Tattooing has existed in humankind's culture since the onset of civilization. Tattoo removal attempts are also very ancient. The following current methods are reported for the removal of tattoos: dermabrasion, surgical excision, and laser procedures. The most commonly used lasers for tattoo removal are: QS-Nd:YAG (1,064 and 532nm), QS-Ruby (694nm) and QS-Alexandrite (755nm). The present review is aimed at studying the action mechanism of lasers for tattoo removal and the correct indication for each type of pigment, in addition to describing complications and the best manner of preventing them.

Keywords: LASERS; LASER THERAPY; TATTOOING.

Introduction The pigment mainly responsible for the color of the skin, melanin is directly influenced by exposure to sunlight. Objective: The present study assessed the effects of solar radiation on the levels of melanin in areas exposed and not exposed to the sun, taking into consideration the seasonality of exposure. Methods: Melanin levels were evaluated on the forehead, sacral region, and forearm, in the post-summer and post-winter periods, using spectrophotometry. Results: The levels of melanin after winter were lower than those after summer in the forehead (168.1 vs. 177.0), sacral region (132.0 vs. 140.4), and forearm (218.7 vs. 260. 4), with a statistically significant reduction only in the forearm (p<0.0001).Additionally, erythema was significantly less intense in the forearm and forehead (p<0.0001 and p=0.002) after winter than after summer. Conclusion: The significant reduction of melanin levels in the forearm after winter reinforces the influence of seasonality on skin pigmentation changes to body areas exposed to the sun without protection.The small variation in the levels of melanin found in the unexposed area (sacrum) confirms that the effect of exposure to the sun on the levels of melanin is predominantly local. Increased production of melanin is directly related to local exposure to UV rays.

Keywords: MELANINS; ERYTHEMA;SOLAR RADIATION; PIGMENTATION.

Introduction: Periorbital hyperchromia or "dark circles" is a common complaint, due to the fact that it interferes with patients' self-esteem. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of periorbital hyperchromia and its possible etiopathogenetic factors in a population sample drawn from a state and university dermatology service in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional, prospective study. Data collection questionnaire given to patients who visited the Dermatology Department of UFCSPA, from November 2011 to April 2012. Results: From a total of 220 investigated patients, there was a predominance of women with skin phototypes 2 and 3 and a mean age of 42.2 years.The use of sunscreen and corrective makeup were seen in 59.8% and 40.4% of studied patients, respectively. Presence of septal deviation was observed in 6.8% of patients, snoring at night in 48.4%, asthma in 15.1%, rhinitis in 44.7%, atopic dermatitis in 11.2%, mouth breathing in 20.1% and other types of allergy in 28.6%. Half of the sample mentioned sleeping 5 to 7 hours per night. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity were reported by 19.2%, 32.9% and 42.9% of patients, respectively.A family history of dark circles was described in 63.7% of cases. Conclusions: periorbital hyperchromia predominated in women of low skin phototypes, during their 4th decade of life and who reported daily use of sunscreen, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, allergies, sleep deprivation, and a family history of dark circles.

Keywords: EYES; QUALITY OF LIFE; DERMATOLOGY.

Introduction: Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions, representing a constant challenge to dermatologists, especially in severe cases as nodulocystic acne, which can be resistant to medicament based treatment. Traditional therapy includes topical and oral drugs that are not always effective and often lead to bacterial resistance and side effects. The use of lasers in the treatment of inflammatory acne has increased lately due to the ease, clinical efficacy, and minimal side effects of this type of therapy. Objective: To evaluate the effects of fractional laser in patients with nodulocystic acne resistant to treatment with isotretinoin. Methods: Application of laser therapy sessions with Nd:YAP in 9 patients. Assessment of the degree of patient satisfaction and comparison of photographs taken before and after treatment by dermatologists not linked to the study. Results: Average reduction of 65% in inflammatory lesions, satisfaction of all patients who underwent treatment, and approval in the assessment carried out by dermatologists. Conclusions: The fractional Nd:YAP laser was proven effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne and may represent a new therapeutic option for this pathology, especially for patients who do not respond to conventional treatment.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; LASERS; LASER THERAPY.

