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MFU-V on décolleté creates smooth transition between rejuvenated face, neck to chest

A single, microfocused ultrasound with visualization to lift and tighten the décolleté significantly improved moderate-to-severe lines and wrinkles for at least 180 days after treatment, according to researchers.

Sabrina Guillen Fabi

One hundred twenty-five healthy women between the ages of 30 and 70 years with moderate-to-severe skin lines and wrinkles representing grade 4 and 5 on the Fabi/Bolton (F/B) Chest Wrinkle Scale were included in the multicenter study. Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) was administered using three transducers that emitted ultrasound at a frequency of 4 MHz and a focal depth of 4.5 mm, 7 MHz and a focal depth of 3 mm, and 10 MHz and a focal depth of 1.5 mm. The 180-day follow-up was completed by 110 patients.

Patients were ensured by the treatment guidelines that they would receive at least 280 lines of MFU-V on three treatment planes, including 120 lines on two treatment planes using the 4 MHz/4.5 mm and 7 MHz/3.0 mm transducers, and 40 lines on one treatment plane using the 10 MHz/1.5 mm transducer. The total number of treatment lines in each plane was permitted to be increased by 10% as needed.

Using imaging, masked and live assessments were conducted at 90 days and 180 days after treatment.

Results of the blinded assessments showed 79 patients (69.9%) demonstrated aesthetic improvement at the 90-day follow-up and 72 patients (66.7%) demonstrated aesthetic improvement at the 180-day follow-up, according to the researchers. Twenty-six patients (22.4%) showed no difference between baseline and follow-up.

In 13 patients (11.2%), blinded reviewers selected incorrect post-treatment photographs.

Patients rated themselves as improved, and in close agreement with blinded assessments, in 83% of the cases at day 90 and in 82% at day 180, according to the researchers.

Treatment-related adverse events were mild and reported by 63 patients, with tenderness (45 patients, 47.4%) and bruising (22 patients, 23.2%) among the most common.

The number of patients reporting less sagging of the treated décolleté area increased from 7% at 90 days to 49.5% at 180 days.

The researchers concluded that MFU-V offers advantages over other options for the chest and décolleté, including its positive results after one treatment and lack of downtime after the procedure. They also added that it is a worthwhile option as the side effect profile is excellent compared to other treatment options for wrinkles in the area. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosures: Fabi serves as a consultant and speaker for Ulthera. The other authors report no relevant financial disclosures.