Intense focused ultrasound (IFUS) with a modified parameter on facial tightening: A study on its safety and efficacy.
BACKGROUND
Intense focused ultrasound (IFUS) is a novel treatment modality for skin laxity. The delivery of thermal energy to the deeper tissue layers effectively tightens the skin but can also cause significant fat atrophy, limiting its use in patients with a lean face.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of modified IFUS on facial rejuvenation.


METHODS
This was a retrospective, single-center study of 28 subjects with age-related facial laxity who underwent 3 sessions of IFUS (UltraskinTM, WONTECH Co., Daejeon, Korea) at an interval of four weeks, and then followed up for three months. IFUS was first applied using a 4-MHZ, 4.5-mm transducer followed by a 7-MHZ, 3-mm transducer. Approximately 200-300 treatment lines were applied to the face during each session. Standardized photographs were taken at baseline and follow-ups and were assessed by two independent dermatologists. A questionnaire was used to evaluate patient satisfaction and the incidence of adverse reactions.


RESULTS
Twenty-eight subjects with mild-to-moderate age-related facial laxity were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 48 (range 29-74) years. About 32.1% of the subjects showed significant improvement and 57.1% showed improvement of facial laxity in their follow-up photographs. All of them (100%) replied that they were either greatly satisfied or satisfied with the results at three-month follow-up. None of the subjects experienced any serious adverse events including fat atrophy after the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Modified IFUS (three sessions, four weeks apart, 200-300 treatment lines per session) can be safely performed with good clinical results.
a Arumdaun Nara Dermatologic Clinic , Seoul , Korea.
Dong Hye
DH
Suh
b Department of Dermatology , Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea , Incheon , Korea.
Dae Hong
DH
Kim
a Arumdaun Nara Dermatologic Clinic , Seoul , Korea.
Hee Kyung
HK
Lim
a Arumdaun Nara Dermatologic Clinic , Seoul , Korea.
Sang Jun
SJ
Lee
c Department of Pathology , Chung-Ang University , Seoul , Korea.
Kye Yong
KY
Song
b Department of Dermatology , Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea , Incheon , Korea.
Hei Sung
HS
Kim
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015595:Skin Aging; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*
Efficacy; modified high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU); safety