Introduction: Intradermotherapy with poly-revitalization is an additional therapeutic option for the treatment of photodamage. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intradermotherapy treatment and skin rejuvenation results due to the use of injectable poly-revitalizing substance constituted of antioxidants, vitamin complexes, amino acids, coenzymes, and hyaluronic acid without crosslinking. Method: A retrospective, monocentric, open and non-comparative clinical study with 30 female patients who underwent 5 applications of injectable poly-revitalizing substance in the face. The photographs were analyzed and compared by blinded investigators and the medical professional who applied the treatment. Dermal thickness and density were analyzed and compared through ultrasonography. Result: Increased dermal thickness and density verified through ultrasonography. Clinical improvement was observed through pre- and post-application photographs. Conclusion: Intradermotherapy with the studied poly-revitalizing substance was proven to be a good therapeutic option for the treatment of photodamage.

Keywords: SKIN AGING; MESOTHERAPY; ULTRASONOGRAPHY.

Introduction: The lower eyelid is often the site of basal cell carcinomas, with Mohs micrographic surgery (which allows precise histological control with maximum tissue preservation) being the ideal method for their treatment. Tumors that invade the posterior lamella cause full-thickness defects of the lower eyelid, for which several reconstruction techniques have been described with composite grafts. However, few authors use the helix of the ear as a donor area. Objective: To describe the applicability of ear helix composite grafts in the reconstruction of the lower eyelid. Methods: Retrospective study of a series of 6 cases of basal cell carcinoma in the lower eyelid, with tarsal invasion, operated through Mohs micrographic surgery in a private specialist service in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. All patients had full-thickness defects, and had undergone reconstruction of the posterior lamella through chondroperichondrial graft of the ear helix. The anterior lamella was reconstructed with the remaining eyelid tissue mobilization or with an advancement flap. Patients were assessed for functional capacity and aesthetics. Results: There was complete adaptation of the perichondrium to the conjunctiva, after contact with the eyeball for 8 weeks. All patients with mild escleral show without ectropion. Conclusions: Despite the small sample, all patients had excellent cosmetic and functional results.

Keywords: EYELID NEOPLASMS; CARCINOMA, BASAL CELL; MOHS SURGERY; EAR CARTILAGE.

Introduction: The best option for treating distensible acne scars is cutaneous filling, however many such lesions cannot be seen properly under traditional lighting. Objective: To investigate whether an LED light spot helps in the technique of filling acne scars with hyaluronic acid. Methods: Twelve patients were treated with and without the diagonal and posterior focus of LED lighting. The patients themselves and two physicians deemed that the treatment has provided improvement. The median percentage of improvement attributed by the patients was 60% (without LED lighting) and 70% (with LED lighting). Results: The average median percentage of improvement attributed by the physicians was 55.0% / 65.0% (without LED lighting) and 70.0% / 72.5% (with LED lighting). Conclusion: The use of diagonal and posterior LED light spots enhances outcomes and patient satisfaction rates.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; CICATRIX; HYALURONIC ACID.

Extramammary Paget's disease is a rare cutaneous neoplasm typically occurring in the vulva of Caucasian women after menopause. Clinically, the most common symptom is pruritus, when an erythematous, desquamative and eczematous lesion can be observed. Due to the rarity and nonspecific appearance of the disease, it can be confused with other dermatological conditions, delaying diagnosis. The present case demonstrates a form of vulvar extramammary unilateral Paget's disease confirmed by anatomical pathologic and immunohistochemical study. The standard treatment used for the disease in this case was surgical and the patient underwent complete excision of the lesion, with continued monitoring every six months.

Keywords: GENITAL NEOPLASMS, FEMALE; VULGAR NEOPLASMS; VULVAR DISEASES; PAGET DISEASE, EXTRAMAMMARY.

Skin cancer is the main neoplasia in both men and women. Basal cell carcinoma is the primary type of head and neck tumor, comprising 25% of nasal tumors. The treatment of choice is exeresis, which often presents a challenge to the dermatologic surgeon, who must achieve an oncologic cure along with a good aesthetic result. The options for nasal reconstruction are diverse, and some are high in complexity, preventing their common use. The authors present the reconstruction of the nasal dorsum using a flap from de glabellar area, a safe procedure with low surgical complexity and performed in a single step, making it a good option for large lesions of the nasal dorsum.

