OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of high-intensity, non-focused, parallel ultrasound treatments to lift lax tissue in the submental and neck zones, lift the eyebrow, and improve facial wrinkles in an Asian population. METHODS: This prospective, open-label, non-randomized single-center, self-controlled clinical study recruited 42 participants aged 35 to 67. Participants received a single treatment, covering the full face, neck, and submental zones. Standardized images were taken, and assessments were performed using the Physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (PGAIS) and Fitzpatrick Classification of Wrinkling and Degree of Elastosis. 3D images were taken to calculate the volume change after treatment. RESULTS: Among the 42 patients, 83.3% showed improvement in submental and neck skin laxity at the 3-month follow-up. Improvements were also observed in eyebrow elevation (28.6%) and facial wrinkles (38.1%) at 3 months. The Fitzpatrick Wrinkle and Elastosis Scale showed improvement in 26.2% of patients at 3 months, with sustained effects up to 9 months in 12.8% of patients. A trend of volumetric reduction of 1.04 ± 3.49 ml (p = 0.06) was demonstrated in the jawline and submental area. Transient edema and erythema were noted in 7.2% and 50% of patents initially but resolved on subsequent follow-up visits, and no other adverse events were documented. CONCLUSIONS: High-intensity, non-focused, parallel ultrasound is effective in improving skin laxity and facial wrinkles in Asian patients, with minimal side effects and good tolerability.
Chung et al. (Mon,) studied this question.