Needle Type May Impact Pain Levels with Neurotoxin Injections

When it comes to minimizing pain during neurotoxin procedures, a 32-gauge needle may be a better choice than a 30-gauge needle. A new study compared injection discomfort between 30-gauge and 32-gauge needles, evaluating 20 patients who were injected with both needles. For facial injections, investigators found that the likelihood of clinically significant pain was significantly greater with 30-gauge needles, which were associated with such pain in eight patients compared with the 32-gauge needles, which were associated with such pain in three patients. Thus, the authors recommended use of 32-gauge needles to potentially minimize discomfort in patients prone to experience clinically significant pain with facial injections.

— JAMA Dermatol. 2015 Sep 9:1-6.

Suneva Medical: Bellafill Study is Largest, Longest Post-market Clinical Evaluation of Dermal Filler

Billed as the largest and longest post-market clinical evaluation of a dermal filler, a new study reported by Suneva Medical shows high levels of patient satisfaction and favorable safety outcomes five-years post-treatment. With an 87 percent retention rate, the study showed that a majority of patients (83 percent) were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with outcomes five years after treatment.

The five-year satisfaction study enrolled 1,008 patients at 23 US study centers. Patients were treated to optimal correction (allowing for touch-up injections, if needed) then followed for five years after the last injection. In all, 83 percent of subjects were “satisfied” to “very satisfied” with outcomes with their Bellafill treatment at the conclusion of the five-year study. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) in patients was 11.7 percent, however the investigators also pointed out that there were no treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs).

Article Offers Expert Tips for Injecting Fillers into the TemporaL Fossa

A new article highlights techniques for achieving optimal results injecting fillers into the temporal fossa for a more balanced and youthful facial structure. Some of the techniques the authors describe for altering the temporal fossa include a “fanned” pattern of injections, highly diluted filler injection, and a three-injection approach they describe in greater detail. Complications of filler in the temporal fossa include bruising, tenderness, swelling, Tyndall effect, overcorrection, and chewing discomfort, the others observe. They conclude that understanding and preparing for complications is key, as is the use of reversible hyaluronic acid fillers and hyaluronidase they concluded.

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015 Sep;14(3):254-9.

Cynosure Unveils Hyperthermic Laser for Non-invasive Fat Reduction

Cynosure, Inc. introduced SculpSure, a hyperthermic laser treatment for non-invasive fat reduction, at a recent investor event. Hosted by Cynosure Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Davin, President and Chief Financial Officer Timothy Baker and Executive Vice President of Worldwide Sales Douglas Delaney, the event highlighted how the technology works in the company’s business model for global marketing. In addition, Dr. Bruce Katz detailed the clinical experience with SculpSure and demonstrated the treatment protocol. The webcast of the event is available on the “Investors” section of the Company’s website, www.cynosure.com, where it will be archived for 90 days.

Fillers for Hand Rejuvenation

“We found that patients were extremely satisfied with the Radiesse injections. It was very simple to do; we used little needles to inject the Radiesse. There were very few side effects, mostly bruising and swelling, and they had excellent results.”

- Bruce Katz, MD, principal investigator
for Radiesse for hands trial

In a recent edition of MATV News from Modern Aesthetics® magazine, Dr. Bruce Katz recounts his experiences as a clinical investigator on the clinical trials that led to the approval of Radiesse for the treatment of hands. Visit DermTube.com to see the full interview.

Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia in Cryolipolysis: Underreported?

The incidence of Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) may be underreported, according to a new study. PAH is a rare adverse effect in which patients develop painless, firm, and well-demarcated tissue masses in the treatment areas approximately three to six months following cryolipolysis. Reporting on two cases out of 422 cryolipolysis treated patients, investigators noted that histopathologic examination of the subcutaneous tissue mass showed an increased number of adipocytes, fibrosis, and scar tissue in the treated areas when compared to controls. No lipoblasts, a marker of malignant neoplastic proliferation, were identified on the histopathologic examination of the affected tissues. In summary, the authors noted, more investigation will be needed to understanding the mechanism of action of PAH.

—Lasers Surg. Med. 47:476-478, 2015.

Solta Medical Launches Clear + Brilliant pelo for Laser Hair Removal

Solta Medical, a division of Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC launched its Clear + Brilliant pelo™ laser for permanent hair reduction. The device uses a novel linear scanning approach with integrated contact cooling to deliver the effectiveness of current best-in-class diode laser hair removal technology with the fastest and largest treatment area available (50mm by 15mm). In addition, an all-inclusive subscription model will provide ease-of-mind and simplicity in ensuring consistent device performance and dependable support, according to the company. Clear + Brilliant pelo will first be made exclusively available to current Solta Medical customers in the U.S, with full release scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2015. n