BACKGROUND Over the past decade, 2 major modalities for noninvasive skin tightening have emerged: monopolar capacitive-coupled radiofrequency (MRF) and microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V). Up to date, no comparative clinical trials have been performed. OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of MRF versus MFU-V for the lifting and tightening of the face and neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty subjects with mild to moderate skin laxity received MFU-V over one-side of the face and MRF over the other side of the face at the same time. Subjects were followed for 6 months. RESULTS Both MRF and MFU-V led to a decrease in the Fasil Face and Neck Laxity Grading Scale (FLR). These differences became significant at Day 30 and remained significantly improved through Days 90 and 180 in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the FLR Scale between MRF-treated and MFU-V–treated sides. Subjects' Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale showed improvement at Day 30, 90, and 180. CONCLUSION Both MRF and MFU-V led to significant improvement in face and neck laxity. There were no statistical differences between MRF and MFU-V in standardized investigator measures of face and neck laxity, patient satisfaction, and adverse events.

INTRODUCTION Jawline augmentation with calcium hydroxylapatite has not yet been evaluated in a prospective study with a split-face design. This study aims to perform the first randomized controlled, split-face study on the efficacy and safety of calcium hydroxylapatite for jawline augmentation using the needle and cannula technique. OBJECTIVE To perform the first randomized controlled, split-face study on the efficacy and safety of calcium hydroxylapatite for jawline augmentation using the needle and cannula technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a single-site, randomized, evaluator-blind trial enrolling a total of 10 healthy subjects with at least Grade 1 (mild) on a 4-point Jawline Scale. One side of the face was randomized to receive 1 to 2 syringes of calcium hydroxylapatite with lidocaine (total of 3 mL) for correction of wrinkles and folds along the jawline using both the cannula and needle method, and a balancing treatment will be performed 1 month later. Blinded investigator and subject evaluations will be performed immediately after treatment and at the 30-, 60-, and 90-day visits. RESULTS Ten subjects were enrolled and completed the trial. There was a improvement in the degree of wrinkling and skin sagging in the 4-point Jawline Scale, with an average of a 1.3-point improvement in the scale on the day of treatment and at the Day 30 visit, which remained improved greater than baseline after 3 months as graded by blinded investigators. The Clinician Global Aesthetic Improvement Score for the treated side versus control, as assessed by blinded investigators, demonstrated a improvement with a 2.3-point improvement on the 5-point scale, and by the final visit on Day 90, most patients had a much improved appearance from baseline. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that calcium hydroxylapatite is effective and safe for restoration and augmentation of the jawline using the unique needle and cannula technique.

BACKGROUND Skin laxity of the upper knee and lower thigh is a common complaint among patients. OBJECTIVE This is a randomized, double-blinded, split-body, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) for treatment of upper knee skin laxity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty female subjects between the ages of 30 and 65 years with upper knee laxity were enrolled. The patients were randomized to receive 3 treatments of PLLA in 1 knee, whereas the other knee received 3 treatments of bacteriostatic water. RESULTS Statistically significant improvement as rated on the physician global aesthetic improvement scale was seen at Day 56 after final treatment in the active knee when compared with the placebo knee. This improvement was sustained at Day 84 and Day 168 after final treatment visits. No statistically significant difference was seen between the active and placebo knees on the subject global aesthetic score or the subject satisfaction scale. CONCLUSION Based on our study, PLLA may be a safe and effective modality in addressing upper knee skin laxity. Larger studies with longer follow-up times and a validated knee laxity scale are needed to further determine if and how much improvement can be achieved.

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The result of this study showed that more years of experience was significantly associated with reported utilization of flaps or grafts in practice. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between years in practice and number of stages per case.