BACKGROUND Perioral rhytides are a common complaint among dermatologic patients and can be notoriously stubborn and resistant to therapy. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the safety of fractional ablative laser-assisted delivery of topical poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) suspension in the treatment of upper cutaneous lip rhytides. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prospective, single-arm, rater-blinded trial. Ten subjects with moderate to severe upper lip rhytides underwent 3 bimonthly treatments of low-density fractional carbon dioxide laser followed by topical application of PLLA suspension. Wrinkle severity before and after treatment was analyzed using computer-generated analyses. Blinded raters and subjects assessed improvement of wrinkles after treatment using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) (scores ranging from −3 to 3). Adverse events were recorded at each visit. RESULTS Treatments were well tolerated. Other than expected post–laser erythema, no unanticipated adverse events were noted. After 3 treatments, the severity of upper lip wrinkles decreased by an average of 47% (p < .05) as calculated by computer-generated image analyses. Blinded raters and subjects rated wrinkles as much improved after 3 treatments (score of 2 on the GAIS). CONCLUSION Laser-assisted delivery of PLLA is a safe and possibly effective treatment for upper lip rhytides.

BACKGROUND Radiographic imaging has demonstrated muscle hypertrophy after treatment with noninvasive body contouring devices that target skeletal muscles. OBJECTIVE This pilot study sought to evaluate whether increased muscle mass translated to improved functional strength and endurance. METHODS A prospective, single-center, randomized open-label controlled study included 26 subjects randomized into 3 groups: 2 treatment groups and 1 control group. Both treatment groups received 4 neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) treatments over a 2-week period. Muscle performance testing was conducted at baseline and 2-week and 4-week posttreatment. Anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline and at 4-week posttreatment. Study participants completed subject satisfaction surveys and a personal experience assessment. RESULTS Treatment with NMES resulted in statistically significant improvements in abdominal and quadriceps strength and endurance from baseline through 4-week posttreatment. Mean waist circumference decreased and quadriceps circumference increased, both nonsignificantly. Subject satisfaction regarding abdominal and quadriceps strength was reported as "satisfied or very satisfied" in 89% and 92% at 4-week and 8-week posttreatment, respectively. CONCLUSION Treatment of the abdomen and quadriceps with NMES leads to significant improvements in muscular strength and endurance.