title: Use of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device for facial muscle toning: a randomized, controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Age-related loss of muscle mass contributes to aging of the human face.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device on facial muscle tone and signs of facial aging in healthy women.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and eight healthy women (mean age 43.7, range 32 to 58-45 years) participated in this randomized, controlled, partially blinded study. Participants were randomized to 12 weeks' treatment with the NMES facial device (20 min/day, 5 days/week) or to a nonintervention control group. Participants could not alter fitness, diet or facial care routines during the study. Assessments included psychometric evaluations of facial appearance and assessor-blinded ultrasound measurements of the thickness of the zygomatic major muscle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean muscle thickness increased vs. baseline in the NMES group (18.6%) but not the control group. Between-group differences were significant at 6 and 12 weeks (P = 0.05 and P = 0.0001). NMES users reported subjective improvements in facial attributes. The control group did not. In an overall evaluation, ≥80% of NMES users reported improved firmness, tone and lift vs. <5% of the control group (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A 12-week course of facial NMES was associated with increased thickness of the zygomatic major muscle and subjective improvements in facial attributes.
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Galway Clinic, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Suzane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kavanagh
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Newell
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hennessy
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sadick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009129:Muscle Tonus; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011594:Psychometrics; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014463:Ultrasonography