Efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound in facial and neck rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has recently been introduced in the treatment of facial wrinkles and laxity.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of HIFU in facial and neck rejuvenation.

METHODS

High-intensity focused ultrasound treatment was performed on face and neck by using two different probes with focal depth of 3 mm and 4.5 mm. Two independent, blinded clinicians evaluated the clinical improvement at 3 months after treatment. The patients also scored their satisfaction with the treatment. Adverse effects were assessed up to 3 months post-treatment.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients (73 female, 2 male) with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes 2-4 were enrolled in the study. After treatment, improvement in nasolabial, jawline, submental, and neck areas was separately evaluated. The rate of improvement in each area was more than 80% according to the physicians' assessment, while patients' satisfaction degree in each area was over 78%. Most common adverse effect was pain, reported in 25.3% of the patients during the procedure while transient erythema was reported in 6.7%. Both resolved spontaneously after the procedure. Only one patient complained development of numbness on right mandibular region which resolved spontaneously within 10 days.

CONCLUSION

High-intensity focused ultrasound can be an effective noninvasive treatment modality in facial and neck rejuvenation with an acceptable safety profile.