Secondary lymphedema following inguinal lymph node dissection in lower extremities skin cancer reduce the patients' quality of life. Immediate lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) at groin is a procedure intended to prevent secondary lymphedema. The data regarding the long-term efficacy and safety of this procedure was limited. Therefore, we evaluated the long-term outcomes of immediate LVA in patients with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer of the lower extremities. The retrospective data review of patients with melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the lower extremities underwent oncologic tumor resection with groin node dissection between December 2013 and December 2016 was performed. Seven patients underwent immediate LVA (intervention) at groin after node dissection and 22 acted as controls. The occurrence of lymphedema and oncologic outcomes were followed up to 7 years. Fifteen patients (51.7%) developed postoperative lymphedema, which were three patients in the intervention group and twelve patients in the control group (p = 0.68). The intervention group had significant lower 2-year (57.1% versus 77.3%) and 5-year overall survival (14.3% versus 54.5%) (p = 0.035). The intervention group had reduced 2-year (28.6% versus 86.4%) and 5-year (28.6% versus 68.2%) Recurrence Free Survival (RFS) (p = 0.013). The intervention group also had reduced 2-year (0% versus 90%) and 5-year (0% versus 70%) Metastasis Free Survival (MFS) (p = 0.003). Immediate inguinal LVA following groin node dissection in lower extremity skin cancer patients did not reduce the incidence of lymphedema. Unfortunately, it was associated with lower overall survival and an increase in tumor recurrence and metastasis.

Background Hypertrophic scars cause aesthetic concerns and negatively affect the quality of life. A gold standard treatment for hypertrophic scars has not been established due to various responses of modalities. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive and affects scar remodeling by fibroblast regulation. This study investigated the effectiveness of ESWT for hypertrophic scars. Methods Twenty-nine patients were enrolled. All patients underwent ESWT once a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Their scars were assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), erythema index, melanin index, and scar pliability before treatment and again 4 weeks after treatment completion. Results Thirty-four hypertrophic scars in this study had persisted for between 6 months and 30 years. Most scars developed after surgical incision (55.88%). The chest and upper extremities were the predominant areas of occurrence (35.29% each). Most of the POSAS subscales and total scores were significantly improved 4 weeks after treatment (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the pain, itching, and pigmentation subscale were improved. The pliability, melanin index, and erythema index were also improved, but without significance. The patients were satisfied with the results and symptoms alleviation, although subjective score changes were insignificant. No serious adverse events were found. The patients reported pruritus in 62.5% and good pain tolerance in 37.5%. Subgroup analyses found no differences in scar etiologies or properties at different parts of the body. Conclusion The ESWT is a modality for hypertrophic scar treatment with promising results. Most of POSAS subscales were significantly improved.

Background: Plasma, the fourth state of matter, has been widely proposed in antiaging medicine. The usage of low-temperature plasma (LTP), which converts nitrogen gas into plasma, demonstrates releasing of several growth factors and promotion of tissue regeneration. The nonchromophore-dependent property and preservation of skin architecture after treatment make LTP an interesting tool for facial rejuvenation. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of LTP for facial rejuvenation. Methods: A prospective cohort study involving 40 women who received full face LTP treatment once a week for 5 consecutive sessions. The melanin index, erythema index, and elasticity index were measured by Mexameter and Cutometer, respectively. The Fitzpatrick wrinkle scale and quartile grading scale were assessed by two plastic surgeons. Results: All patients were between 26 and 55 years old and had mild-to-moderate Fitzpatrick wrinkle scale scores. The Fitzpatrick wrinkle scale scores showed a mean improvement of 0.47 and 0.89 at 4 and 12 weeks posttreatment (P < 0.001). Statistically significant improvements in melanin index, erythema index, and elasticity index at periorbital and perioral areas were found at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment (P < 0.001). Most subjects had quartile grading scale improvement of 51%–75% at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Patients reported a greater than 75% improvement in dyspigmentation, wrinkles, and elasticity in 60%, 50%, and 57.5% of subjects, respectively. Conclusion: LTP is another choice for facial rejuvenation, wrinkles reduction, and dyspigmentation with significantly improved results.

Lupus panniculitis (LP) often presents with tender nodules and intermittent ulcers that then heal with scarring and lipoatrophy. The current mainstay of treatment is medical treatment. Research regarding the treatment of lipoatrophy from LP with autologous fat grafting is limited. We would like to share our experience in this rare case, which was treated with autologous fat transfer. A 48-year-old female presented with erythematous plaque, tender nodules, and ulcers following by a depression of the lesion at the left temporal area. The patient also had indurated erythematous plaque at her left cheek. Both lesions were aggravated by sunlight exposure. After several investigations, she was diagnosed as LP with secondary lipoatrophy and tumid lupus erythematosus at her left temporal and left cheek, respectively. She received antimalarial drug and topical steroids. The patient underwent two sessions of autologous fat transfer. She was satisfied with the volume and contour improvement in the scar following the injection of 8 and 3.7 mL of fat. Furthermore, the patient reported the remission of tender nodules and ulcers since the first fat graft injection. In conclusion, the autologous fat transfer is a simple and effective treatment for lipoatrophy and scar secondary to LP with promising results.

Introduction: This study is to examine the reduction in wound size between the LTAPP and the control group and also investigate the wound healing effect factor. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at five study centers. Participated patients were between 18–80 years old who had pressure ulcer wound(s) and excluded patients with high risk or receiving other treatment such as previous radiation therapy in the affected area, pregnancy, sepsis, and immunocompromised host. The study divided participant into LTAPP group and standard of care (SOC) group, the LTAPP group would received a dressing of non-Ag materials and administer LTAPP for 1 min per 1 cm ² (maximum of 20 min). The SOC group would received standard dressing wound protocol. Both groups would be followed until the end of study (ninth visit) or until the wound healed. Results: When considering patients who attended follow-up ≥4 visits, only 45 ulcers were eligible, of which consisted of 21 ulcers in the LTAPP group and 24 ulcers in the SOC group. The results showed significant healing rate of the LTAPP group, whether to be the wound size: wound area and wound volume, wound healing: exudate reduction, granulation and lesser necrotic tissue or Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) score. The LTAPP group had better bacterial load reduction without the use of tropical antibiotic, this also signified the quality in bacterial eradication of LTAPP. Conclusion: LTAPP showed outstanding performance in treating pressure ulcer wounds. The LTAPP gave greater outcome in wound size, wound healing indicators, microbiological analyses and cost-effective comparison. Although, the absence of statistical significance, it did not affect the outcome trends. This study suggested further investigation of the potential role of LTAPP therapy in different wound types in near future.