This study evaluates results, adverse side effects and downtime of the protocol 'ActiveFX' for photodamaged facial skin. A non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser with specific settings is used in addition to a new computer pattern generator (CPG). From September 2006 to March 2007, 55 patients underwent this new 'soft' single-session, single-pass and full-face ablative fractional treatment. The patients were evaluated at baseline and 1 and 3 months after the treatment using a five-point scale. Seven aspects of photodamaged skin were recorded: global score, fine lines, mottled pigmentation, sallow complexion, tactile roughness, coarse wrinkles and telangiectasias. The results were compared with a non-parametric statistical test, the Wilcoxon's exact test. Eight patients received a double-pass treatment on the crow's feet regions and the improvement of the coarse wrinkles was analyzed with a quartile grading scale. Significant differences (p<0.05) between baseline and 1 and 3 months post-treatment were observed for all features except telangiectasias. Coarse wrinkles presented a good improvement only in the regions submitted to a double-pass. Minimal and isolated adverse side effects were noted and the downtime was very low. Non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 light treatment ('ActiveFX') can be considered an excellent alternative for photodamaged facial skin.

The intense pulsed light source Photoderm VL can be considered a fast, safe, and effective treatment for facial teleangectasias or vascular marks.

The IPL source, Photoderm VL, can be considered an alternative or a supplement to the existing laser devices for facial teleangectasias treatment.

A new and serious complication was experienced by patients of three independent surgeons following routine augmentation procedures. In each case reported, double-lumen prostheses had been used. All cases were reoperated with a diagnosis of capsular contracture. However, at surgery it was found that the outer lumen of the prostheses had overfilled with 60-160 cc of interstitial fluid, probably because of an osmotic gradient. The possible causes of this unfortunate complication are considered.

No abstract