A intense-focused ultrasound tightening for the treatment of infraorbital laxity.
BACKGROUND
Infraorbital laxity is a common problem that increases with age. Blepharoplasty with lipectomy is a very commonly performed surgical procedure to treat this problem; however, it is invasive and is associated with the potential for re-emergence. Therefore, young patients may prefer a non-surgical procedure rather than to a surgical procedure. Intense-focused ultrasound (IFUS) has emerged as an effective, non-surgical, tissue-tightening procedure.


OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the safety and efficacy of IFUS (Ulthera system, Ulthera Inc, Mesa, AZ, U.S.A.) for facial tightening in Asian patients with infraorbital laxity.


METHODS
We studied 15 patients who were treated with an IFUS device applied to both lower eyelids. The primary outcome measure was an objective improvement in a paired comparison of pre-treatment and post treatment (6 months) photographs. A secondary outcome measure was patient satisfaction as measured by a questionnaire.


RESULTS
The mean patient age was 50 years (range, 27-69). All patients received one to two treatments with intense-focused ultrasound. All patients in the study experienced both subjective and objective improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
IFUS can be used as a non-invasive, skin-tightening procedure for infraorbital laxity. No serious, permanent, or delayed side effects were noted up to 6 months post treatment. Thus, this procedure can be effective and safe in the treatment of decreased laxity of the lower eyelids.
Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
Dong-Hye
DH
Suh
Yu-Jin
YJ
Oh
Sang-Jun
SJ
Lee
Ji-Ho
JH
Rho
Kye-Yong
KY
Song
Nack-In
NI
Kim
Min-Kyung
MK
Shin
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D005143:Eyelids; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010781:Photography; D012038:Regeneration; D012867:Skin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015595:Skin Aging; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects