This edition of the Journal explores the usual mixture of available cosmetic treatments, but also looks at some novel new concepts. We have all come to realize that although most devices are available throughout the world, various skin types may respond differently to the same laser. Chiba describes the response of Asian skin to rejuvenation with a long pulsed Nd: YAG laser. This paper is followed by a fascinating study by Menezes looking at the impact of pulsed dye laser treatment on the quality of life in patients with rosacea.
Melasma is a very difficult entity to treat. Salem takes an objective look at melasma treatment evaluation while Freedman looks at the role of topical polyphenolic antioxidants in an attempt to reverse IPL induced adverse effects. Increasingly laser surgeons are looking to expand the scope of their practice and Duarte describes an approach to laser frenulpolasty and subconjunctival chalazion surgery.
With the increased availability of home use devices, Town's analysis of laser and light source hair removal devices is the first of its kind. Finally, Levy evaluates the differences between hyaluronic acid fillers with and without lidocaine. As more and more dermal fillers contain local anesthetic, one can expect to see more of these wonderful studies.