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.

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

PATIENTS AND 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.

CONCLUSION: Modified IFUS (three sessions, four weeks apart, 200-300 treatment lines per session) can be safely performed with good clinical results.