title: Safety and Efficacy of Microfocused Ultrasound in Tightening of Lax Elbow Skin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  With the increased popularity of minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, this study evaluates the efficacy and safety of microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) for tightening lax skin above the elbow.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects were treated bilaterally above the elbows with MFU-V using transducers with different focal depths. Photographs were taken before treatment and at 90- and 180-day follow-ups. Masked observer ratings and physician and subject global aesthetic improvement scales (PGAIS and SGAIS) were completed at follow-ups. Safety, based on adverse event (AE) incidence, was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Masked blinded assessment was completed at 90 days; 56% showed aesthetic improvement. Overall improvement in SGAIS was 83% and 81% at 90 and 180 days, respectively. The overall improvement in PGAIS was 94% at both 90 and 180 days. Patient satisfaction questionnaires showed that 83% noticed improvements in elbow characteristics at 90 days, with 81% still indicating improvement at 180 days. No serious AEs or treatment-related AEs were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study suggests that MFU-V is a safe and promising nonsurgical option for the treatment of skin laxity above the elbow. Based on the positive results of this study, a larger trial is warranted together with testing different treatment densities to optimize this noninvasive approach.
authors.affiliation: *Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Hospital System, New York, New York; †New York Cosmetic, Skin and Laser Surgery Center, New York, New York; ‡Saint Paul, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Cameron
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rokhsar
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schnebelen
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hornfeldt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004550:Elbow; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015595:Skin Aging; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy