Skin physiology and safety of microfocused ultrasound with visualization for improving skin laxity

Focused Ultrasound for Dermal Applications

Focused ultrasound (FUS) is emerging as one of the most promising, non-invasive treatment techniques. The advancement of transducer technology has paved the way for dermatological applications. A comprehensive review is presented for healthcare practitioners and researchers, summarizing the effect of various operational parameters on the injury zone produced by ultrasound beams for various dermatological applications, which include skin tightening, fat reduction, hyperpigmentation and cancer treatment. In this article, we aim to highlight the efficient operational parameters of FUS to enhance pain relief during surgery and its affordability for skin treatment. Finally, a prospective future technique for efficient FUS is discussed.

Evaluation of a Novel Microfocused Ultrasound with Three-Dimensional Digital Imaging for Facial Tightening: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The excellent efficacy is mitigated by the limited safety profile of microfocused ultrasound procedures.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the safety and tightening efficacy of a novel microfocused ultrasound.

METHODS

The randomized middle and lower face and submental region of the participants were treated with the novel device using the following transducers: M4.5, D4.5, M3.0, and D3.0. Improvement in paired comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment photographs, three-dimensional (3D) volumetric assessments, skin thickness measured by B-ultrasonography, and skin photoaging parameters were evaluated. Adverse events and patient satisfaction were also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 20 participants (20 female) were enrolled. Fourteen of 20 participants (70%) were judged to show clinically significant facial tightening during 3-month follow-up (P < 0.05). The mean volumetric change in the lower face, as quantitatively assessed after 3 months was -0.29 mL compared with +0.42 mL on the control side (P < 0.05). The VAS pain score was 3.00 ± 1.19 without any oral or intramuscular anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

A small sample size, lack of clinical scales, and impersonalized treatment parameters. The novel microfocused ultrasound appears to be a safe and effective modality for lower-face tightening.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR 2200064666.

Ultrasound Therapy for the Skin

Ultrasound energy is delivered to the dermal and subdermal tissue to induce thermal injury, leading to collagen remodeling and resulting in lifting and tightening of the skin. Ulthera and Sofwave are two Food and Drug Administration-approved systems that have demonstrated clinically significant results in providing eyebrow, submental, and neck lift and minimizing facial fine lines and wrinkles. Patient selection and management of expectations are important components to a successful treatment process. Both devices boast high patient satisfaction rates, minimal recovery time, and excellent safety profile. Ultrasound technology is an effective, nonsurgical option for facial rejuvenation.

Patient satisfaction of microfocused ultrasound treatments on the face and neck laxity: A narrative review

BACKGROUND

Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) delivers focused ultrasound energy to heat tissue and has emerged as a fast and effective noninvasive method for treating skin laxity. After obtaining approval in 2009 by the Food and Drug Administration, satisfactory feedback was recorded using several scoring systems for MFU-V treatment for facial and neck laxity.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and satisfaction rates of MFU-V for facial and neck laxity treatment by providing a basis for developing a validated scoring system for MFU-V treatment.

METHOD

A constrictive survey was carried out by selecting relevant publications on MFU-V treatment of facial and neck laxity using PubMed, Medline, and Embase electronic databases from January 2017 to March 2022.

RESULTS

Of the 11 original articles used in this review, the majority of the scoring methods used were the subjective global aesthetic improvement scale and the 5-point scale rating global aesthetic improvement in appearance. Around half of the patients were described as much improved or very much improved on days 30 and 90, while most returned to baseline on Day 360. Most of the adverse events reported were mild bruising, redness, and pain. None of the patients reported serious adverse events. A burn occurred in one case because of improper application of the probe.

CONCLUSION

The MFU-V provides excellent and promising responses for treating facial and neck laxity. A few mild events were observed, such as erythema, pain, edema, and injection-site induration, all of which resolved within approximately 2-3 days.

Hi5 Protocol for the Use of Microfocused Ultrasound with Visualization

Background

Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) is used for lifting and tightening of facial tissues. Standard protocols are completed in a single session. Despite excellent outcomes, we identified several barriers of entry for a significant number of patients. Therefore, we devised an individualized pan-facial protocol that is delivered as a series of short, intense treatments to address these issues.

Methods

We enrolled 12 participants with mild-to-moderate skin and fibromuscular laxity to receive one superficial and one deep pass per visit (average 280 lines). Qualitative improvements were rated by both patients and physicians at 6 or 10 months due to COVID-19 delays. Changes in the submentum and eyebrow heights were quantified.

