Microneedle technique for spider veins tops aesthetics reads for week

Study results showing how a novel insulated microneedle device utilized a low voltage current to treat women with spider veins and produced a low level of complications was among the top-read articles of the past week on Healio.com/Aesthetics.

Other widely read articles included Allergan’s announcement it has entered into agreement to acquire Northwood Medical Innovation Ltd, the developer of a minimally invasive device to correct prominent ears:

Novel microneedle technique effective at treating spider veins in most women

A novel insulated microneedle device utilizing a low voltage current effectively treated most women with spider veins and produced a low level of complications, according to recently published study results.

“This is a simple, effective and inexpensive model to obliterate spider veins without scarring,” researcher Kenna S. Given, MD, FACS, told Healio.com. “This method has a definitive end point, which can be visualized at the time of treatment.” Read more

Allergan agrees to acquire earFold device for correcting prominent ears

Allergan announced it has entered into agreement to acquire Northwood Medical Innovation Ltd, the developer of earFold, a minimally-invasive treatment option for correcting prominent ears, with or without asymmetry, in patients aged 7 years and older.

The implantable medical device received the CE mark earlier this year and is available to accredited plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists and maxillo-facial surgeons primarily in the United Kingdom, according to a press release. Read more

Liposuction significantly increases quality of life in lipedema patients

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — After treatment with liposuction, patients with lipedema showed a significant reduction of subcutaneous fatty tissue, which improved body proportions and overall shape, according to a study presented at the 23rd Annual World Congress of Dermatology.

A total of 164 patients who underwent conservative lipedema therapy over several years were treated with liposuction in tumescent local anesthesia with vibrating microcannulas. Read more

Contoured cohesive gel breast implants by three manufacturers comparable

Contoured cohesive gel breast implants by three different manufacturers were found to have similar low complication rates and high satisfaction rates during a 10-year period, according to study results.

Researchers conducted a prospective study of 695 patients (mean age 42.7 years) who underwent breast implantation with contoured cohesive silicone gel breast implants performed by a single surgeon. Complication rates for three implant manufacturers — Allergan, Mentor and Sientra — were compared. Read more

Evidence for association between silicone gel breast implants, long-term health outcomes inconclusive

Results from a systematic review of studies suggest there is inconclusive evidence about any association between silicone gel breast implants and long-term health outcomes.

The FDA removed silicone gel breast implants from the U.S. market for cosmetic use in 1992 due to safety concerns. The implants were reintroduced in 2006 after FDA approval. Read more