Clinical application of microfocused ultrasound portable device for facial rejuvenation

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of microfocused ultrasound (MFU) application for facial rejuvenation. Material and methods. The study involved 10 women aged between 35 and 72 years with age-related facial changes of varying severity, including reduced skin tone, wrinkles, soft tissue ptosis. Patients have undergone one MFU procedure in the face and submandibular areas. The total number of lines for each patient was 650-800. The procedure did not require pre-treatment and was performed after skin cleansing. Gel of medium viscosity was applied for ultrasound therapy. Anesthesia was not used. Photocontrol and ultrasound of the treated areas were performed after the procedure. The results were evaluated using a blind method with the involvement of 3 independent cosmetologists based on the photographs provided before and 1 month after the intervention in accordance with the Physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (PGAIS). Patients also self-assessed the results after the conducted correction on the basis of a similar scale for patients (SGAIS). The pain was evaluated using a Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The follow-up period was 1 month after the procedure. Results. The effect of soft tissues lifting was observed immediately after MFU impact followed by a subsequent growth of positive effect in all 10 patients. US scanning showed an increase in echogenic density at the dermal and subdermal levels in all studied areas, which is an objective confirmation of the impact depth correctness. The mean value of pain assessment was 2.2 points. Conclusion. The use of the portable MFU device makes it possible to rejuvenate face by soft tissues lifting and reducing wrinkles severity. A high level of patients’ satisfaction with the achieved aesthetic result is observed. The procedure is characterized by the mild pain or its absence, favorable safety profile and early appearance of positive clinical results.