Results

Ten patients (age range: 31-61 years) underwent an average of four MFU-V treatments. Two patients were excluded after massive weight gain. Skin and fibromuscular ptosis and overall soft tissue laxity improved in all patients. Mean brow height increased by 1.7 mm, whereas the mean submental lift was 78.7 mm2. All patients and treating physicians rated an improvement in appearance, whereas independent physicians rated improvements in 87% of cases. Four patients self-rated as "markedly improved." Pain was rated at up to 6.2 (out of 10). Although mask-wearing was mandatory, loss of elasticity, wrinkles, and skin roughness all improved. Superficial welts (n = 5), erythema (n = 3), tenderness (n = 3), and mild bruising (n = 2) occurred, but all resolved within a few days and no severe or permanent adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

The Hi5 protocol was noninferior to standard single-session protocols and improved brow heights and submental lifting.

Safety and efficacy of superficial micro-focused ultrasound with visualization for melasma in Asians: An uncontrolled pilot study

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiology of melasma is multifactorial, resulting in treatment resistance and a high recurrence rate. Recent research suggests that focused ultrasound might treat melasma effectively.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy and safety of superficial micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) for melasma in Asians.

METHODS

Patients (n = 20) with mixed melasma on both cheeks received 2 MFU-V treatments spaced 1 month apart. At monthly visits over 5 months, treatment efficacy and safety were evaluated. Standardized photographs were clinically assessed using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI), and 6-point grading scales for melasma lightening and area of involvement. Patients provided pain, global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS), and satisfaction assessments.

RESULTS

In 40 cheeks, the mean mMASI score was significantly reduced from 13.2 at baseline to 2.4 at month 4, and 2.8 at month 5. Twenty-nine cheeks (72.5%) showed lightening of melasma at month 4 that persisted until month 5, with improvements up to 75% compared to baseline. Melasma area decreased overall, with sites containing >30% melasma involvement decreasing from 55% to 20% by month 5, and none with 70%-89% involvement. Melasma lightening and area improved visibly in 40% and 20% of cheeks, respectively, as early as 1 month after index MFU-V treatment. Improvements continued after the second treatment and persisted until study closure, correlating with patient GAIS and satisfaction scores. Procedure was well tolerated with only mild-to-moderate pain reported in 92.5% of treatments.

CONCLUSION

Superficial MFU-V is a safe and effective treatment for melasma.

The efficacy and safety of the high-intensity parallel beam ultrasound device at the depth of 1.5 mm for skin tightening

BACKGROUND

High-intensity parallel beam ultrasound (US) is a novel device equipped with Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology applied in anti-aging treatment. The system is aimed at pathways stimulating neocollagenesis and neoelastinogenesis in the dermis leading to skin tightening and rejuvenation.

AIMS

Evaluate the efficacy and safety of the high-intensity parallel beam US device at the depth of 1.5 mm for skin tightening treatment.

METHODS

Thirty-six participants were enrolled in the study. Digital photographs and Antera 3D photographs were taken at baseline, 1 and 3 months post-treatment. The depression volume of nasolabial folds (NLFs) and marionette lines (MLs) in each visit was evaluated using Antera 3D imaging program. Pain was evaluated by pain measurement scales immediately after treatment. Any procedure related side effects were documented and examined.

RESULTS

Post-treatment results were compared to the baseline; statistically significant mean depression volume (MDV) change of NLFs and MLs were found at 1 and 3 months post-treatment. No significant MDV change from 1 to 3 months post-treatment could be demonstrated. The mean pain score was 6.64 on a 0-10 scale. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that the novel high-intensity parallel beam US device is clinically safe and effective for skin tightening in the lower face area. We noticed a reduction in NLFs and MLs in more than 60% of our participants already as early as 1 month post-treatment.

Insights on Skin Quality and Clinical Practice Trends in Asia Pacific and a Practical Guide to Good Skin Quality from the Inside Out

OBJECTIVE

We sought to examine the current skin quality trends and gaps in clinical practice in the Asia Pacific region and develop a practical guide to improve skin quality.

METHODS

Medical practitioners from 11 countries in the Asia Pacific region completed an online survey on current trends in skin quality treatment. A panel of 12 leading experts convened for a virtual meeting to develop a practical guide for skin quality improvement.

