Dr. Robyn Siperstein, a dermatologist in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, Fla., says don’t limit energy-based devices to cosmetic dermatology. Next Steps in Derm, in partnership with the ODAC Dermatology Conference, interviewed Dr. Siperstein. Watch as she shares three medical conditions where she’s found success using devices originally developed for cosmetic use. Learn why microneedling with radiofrequency is a valuable treatment option to consider in patients with darker skin who have hypertrophic scars. Hear Dr. Siperstein’s experience in using lasers for acne, and why a recent development can make this treatment option more accessible. Plus hear how Dr. Siperstein developed a new way of treating senile purpura and the treatment’s potential chemopreventative impact.
Further Reading
If you want to read more about energy-based devices, check out the following articles published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology:
A Review of Energy-Based Device Interventions to Treat Keloid Scars
ABSTRACT
Keloids are thickened raised scars that develop due to injury and grow beyond the boundaries of their original wound, mostly affecting individuals with skin of color. This review explores the use of energy-based devices to treat keloids, both using laser monotherapy and in combination with other drugs. Laser therapy alone has shown efficacy in treating keloids. Combination laser therapy has better keloid reduction when administered with steroids, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and verapamil. However, monotherapy has had less adverse reactions including dermal atrophy and local pain. Therefore, physician discretion is essential when considering treatment. This review highlights the efficacy of energy-based devices (EBDs), alone and in combination. It also reveals the need to have tailored approaches with patients. Further research is needed to develop more comprehensive treatment standards for keloids using EBDs alone or in combination.
ABSTRACT
Gold microparticles are indicated as an accessory to 1064 nm lasers to facilitate photo-thermal heating of sebaceous glands for treating mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris (Sebacia Microparticles, Coronado Aesthetics LLC, Southlake, TX). The following study assessed the safety and clinical benefit of gold microparticles/laser therapy when used together with commercially available topical acne products. Healthy patients, 12 to 45 years old with mild-to-moderate inflammatory facial acne were prescribed a topical pre-treatment retinoid for 3 to 4 weeks. The gold microparticle suspension was then applied to the entire face and massaged into the skin. The laser procedure was performed with commercially available 1064 nm Nd:YAG lasers with fluence in the 20 to 35 J/cm2 range, a 30 ms pulse duration, and direct cooling. Among participants completing the study (N=52), the mean percent change in inflammatory lesion counts (ILC) was -55% at month 2, reaching -68% at month 12. At that time, 86% of participants achieved a 40% decrease in ILC and 75% achieved a 60% decrease in ILC. Mean Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) Scale scores decreased by 41.6% from 2.4 at day 0 to 1.4 at month 12. The percentage of participants with clear or almost clear skin increased from 7% at day 0 to 59% at month 12. Acne therapy with topically applied gold microparticles followed by 1064 nm laser irradiation is an effective treatment for moderate to moderately severe acne. The treatment was well-tolerated with a high degree of participant satisfaction.
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