Full Scope of Effect of Facial Lipoatrophy

Clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction after S.I.H technology®: follow-up of 258 patients

BACKGROUND

Aging is a natural process. The association between the gradual loss of tissue integrity and the force of gravity determines a condition from which it is complex to go back. The approval by the American FDA of the monopolar radiofrequency (Thermage^®) dates back to 2002. Since then, innovation has made great strides up to the development of endodermal technology in recent years which allows subcutaneous probes to act with precision and under careful control on the treated areas.

METHODS

We retrospectively reported our experience in rejuvenation treatments of the face and of different areas of the body using the Subdermal Induced Heat (S.I.H.) technology^®, featuring a population of 258 patients who received 502 treatments between 2018 and 2022. Clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction were assessed, respectively by analyzing adverse events and complications at 7 days from treatment, and patient-reported outcome at 3, 6 and 12 months using a 5-point Likert Scale.

RESULTS

Only 25 complications were reported, of which 68% consisted in bruising, 24% in hematomas and 8% in edema. Most patient were reportedly satisfied with overall treatment, with 55% of them being "very satisfied" with the results at 6 months from initial procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

We highlight the manageability of the S.I.H. technology which has been proven to be safe and effective in achieving satisfying results for skin rejuvenation, with a reduced number of sessions required and good maintenance of the results obtained.