volumetric assessment of body sculpting using a uniform heating radiofrequency device in Asians; histologic changes in intense focused ultrasound for facial tightening and a look at families of portwine stain victims without the now defined RASI mutation.
The Journal closes with a study evaluating the efficacy of a 595-nm pulsed-dye laser therapy for Mibelli angiokeratoma, Hailey–Hailey disease improved by a fractional CO2 laser, carbon dioxide laser plus topical 5-fluorouracil: a new combination therapeutic modality for acral vitiligo and lastly a case report looking at a case of aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma.
Enjoy!