Gingival depigmentation with scalpel and diode laser

Melanin, a nonhemoglobin-derived brown pigment, is the most common of the endogenous pigments and is produced by melanocytes present in the basal layer of the epithelium. Gingival hyperpigmentation is caused by excessive deposition of melanin located in the basal and suprabasal cell layers of the epithelium. Pigmentation of gingiva not just has an impact on esthetics but also creates psychological negativity. Though a wide range of techniques are available to manage this condition. Depigmentation procedures such as scalpel surgery, gingivectomy with free gingival autografting, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemical agents such as 90% phenol and 95% alcohol, abrasion with diamond bur, Nd: YAG laser, semiconductor diode laser, and CO laser have been employed for removal of melanin hyper pigmentation. The following case report describes two different surgical depigmentation techniques scalpel technique and lasers. Better results of depigmentation were achieved with diode laser than conventional scalpel with respect to esthetics and less postoperative discomfort.

THE 4T REJUVENATION: ASSOCIATION OF PAN-FACIAL PMMA FILLING, FRACTIONAL CARBON DIOXIDE LASER, RADIOFREQUENCY, AND BOTULINUM TOXIN

Introduction: The use of associated less invasive techniques can be an alternative skin rejuvenation treatment. Objective: To demonstrate the efcacy and safety of the 4T treatment. Methods: Retrospective study of patients that underwent rejuvenation treatment using 4 different techniques simultaneously: polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) lling, fractional CO laser, 2 radiofrequency, and botulinum toxin. More than 1,400 patients who underwent this treatment between December 2009 and July 2019 were analyzed. Results were very good in all patients submitted to the 4T technique as documented by pic Results: tures, assessment of the medical team and by the patients. Follow-up was similar to the single use of CO2 laser with edema for 2-3 days, additional 3-4 days until complete skin scaling and decrease of the swelling (downtime 5-7 days). It was possible to reestablish the natural volumetric loss caused by ageing and there were no complications in any patient. Conclusion: Treatment with the 4T technique is effective and safe for facial rejuvenation and can enhance a good aesthetic result as assessed by physicians and patients.