Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2023 Jan 13;20(2):1522.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph20021522.

A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Microfocused Ultrasound for Facial Skin Tightening

Mark Contini  1 , Marijke H J Hollander  2 , Arjan Vissink  2 , Rutger H Schepers  2 , Johan Jansma  2 , Jurjen Schortinghuis  1
Affiliations

A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Microfocused Ultrasound for Facial Skin Tightening

Mark Contini et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Objective: to systematically review the efficacy of microfocused ultrasound (MFU) for facial skin tightening. Methods: A systematic search was performed (Pubmed, Embase) to assess the efficacy of single MFU treatments for facial skin tightening. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials, controlled trials, cohort studies and case series (n ≥ 10). Objective and subjective outcomes were assessed. Results: A total of 693 studies were identified of which 16 studies were eligible. All the studies involved female patients. MFU is capable of tightening the skin, as observed in studies measuring the results of brow lifts (0.47−1.7 mm) and submental lifts (measured as a 26−45 mm2 reduction in the submental area on lateral photographs). Data from the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) were pooled, and the day 90 pooled subjective investigator reported scores (IGAIS) (n = 337) showed that 92% of the patients demonstrated an improvement in skin tightening and/or in wrinkle reduction which continued up to one year. Longer-term follow-up data are not available. The patient-reported pooled scores (SGAIS) (n = 81) showed that the skin improvements were mild and continued to increase from 42% (90 days) to 53% (360 days) post-treatment. The MFU treatment was moderately painful and caused transient erythema with or without oedema. Other adverse effects were rare (2%), including dysesthesia (numbness or hypersensitivity), bruising and stinging, mandibular burns, striations and contact dermatitis. Various device settings, treatment protocols and energies were applied. Excessive skin laxity and a BMI > 30 were posed as relative contraindications for MFU treatment because positive results declined with an increase in laxity and BMI. Conclusions: MFU treatment is effective in tightening female patients’ mildly to moderately lax facial skin. Future studies should focus on objective treatment outcomes, optimising treatment regimens and male patients.

Keywords: HIFU; cosmetic; laxity; microfocused ultrasound; rejuvenation; skin; wrinkle.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure A1
Figure A1
Flow chart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Kennedy J.E., Ter Haar G.R., Cranston D. High intensity focused ultrasound: Surgery of the future? Br. J. Radiol. 2003;76:590–599. doi: 10.1259/bjr/17150274. - DOI - PubMed
    1. White W.M., Maskin I.R., Barthe P.G., Slayton Gliklich R.E. Selective creation of thermal injury zones in the superficial musculoaponeurotic system using intense ultrasound therapy: A new target for noninvasive facial rejuvenation. Arch. Facial Plast. Surg. 2007;9:22–29. doi: 10.1001/archfaci.9.1.22. - DOI - PubMed
    1. White W.M., Makin I.R.S., Slayton M.H., Barthe P.G., Gliklich R. Selective transcutaneous delivery of energy to porcine soft tissues using Intense Ultrasound (IUS) Lasers Surg. Med. 2008;40:67–75. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20613. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Gutowski K.A. Microfocused Ultrasound for Skin Tightening. Clin. Plast. Surg. 2016;43:577–582. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2016.03.012. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Hantash B.M., Ubeid A.A., Chang H., Kafi R., Renton B. Bipolar fractional radiofrequency treatment induces neoelastogenesis and neocollagenesis. Lasers Surg. Med. 2009;41:1–9. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20731. - DOI - PubMed

Publication types