Two of the most exciting areas of energy based cosmetic treatments are non-invasive body contouring and facial resurfacing. In recent editions of the Journal, many manuscripts have focused on non-invasive body contouring. This month the focus is on facial resurfacing. Chen starts with a look at the treatment of acne scarring with a fractional carbon dioxide laser. This study is followed by Tenna's pilot study, also on acne scars, that evaluates the use of combined fractional CO2 laer and radiofrequency treatment. Gold also looks at the treatment of acne scars with a bipolar radio-frequency device while our research group evaluated the same device in the treatment of Fitzpatrick Skin Types V-VI.
The next four papers describe various laser and light based technologies used either alone or in combination with other treatments for a variety of cosmetic purposes. Riberio looks at the role of cyclooxygenase during tissue repair induced by low level laser therapy. Liu and Farshi look at combinations of treatment that may lead to better results. Liu evaluates the treatment of port wine stains with a combination of topical 5- ALA with pulsed dye laser treatment while Farshi evaluates a combination of finasteride solution and intense pulsed light in the treatment of facial hirsuitism. The final manuscript from Hassan evaluates methods of evaluation of erythema and pigment following treatment with energy based and/or topical therapies.