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Biomedical subjects

Suzanne L Kilmer

Publications and source records attributed to Suzanne L Kilmer.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Complications of laser dermatologic surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Innovations in lasers, light and radiofrequency devices have allowed for improved therapeutic efficacy and safety and the ability to treat patients with an ever-increasing number of medical and aesthetic indications. Safety remains a primary concern and the timely communication of complications and their management is vital to insure that treatments be as safe as possible. The purpose of this report on the Proceedings of the First International Laser Surgery Morbidity Meeting is to provide laser experts the opportunity to present and discuss complications that their patients have experienced and how they were successfully managed. METHODS: Laser experts were invited to present complications of laser, light, and radiofrequency treatments that their patients have experienced and to discuss the potential mechanisms leading to the complications their management and final outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen unique cases are presented and the clinical management of each case discussed. Eighteen sets of pre- and post-operative photos are presented. CONCLUSION: This report shows that even experts, with extensive experience using light-based therapies, can and do have patients who develop complications. Sound clinical judgment, and knowing how to avoid complications and their timely post-operative management, is essential to insure optimal therapeutic outcome.

Cicatrix↗
PubMed2006

Safe and effective carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing of the neck.

CO2 laser skin resurfacing remains the gold standard for treatment of photoaged facial skin. It can be used onto the neck to further blend in the treated area with non-treated, adjacent photodamaged skin as well as improve the superficial textural quality of the neck skin. This article provides an overview of laser skin resurfacing of the neck, including pre-operative evaluation, patient education and selection, laser settings and technique used, post-operative care, and identification and treatment of possible complications.

Anesthetics, Combined↗
PubMed2005

Does laser inactivate botulinum toxin?

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin is a popular and effective treatment for dynamic rhytids. It is a neurotoxic protein complex that exerts its effect by inhibiting acetylcholine release at the presynaptic neuromuscular junction. Nonablative resurfacing treatments have also become well liked by patients and physicians owing to the minimal downtime associated with treatment. Currently, same-day nonablative laser treatments are performed prior to botulinum toxin injection owing to the concern that the laser may inactivate it. On occasion, it may be desirable to perform nonablative laser after the botulinum toxin has been injected (ie, patient afterthought, scheduling concern). OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of nonablative rejuvenation laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) immediately following botulinum toxin injections has any effect on the efficacy of the botulinum toxin treatment. METHODS: Nineteen subjects received botulinum toxin injections to either the glabellar or crow's-feet areas. One side of the treated glabellar or periorbital area was treated with either VBeam laser (Candela, Wayland, MA, USA), SmoothBeam laser (Candela), CoolGlide laser (Cutera, Brisbane, CA, USA), or an IPL or radiofrequency (RF) device within 10 minutes of botulinum toxin injection. Pretreatment and 2-week post-treatment photographs were compared. RESULTS: No decrease in the efficacy of botulinum toxin denervation was observed when glabellar or perioral areas were treated with VBeam laser, SmoothBeam laser, CoolGlide laser, or an IPL or RF device within 10 minutes of botulinum toxin injection. CONCLUSION: Patients may be treated with several nonablative lasers and IPL or RF devices immediately after botulinum toxin injection without loss of efficacy or other apparent untoward effect.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Combined nonablative rejuvenation techniques.

BACKGROUND: Nonablative technologies have been used for fine lines and improvement of skin texture without significant downtime. Nonablative technologies may also be used in combination. OBJECTIVE: To present a brief review on nonablative technologies and discuss using nonablative procedures in combination and with other adjunctive therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the literature was done to identify combination nonablative studies. We also discuss our own experience in combining these procedures. RESULTS: Various nonablative technologies can be used together, often with better outcomes and fewer treatments. CONCLUSION: Nonablative and adjunctive treatments should be performed in combination to optimize the results. Much of the information in this publication is from personal experience and expresses the opinions of these authors while citing relevant literature and studies.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed2004

Hair removal using a combination radio-frequency and intense pulsed light source.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The long-term removal of unwanted hair is achieved by many laser and intense pulse light sources. One limitation is the treatment of individuals with dark skin. The light energy with the current systems has to penetrate through the epidermis before being absorbed by the hair follicle. In individuals with dark skin the high melanin concentration in the epidermis absorbs high energies that can lead to complications. The objective of our study was to study a new system that combines optical energy, intense pulsed light (IPL), with radio frequency (RF). This allows for the use of less optical energy due to the addition of RF energy. The lower optical fluence allows for safer treatment of darker skin types. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter study, in which 87 patients were enrolled. A single treatment was performed on a specified body site. Twenty-one of the 69 subjects that completed the study had skin types IV-VI. Each subject was evaluated at 1, 7, 30, and 90 days after the treatment session. RESULTS: Hair counts were significantly reduced from baseline after one treatment by an average of 46%. Individual patient data showed that the percentage in hair count reduction achieved ranged from 0 to 100%, with 43% of the patients having a 50% or greater decrease. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of optical energy and RF when delivered simultaneously achieves effective hair reduction with the use of less optical energy, allowing for the safe treatment of all skin types.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Sebaceous hyperplasia treated with a 1450-nm diode laser.

BACKGROUND: Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign proliferation of the sebaceous gland. Previous treatment options have included isotretinoin, destructive modalities, and pulsed-dye laser. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a 1450-nm diode laser for the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia. METHODS: Ten patients with sebaceous hyperplasia were treated one to five times with a 1450-nm diode laser. Fluences of 16 to 17 J/cm2 were used, with cooling durations of 40 to 50 ms. Patients and physicians evaluated treated lesions for improvement. Measured areas of treated lesions were also recorded. RESULTS: In most cases, patients and physicians rated improvement as "very good" or better. After two to three treatments, 84% of lesions shrunk greater than 50%, and 70% shrunk greater than 75%. Adverse effects were unusual; one atrophic scar and one case of transient hyperpigmentation were observed. CONCLUSION: The 1450-nm diode laser is effective and safe for the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia.

Humans↗
PubMed2003

Full-face laser resurfacing using a supplemented topical anesthesia protocol.

BACKGROUND: Laser resurfacing has become a popular modality for the treatment of photodamaged skin, rhytids, and acne scarring. In many cases, this procedure is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation in conjunction with nerve blocks and local infiltration. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of facial carbon dioxide laser resurfacing using a supplemented topical anesthesia protocol. DESIGN: Nonrandomized case series of patients observed for 1 year. SETTING: Outpatient surgery center. PATIENTS: Two hundred consecutive patients undergoing treatment for facial rhytids or acne scarring. Intervention Full-face carbon dioxide laser resurfacing procedures were performed using a supplemented topical anesthesia protocol. Pretreatment medications included diazepam, oral analgesics, and intramuscular ketorolac tromethamine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tolerability of procedure, healing times, and adverse effects. RESULTS: Topical anesthesia provided effective and sufficient anesthesia in most cases. Only 10 of 200 patients required additional anesthesia (regional nerve blocks and/or local infiltration). Substantial improvement of rhytids, photodamage, and acne scarring was observed. Posttreatment hypopigmentation was seen in 1 patient. Scarring was not observed. Conclusion A supplemented topical anesthesia protocol for full-face laser resurfacing is a safe and effective alternative to traditional anesthesia strategies.

Acne Vulgaris↗