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Microfocused ultrasound with visualization in Fitzpatrick Skin III - VI offers results, minimal adverse events

Microfocused ultrasound lifts and tightens facial and neck skin with no additional adverse events in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI, according to JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.

In the study, 52 patients with Fitzpatrick skin III to VI were treated with microfocused ultrasound according to the physical characteristics of each participant.

Skin was assessed based on age, sex and the amount of subcutaneous soft tissue in the area to be treated.

The lower face region was treated with 4.4 MHz tranducers with a focal depth of 4.5 mm, and the submental regions with 7 MHz tranducers with a focal depth of 3 mm.

Participants underwent approximately 370 lines of microfocused ultrasound with visualization, with a maximum length of 25 mm and microcoagulation zones spaced apart 2 mm to 3 mm.

Follow-up occurred at days 90 and 180 for safety assessment, photography to evaluate clinical improvement and patient satisfaction.

Three self-limiting adverse events were reported after around 30 minutes. These included prolonged erythema with mild scabbing that resolved after 90 days without sequelae, and mild edema or welts that also resolved within 90 days.

For the remaining 49 patients there was no damage to the epidermis.

The researchers suggest target areas be visualized with imaging ultrasound to encourage proper coupling and to determine whether there is too much gel on the skin. - by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.