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Keypoints:
- The region of the lower neck and chest area is a constant point of aesthetic focus
- This study shows that combination treatment with the Obagi Nu_Derm System and fractional laser treatment is an effective and safe way to manage wrinkles in the décolleté region
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Dr. Gupta
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LOMA LINDA, CALIF. — A team of researchers has completed the initial testing phases on a new combination-therapy protocol for rejuvenating the skin of the neck and chest. The research team was led by Subhas Gupta, M.D., chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California, and plastic surgeon Allen Gabriel, M.D., Tammi Wharton, R.N., and Michael Matus, M.S.2, of the university's Medical Center. Their research focused on treating dynamic décolleté rhytids through the dual use of fractional laser therapy and a physician-prescribed skin-care system called the Obagi Nu-Derm System®.
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DÉCOLLETÉ DEFINED "The word 'décolleté' literally translates to 'uncover the neck,' and this region of the lower neck and chest area is a constant point of aesthetic focus," says Dr. Gupta. "As the demand for maintaining youthful features is ever increasing, a décolleté area with minimal wrinkles and good skin tautness is considered essential by today's patients. Dynamic décolleté rhytids often appear in females around age 35, and without intervention, frequently become static by 50. It is therefore crucial to address and treat any lack of tautness in the skin before irreversible damage occurs in this challenging area," he explains.
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STUDY SPECIFIC According to Dr. Gupta, little data has been collected on techniques to improve this region of the neck and chest. He says common regimes employ topical agents and chemical peels as well as laser and light technologies. "Limited improvements in skin texture, surface and tautness have been reported with these techniques," he tells
Cosmetic Surgery Times
. "In our study, we wanted to build upon the well-established success of two safe technologies, and we believe our study illustrates that dual treatment with the Obagi Nu-Derm System, followed by fractional laser treatment, is an effective and safe method in the management of décolleté wrinkles. It is our opinion, therefore, that this approach should be considered a primary treatment for décolleté rhytids."
According to Long Beach, Calif.-based Obagi Medical Products Inc., treatment with its multi-ingredient system accelerates cellular turnover by penetrating to the skin's cellular level and improving cell function, which in turn helps resolve age-related damage and gives the skin a more youthful appearance. Dr. Gupta says the study consisted of two phases conducted in 12 women over a three-month period. "Each patient began a modified Obagi protocol in the décolleté area as phase one," he explains. "At the six-week mark, each patient underwent three fractional laser treatments. We used a Palomar 1540 nm fractional laser for this aspect, and the treatments were evenly spaced throughout the second six-week period. The Obagi protocol was continued throughout the entire three-month period."
Dr. Gupta says pinch tests were used as a way to monitor the change in skin tautness over the duration of the study. Six measurements and photographs were recorded.
