Safety study of transcutaneous focused ultrasound for non-invasive skin tightening in Asians

Use of transcutaneous ultrasound for lipolysis and skin tightening: a review

Several ultrasonic devices have recently been investigated for their ability to decrease areas of focal adiposity and tighten small areas of the skin. Studies show that ultrasound technology offers a safe, reliable, and predictable means to sculpt the body of nonobese patients, but its efficacy remains uncertain. Although most studies claim statistically significant results, the clinical significance of ultrasound technology has yet to be determined. Most studies use waist circumference measurements to determine statistical significance and efficacy. The majority of the current studies also have a relatively a short follow-up period of 3 months. More studies are needed to assess the true efficacy of ultrasound technology using more reliable measurements such as diagnostic ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) imaging and to include a follow-up period longer than 6 months to obtain more valid results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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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.

CONCLUSION

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.