Comparing the Safety and Effectiveness of Microfocused Ultrasound: Standard vs Targeted Tissue Protocol in Lifting and Tightening the Lower Face and Upper Neck.

BACKGROUND: Micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) delivers energy to specific soft tissue layers beneath the epidermis with the ability to lift and tighten the lower face and neck.  Objective: To determine the efficacy of microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) using a standard treatment line protocol versus a customized treatment line protocol based on the patient's unique anatomy targeting the superficial muscular aponeurotic system and fibrous septae for lifting and tightening of the lower face and neck. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded clinical trial. 51 subjects were randomized to receive a single treatment of MFU-V targeting the lower face and neck using either a standard or custom treatment protocol.   Results: Subjects in both standard and custom treatment groups noted a greater than one-point improvement in jawline laxity. Three-dimensional photography measurements also demonstrated lifting of the lower face and neck in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Custom and standard treatment MFU-V protocols produce a safe and effective treatment for tightening and lifting the lower face and neck. Custom treatment protocols aid in maximizing results for patients with variations in the anatomy of the lower face and neck.  J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4):7647.     doi:10.36849/JDD.7647.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the picosecond alexandrite laser with specialized lens array for treatment of the photoaging décolletage.

BACKGROUND: Fractionated lasers are routinely used to treat the characteristic cutaneous signs of photoaging. In this study, we evaluate the use of picosecond pulse duration combined with a diffractive lens array for treatment of photodamage of the décolletage. METHODS: Twenty subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV were enrolled in a prospective open-label trial evaluating the efficacy of the 755 nm picosecond pulsed alexandrite laser with diffractive lens array for treatment of photodamage to the décolletage. Each subject received a series of four laser treatments at 3 week intervals. Follow up evaluation was performed 1 and 3 months later by a masked investigator and consisted of assessment of dyspigmentation, erythema, keratosis, texture, and rhytides on a standardized 5 point scale; global aesthetic improvement 5 point scale; and investigator and subject satisfaction questionnaire. Adverse events and treatment discomfort was also assessed. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement in dyspigmentation, keratosis, and skin texture were observed at both 1 and 3 month follow up intervals (P < 0.05). rhytides initially demonstrated significant improvement at the 1 month time point, but this significance was not maintained at 3 months (P = 0.08). There was no statistically significant improvement noted in erythema. The majority of subjects were satisfied, with a mean rating of 2.8/6 (one being extremely satisfied and six being extremely dissatisfied). Subject pain was 3.6/10. CONCLUSION: The 755 nm picosecond pulsed alexandrite laser with diffractive lens array can be an effective option for rejuvenation of the photodamaged décolletage.