RESULTS

A total of 153 practitioners completed the survey. The four most common skin quality issues were uneven skin tone, skin surface unevenness, skin laxity, and sebaceous gland hyperactivity and enlarged pores. Most practitioners reported using a combination of treatment modalities for each skin quality issue. It was also observed that each treatment modality could be used to treat several skin quality issues. A multimodal approach targeting different interrelated issues across the tissue planes was recommended for balanced results. The panel developed a practical guide for the appropriate combinations and sequence of treatments, and created treatment protocols for specific skin quality outcome goals. The guide employed an "inside-out" approach, treating the deeper tissue planes prior to the superficial layers to achieve harmonious results.

LIMITATIONS

Future studies are needed to support the recommended treatment protocols for skin quality improvement.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide valuable insights on current skin quality trends and gaps in clinical practice. The practical guide provides a framework for practitioners to customize their treatment plan according to each patient's needs.

Skin Quality - A Holistic 360° View: Consensus Results

Introduction

Skin quality is an important component of human attractiveness. To date, there are no standardized criteria for good skin quality. To establish a consensus for good skin quality parameters and measurement and treatment options, a virtual skin quality advisory board consisting of a global panel of highly experienced aesthetic dermatologists/aesthetic physicians was convened.

Methods

A total of 10 dermatologists/aesthetic physicians served on the advisory board. A modified version of the Delphi method was used to arrive at consensus. Members accessed an online platform to review statements on skin quality criteria from their peers, including treatment and measurement options, and voted to indicate whether they agreed or disagreed. Statements that did not have agreement were modified and the members voted again. Consensus was defined as: strong consensus = greater than 95% agreement; consensus = 75% to 95% agreement; majority consent = 50% to 75% agreement; no consensus = less than 50% agreement.

Results

There was strong consensus that good skin quality is defined as healthy, youthful in appearance (appearing younger than a person's chronological age), undamaged skin and that skin quality can be described across all ethnicities by four emergent perceptual categories (EPCs): skin tone evenness, skin surface evenness, skin firmness, and skin glow. The EPCs can be affected by multiple tissue layers (ie, skin surface quality can stem from and be impacted by deep structures or tissues). This means that topical approaches may not be sufficient. Instead, improving skin quality EPCs can require a multilayer treatment strategy.

Conclusion

This global advisory board established strong consensus that skin quality can be described by four EPCs, which can help clinicians determine the appropriate treatment option(s) and the tissue or skin layer(s) to address. Skin quality is important to human health and wellbeing and patients' perception for the need for aesthetic treatment.

Preliminary Prospective and Randomized Study of Highly Purified Polynucleotide vs Placebo in Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acne Scars

BACKGROUND

Managing acne scars is a challenge and therapies are divided into nonsurgical and surgical. Highly Purified Technology Polynucleotides (PN-HPT) is a compound that contains a mixture of DNA polymers of different lengths. Numerous studies have shown that PN-HPT also serves as an energy source, thus influencing cellular growth and cell vitality.

OBJECTIVES

The authors aimed to assess the improvement in dermal quality and acne scars after PN-HPT vs placebo according to Antera 3D and the patient responses to the patient satisfaction questionnaire after a comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment photographs at 1 and 3 months.

METHODS

Included were women aged 30 to 50 years with grade 3 to 4 moderate-to-severe atrophic scars according to the Goodman classification; nonsmokers; and had not had active acne during the past 5 years. Ten patients (PN-HPT group) were treated with 4.0 mL of PN-HPT, and 10 patients (control) were treated with 4.0 mL of normal saline. All medical treatments were performed in a double-blinded manner; neither the injection doctor nor the patient knew if the PN-HPT or the placebo was being administered.

RESULTS

Twenty women who fit the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Only patients in the PN-HPT group improved significantly at 1 and 3 months after treatment compared with baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective and randomized study showed that PN-HPT in monotherapy was safe and effective treatment for atrophic scar acne compared with placebo. Prospective and randomized studies will be necessary to investigate the clinical effectiveness in a larger cohort of patients and for a longer follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2

Prospective Study on Clinical Efficacy and Safety of a Single Session of Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization for Collagen Regeneration

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that transcutaneous microfocused ultrasound with visualization is beneficial for noninvasive skin tightening, collagen regeneration, and lower face contour improvement.

