Beatriz Regazzi de Gusmão’s research while affiliated with Instituto de Dermatologia Prof. Rubem David Azulay and other places

Damage caused by chemical, physical, and thermal procedures can disrupt the natural morphological characteristics of the hair, causing the strands to become dry, dull, weak, and brittle. The objective of this article was to update dermatologists on the methods available for assessing hair shaft damage. The main laboratory (microscopy, tensile strength, structural assessment, physical and mechanical properties) and outpatient (diagnostic tests and patient history) diagnostic methods for evaluating the quality of the hair shaft are presented. Keywords: Hair; Dermatology; Keratins.

Background Localized fat is a matter of great concern among individuals from today's society. Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive technique that have shown great results in reducing localized fat. Aims To analyze the efficacy of cryoplipolysis on visible local fat reduction in submental region, arms, or male breast (pseudogynecomastia) in Brazilian subjects, and to assess possible factors associated with treatment success. Methods Single‐arm, nonrandomized trial, with volunteers from both genders with visible excess fat in the arms or submental region or men presenting pseudogynecomastia. Eligible subjects were submitted to physical, photographic, and ultrasound analysis before and three months after intervention. A single cryolipolysis session was performed using specific methods for each region, followed by a local massage for two minutes. Data were described as measures of central tendency and dispersion and measures of frequency. Reduction in measurements and factors associated with treatment success was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results Thirty‐six subjects underwent one session of cryolipolysis in each area (22 subjects treated the arms, 20 the submental region and 9 the breast). In general, a mean reduction of 19.1% was observed. Significant differences were observed for almost all body parts analyzed. Body mass index was the only variable showing a significant relationship with intervention results. Conclusions Cryolipolysis is a useful noninvasive tool in reduction of visible localized fat in arms and submental region and of pseudogynecomastia. Obese subjects are not benefited by the treatment.