Approximately 15% of patients treated for advanced head and neck cancer with surgery and radiotherapy will develop hypothyroidism. Those treated with total laryngectomy and radiotherapy are at greatest risk.
To compare the effectiveness of 1 and 2 radiofrequency (RF) treatments with the ThermaCool TC system (Thermage Inc, Hayward, Calif) on middle and lower face laxity. Methods: Twenty patients with mild to moderate laxity of the middle and lower face were randomly assigned to receive either a single RF treatment or 2 treatments spaced 1 month apart. Treatment energy levels were titrated to patient tolerance and ranged from 85 to 135 J/cm 2. Acute clinical response was recorded after each session. Standardized photographs were taken before treatment and at 1 and 4 months after the last treatment. Using a percentage scale, 4 blinded physicians experienced in dermatologic laser therapy independently rated improvement in nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jowls, laxity under the chin, and overall appearance. In addition, subjects completed quality-of-life surveys 1 and 4 months after treatment. Each patient paid the same fee for involvement in the study. Results: Eleven patients received a single RF treatment, and 9 patients underwent 2 treatments. All subjects experienced mild edema and mild to moderate erythema as an acute clinical response; no patients
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