Thermistor-controlled subdermal skin tightening for the aging face: Clinical outcomes and efficacy

Abstract

Objective: Patients are increasingly seeking nonsurgical treatment for the aging face. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and outcomes of a thermistor-controlled subdermal skin tightening device (ThermiTight) as a treatment modality for the aging face.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 12 patients was completed on patients having undergone ThermiTight for midface and neck skin tightening. Only five patients had a greater than 1 year follow-up and were included in the study. Two blinded reviewers assessed photographs taken pre-procedure and 1 year post-procedure using a standardized skin laxity scale. Patient charts were reviewed to assess for complications up to 12 months post-treatment.

Results: The mean age of included patients was 57 years, and all five patients were female. One (20%) patient treated with ThermiTight was also treated with injectables (Botox, Juvéderm) simultaneously. One (20%) patient developed a wound complication. One (20%) patient complained of incisional site pain at her first postoperative visit that subsequently self-resolved. On a five-point scale to assess facial skin laxity, there was an average improved score of 0.85 per patient (P < .001) at one year post-procedure. Two blinded reviewers correctly categorized photographs as either being "baseline" or "post-procedure" 100% of the time. There was no significant difference between the skin laxity scores by the blinded reviewers (P = .05).

Conclusion: ThermiTight is a new technology used for nonsurgical treatment of the aging face. Long-term outcomes demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Complications are rare, but possible, in the use of ThermiTight. Level of Evidence: 3.

Keywords: ThermiTight; Thermistor; aesthetic surgery; aging face; injectable; skin laxity.

Figure 1

Distribution of skin laxity score variation between independent blinded reviewers.

Figure 2

Forty‐nine‐year‐old female who underwent ThermiTight for submental skin laxity and jowling. Preoperative (A) and 12 months post‐procedure (B) front and profile views.

Figure 3

Fifty‐five‐year‐old female who underwent ThermiTight for submental skin laxity and jowling. Preoperative (A) and 12 months post‐procedure (B) front and profile views.