Ultrasound device improves aging upper lip appearance

Key takeaways:

• Investigators’ assessments determined that 36%, 93% and 100% of patients showed improvement after the first treatment, 1- and 3-month follow-ups, respectively.
• One adverse event was reported.

ORLANDO — A synchronous ultrasound parallel beam device delivered positive outcomes in perioral rejuvenation, according to a presentation at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Annual Meeting.

“Perioral rejuvenation is a common concern for patients presenting to a cosmetic dermatologist,” Kavita Darji, MD, FAAD, a cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, said during her presentation, which also won the 2024 Drs. Alastair and Jean D. Carruthers Award for the highest rated cosmetic dermatologic surgery fellow research abstract.

“There are various invasive and noninvasive modalities available,” Darji continued. “For patients who maybe don’t want to or are not ready for surgery, there are various modalities, and ultrasound technology has been gaining popularity.”

During the presentation, Darji focuses on the ability of synchronous ultrasound parallel beam (SUPERB; Sofwave) technology to lift the upper lip. The device delivers seven beams of controlled thermal energy to the mid-dermis at 1.5 mm, elevating dermal temperatures to between 60°C and 70°C while sparing the epidermis with feedback-controlled skin cooling, according to the presentation.

The device has been clinically useful for wrinkle improvement, eyebrow lifting and skin tightening on the face.

In a prospective, open-label, nonrandomized, self-controlled clinical study, Darji and colleagues evaluated the efficacy and safety of SUPERB treatment to improve the perioral area. Fifteen patients (mean age, 61 years; age range, 41-75 years; 14 women) received two monthly SUPERB treatments. Fourteen patients attended the 1- and 3-month follow-up visits, and 13 attended the optional 6-month follow-up visit.

Investigator assessments determined that 36% of patients showed improvement after the first treatment. Following the second treatment, this increased to 93% at the 1-month follow-up and 100% at the 3-month follow-up.

Also, 57% of subjects reported improvement after the first treatment. These rates increased to 64% at the 1-month post-second treatment follow-up, 79% at 3 months and 85% at six months.

Improvement in upper lip height from the baseline appointment was reported by 86% at pre-treatment two, and then 100% at 1 month, 100% at two months and 92% at 6 months post-treatment two.

The one adverse event reported was mild blistering that resulted in mild hyperpigmentation. Mild erythema was also reported following treatment in most cases but was not present at follow-up visits. On a scale ranging up to 10, with 10 being the highest discomfort, patients reported a mean pain level of 5.2 ± 2.5.

“This is a great thing that we can use and keep in our toolbox especially when patients want minimal downtime and no surgery,” Darji concluded.

Reference:

• Dr. Kavita Darji wins the Drs. Alastair and Jean D. Carruthers Award at ASDS 2024 for Sofwave Superb abstract. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dr-kavita-darji-wins-drs-124500522.html. Published Oct. 22, 2024. Accessed Oct. 30, 2024.