Efficacy and safety of micro-focused ultrasound for middle and lower face rejuvenation: A prospective study

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of micro-focused ultrasound (MFUS) for rejuvenation of the middle and lower face in Chinese patients. This prospective, single-arm, interventional study enrolled 20 Chinese patients with facial laxity. All received a single session of treatment with the Peninsula MFUS device. Efficacy was assessed by two independent, blinded dermatologists using paired, standardized pre- and post-treatment photographs and the validated 5-point Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (IGAIS). A novel quantitative metric - the reduction in a defined mandibular area (Area x) calculated from standardized lateral photographs - was employed to objectively measure tissue lift. Patient satisfaction and treatment-related adverse events were recorded. All participants completed the 6-month follow-up. Based on pooled IGAIS scores from both assessors, 100% of patients showed improvement at 3 and 6 months. The peak response was observed at 3 months, with 32.5% rated as “very much improved” and 57.5% as “much improved”. The quantitative mandibular area (Area x) showed a statistically significant reduction from baseline at 1 month (P < 0.0001) and 3 months (P = 0.0116), indicating objective tissue lift. Overall patient satisfaction was high (100% satisfied at 3 months). No major complications occurred. The most common side effect was transient, mild-to-moderate muscle pain (reported by 90% of participants, median duration 6 days). In this prospective pilot study, MFUS treatment was effective and well-tolerated for tightening the middle and lower face in Chinese patients, providing both subjective improvement and objective evidence of mandibular lift. The treatment demonstrated a favorable safety profile.