OBJECTIVES

The primary study endpoint was the improvement of the laxity and ptosis face skin; the secondary endpoint was the improvement of wrinkles, texture, and hemoglobin content; and the third endpoint was the patient's responses to a patient satisfaction questionnaire.

METHODS

Patients with soft to moderate skin laxity and ptosis of the face and neck were enrolled and their sex, ethnicity, age, Fitzpatrick skin type, and smoking habit recorded. Patient assessment was made by digital macro-photographs, Vectra H2, and Antera 3D, and strict exclusion criteria were set up.

RESULTS

From November 2017 to November 2018, 47 women and 3 men with a mean age of 52.8 ± 7.43 years and Araco's Ptosis Scale System 2.7 ± 0.46, which fit the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in the study. All patients signed a consent form and received 1200 spot-lines (400 lines from each transducer) of microfocused ultrasound with visualization. No major side effects were reported during the study and all patients completed the follow-up after 6 months. Wrinkles, texture, Surgeon Assessment Scoring System scores, and patient satisfaction questionnaire scores improved significantly. Patients found the treatment tolerable according to the patient pain scale rate. No statistically significative differences were found among homogenous groups of smokers and nonsmokers.

CONCLUSIONS

The study proves that microfocused ultrasound with visualization in a single session of treatment in monotherapy is safe and effective for the treatment of face laxity and ptosis when a proper number of energy spot-lines is delivered in the correct tissue layer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Prospective and randomized comparative study of calcium hydroxylapatite vs calcium hydroxylapatite plus HIFU in treatment of moderate-to-severe acne scars

BACKGROUND

Acne scars are the most common sequelae of the severe inflammatory process of acne, and its managing is a challenge. Objective of this study was to assess safety and effectiveness of calcium hydroxylapatite monotherapy and its association with high-intensity microfocused ultrasound for treating moderate-to-severe atrophic acne scars.

METHODS

Women with moderate-to-severe atrophic scars of the face were enrolled on the study. Assessments were made by digital macrophotographs, Vectra H2, and Antera 3D.

RESULTS

From October to December 2019, twenty women which fitted the inclusion criteria signed a consent form and received 3.0 mL of calcium hydroxylapatite and after 4 weeks, 400 lines of HIFU. No major side effects were reported during the study, and all patients completed the follow-up after 6 months. At 1 month, patients treated with calcium hydroxylapatite (group 1) improved wrinkles and skin texture compared to placebo (group 2). At 3 and 6 months, all patients improved acne scars.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that that both calcium hydroxylapatite and HIFU in monotherapy were safe and effective treatments for atrophic scar acne. Calcium hydroxylapatite was clinically effective when compared with placebo, though the combination of calcium hydroxylapatite and HIFU did not enhance the clinical efficacy compared to monotherapy.

Efficacy and Safety of Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization in Abdominal Skin Laxity: A Randomized, Comparative Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) has been approved for the treatment of skin laxity on several areas including the eyebrows, neck, and submental area. This study aims to determine the efficacy of MFU-V for the treatment of abdominal skin laxity using two different treatment protocols.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty female patients with abdominal skin laxity were enrolled. Each side of the abdomen was randomly assigned to receive a single session of single-plane MFU-V treatment (4.5 mm) or dual-plane MFU-V treatment (4.5 and 3.0 mm). Improvement scores (0-10) were assigned by a blinded physician and patients at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight female patients completed the study. The physician-evaluated mean improvement scores in single-plane treatment were 3.03 (±1.26), 3.43 (±1.35), and 2.18 (±0.86) at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up, respectively. For dual-plane treatment, the scores were 3.11 (±1.23), 3.39 (±1.34), and 2.02 (±0.79). There was no statistically significant difference between single- and dual-plane treatment at each time point. A similar pattern of improvement was observed in patient-rated mean improvement scores. Patients who had undergone childbirth had significantly higher physician and patient-rated mean improvement scores than those who had not in both single- and dual-plane treatments. In addition, a significant reduction of mean waist circumference was observed in patients who had undergone childbirth. The median pain scores were 5.25 for single-plane treatment and 4.29 for dual-plane treatment (P = 0.20).

CONCLUSION

Both single- and dual-plane MFU-V treatments showed comparable efficacies in treating abdominal skin laxity. The effect is more pronounced in patients who had undergone childbirth. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.