Keywords: SURGICAL FLAPS; NOSE; CARCINOMA, BASAL CELL.

The use of injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) in wrinkle filling and facial volumization is well established in the dermatological practice. While complications are rare, techniques for their management should be known by the dermatologist. Nodules may occur with the use of deeper application fillers, and the treatment is similar to that used for the more superficial and less viscous fillers. The use of a thinner cannula may reduce this risk, especially in areas where the dermis is thinner.

Keywords: HYALURONIC ACID; ACCIDENTS; DERMIS.

Introduction: Cosmiatric procedures are common in dermatology and products with moisturizing action are recommended in the post-procedure period in order to accelerate reepithelialization. Objective: To evaluate a formulation containing a skin barrier reparative complex, applied in the period after chemical exfoliation, used to reduce discomfort and improve skin hydration. Methods: Comparative, randomized clinical study with 52 volunteer patients. The patients were divided into two groups and had all undergone exfoliation with 5% retinoic acid. Clinical assessment and biophysical technique measurements were performed during visits 1 (D0) to 6 (D7), using the test product in combination with sunscreen (Group I) or sunscreen only (Group II). Results: The group treated (Group I) showed better improvement of desquamation and dryness at all visits, with a statistical significance (p<0.05) for a reduction in desquamation in D4 and in D7. In the assessment of hydration, the treated group (Group I) achieved better results than the control (Group II), with statistical significance in D2, D3, and D4 (p<0.05). Conclusions: The use of the studied formulation was proven effective in improving symptoms and hydrating skin after cutaneous chemical exfoliation.

Keywords: CHEMEXFOLIATION; SKIN; COSMETICS.

True gynecomastia is a benign proliferation of the glandular tissue of the male breast. In general, management is conservative, however if there is development of fibrosis after the inflammatory phase, surgery is recommended. The present article describes a case of true gynecomastia with symmetrical enlargement of the breasts since adolescence. In light of this diagnosis, corrective surgery was performed with tumescent anesthesia and exeresis in block of the mammary gland.

Keywords: GYNECOMASTIA; AMBULATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES; DERMATOLOGY; ANESTHESIA, LOCAL.

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible, re-absorbable, immunologically inert polymer that induces neocollagenesis through a subclinical inflammatory response. It is indicated for restoration of facial volume associated with facial lipoatrophy in immunocompetent or HIV-immunodeficient patients. In addition there are cosmetic indications for extra facial areas. For more than three decades it has been used in medical devices such as plates, screws, intraosseous and soft tissue implants, and as a biodegradable vector for drugs, in sutures and stents. The present article is aimed at presenting a literature review on the indications, application method, and complications of the use of PLLA.

Keywords: COLLAGEN; SKIN AGING; REJUVENATION

Basal cell carcinoma is a locally invasive malignant tumor, most frequently affecting Caucasian people. The nasal ala is a frequent site for this neoplasia. The treatment of choice is surgical, and Mohs micrographic surgery is one of the indicated techniques for presenting great accuracy in the histological control of margins and high cure rates with low recurrence rates. In this location, not only is a cure needed, but also the maintenance of facial aesthetics. The authors describe five cases of complete amputation of the nasal ala after Mohs micrographic surgery, with reconstruction using the Spear's flap.

Keywords: CARCINOMA, BASAL CELL; MOHS SURGERY; SURGICAL FLAPS.

Dermoscopy of lentigo maligna on the face has reliable and well-tested parameters for its diagnosis. However, some benign lesions such as pigmented actinic keratoses have dermoscopic aspects that are common in malignant lentigo, making the correct diagnosis difficult. This fact often leads to unnecessary excisions of benign lesions. The present article discusses these morphological parameters in light of the dermoscopic analysis of the commonalities between lentigo maligna and pigmented actinic keratosis, also touching upon the aspects already described for the diagnosis of pigmented actinic keratoses.

Keywords: DERMOSCOPY; HUTCHINSON'S MELANOTIC FRECKLE; KERATOSIS, ACTINIC; FACE.