Combined treatment for skin laxity of the aging face with monopolar radiofrequency and intense focused ultrasound in Korean subjects

Background: Although various minimal invasive approaches are available for aging skin laxity, they alone may not lead to notably satisfactory results. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combination regimen with monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) and intense-focused ultrasound (IFUS) in facial lifting and tightening. Methods: Twenty-two Korean participants with aging face received a sequential single session of MRF and IFUS treatment. Objective and subjective assessments for improvement were performed at the 20-week post-treatment. Safety profiles were also recorded, and skin biopsies were taken at baseline and follow-up visit. Results: Based on the objective assessment for the overall facial skin tightening and laxity, 19 patients (90%) demonstrated “moderate” or better improvements (more than 25%) compared with baseline. Specifically, improvements of skin laxity and sagging, and droopy jaw line were more noticeable compared with that of superficial skin texture (P < 0.05). Subjective satisfactions were generally consistent with objective findings, and no serious adverse effect was observed. Histologic evaluation showed increased dermal collagen fibers throughout the dermis after treatments (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Combination treatment of MRF and IFUS has cumulative benefits for skin lifting and tightening with satisfactory safety profiles in Asian subjects.     

Intense focused ultrasound (IFUS) with a modified parameter on facial tightening: A study on its safety and efficacy

Background: Intense focused ultrasound (IFUS) is a novel treatment modality for skin laxity. The delivery of thermal energy to the deeper tissue layers effectively tightens the skin but can also cause significant fat atrophy, limiting its use in patients with a lean face. Objectives: We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of modified IFUS on facial rejuvenation. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study of 28 subjects with age-related facial laxity who underwent 3 sessions of IFUS (Ultraskin^TM, WONTECH Co., Daejeon, Korea) at an interval of four weeks, and then followed up for three months. IFUS was first applied using a 4-MHZ, 4.5-mm transducer followed by a 7-MHZ, 3-mm transducer. Approximately 200–300 treatment lines were applied to the face during each session. Standardized photographs were taken at baseline and follow-ups and were assessed by two independent dermatologists. A questionnaire was used to evaluate patient satisfaction and the incidence of adverse reactions. Results: Twenty-eight subjects with mild-to-moderate age-related facial laxity were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 48 (range 29–74) years. About 32.1% of the subjects showed significant improvement and 57.1% showed improvement of facial laxity in their follow-up photographs. All of them (100%) replied that they were either greatly satisfied or satisfied with the results at three-month follow-up. None of the subjects experienced any serious adverse events including fat atrophy after the procedure. Conclusion: Modified IFUS (three sessions, four weeks apart, 200–300 treatment lines per session) can be safely performed with good clinical results.     

高强度超声体外聚焦热疗技术治疗254例中晚期肝癌的临床观察

目的探讨高强度超声体外聚焦热疗(HIFU)治疗肝癌的临床疗效。方法对254例中晚期肝癌应用高强度超声体外聚焦热疗机进行HIFU治疗。结果254例肝癌患者中,获显著疗效52例(20.5%),有效188例(74%),无效14例(5.5%)。无一例出现皮肤灼伤、脏器穿孔及肿瘤破裂出血等并发症。38/52例疼痛缓解或减轻。66/89例A-FP下降,75/131例CEA下降。随访2年生存率:原发肝癌(n=105)半年:81.9%,1年:41%,2年:13.3%,继发肝癌(n=149)半年:94%,1年:65.8%,2年:18.8%。平均生存时间:原发肝癌(n=105)9.6个月,继发肝癌(n=149)10.4个月。结论HIFU技术可作中晚期肝癌的一种新的局部治疗方法。     

Use of a novel combined radiofrequency and ultrasound device for lipolysis,skin tightening and cellulite treatment

Introduction: Skin laxity and excessive subcutaneous fat are growing cosmetic concerns. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel radiofrequency and ultrasound workstation for lipolysis, circumference reduction, treatment of skin laxity and cellulite. Materials and methods: Two hundred seventy-five (235 women and 40 men) patients were enrolled into the study. Each patient received 3 treatment sessions, each session comprising Ultrasound and Radiofrequency treatments, at two-week intervals. Some received treatment for the abdomen, some for the thighs and some for both. Efficacy was assessed accordingly by measuring changes in abdominal circumference, thigh circumference and appearance of cellulite. Any adverse effect was noted. Result: Paired t-test between measurements at baseline and 4 weeks after 3rd session was significant amongst all the groups, showing that most patients showed improvement in abdominal and/or thigh circumferences. No significant adverse effects were noted during or after the treatment. Conclusion: A combination of alternating hot and cold module Ultrasound and Radiofrequency technologies is a safe and effective modality for lipolysis and to treat skin laxity and cellulite.     

Retrospective analysis of high-intensity focused electromagnetic procedure synchronized with radiofrequency energy for visceral fat reduction

Background

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT), present in the abdominal cavity, oftentimes contributes to an unpleasant aesthetic appearance and can be correlated with serious health issues. High-intensity focused electromagnetic field (HIFEM) technology with synchronized radiofrequency (RF) was recently used for abdominal body shaping through subcutaneous fat reduction and muscle growth.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the effect of HIFEM + RF technology on VAT tissue.

Methods

Data of 16 men and 24 women (22–62 years, 21.2–34.3 kg/cm²) from the original study were retrospectively reviewed. All subjects received three 30-min HIFEM + RF abdominal treatments once weekly for three consecutive weeks. The VAT area was measured in the axial plane of MRI scans at two levels: L4–L5 vertebrae and 5 cm above this level. The VAT was identified, segmented, and calculated, yielding total area in square centimeters per scan at both specified levels.

Results

By thoughtful review of the subject's post-treatment MRI scans, no other changes in the abdominal cavity were found except for VAT. The evaluation showed a VAT reduction of 17.8% (p < 0.001) on average at 3-month follow-up, maintaining the results up to 6 months (−17.3%). Averaging the values obtained from both measured levels, the VAT, occupied an area of 100.2 ± 73.3 cm² at the baseline. At the 3-month follow-up, the subjects achieved an average reduction of 17.9 cm², preserving the results at 6 months (−17.6 ± 17.3 cm).

Conclusion

This retrospective analysis of MRI images objectively documented the effect of HIFEM + RF abdominal therapy on VAT. The data indicates considerable VAT reduction without serious adverse events following the HIFEM + RF procedure.     

The effect of combined hyaluronic acid filler injection and radiofrequency treatment: A clinic histological analysis

Background

Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injections have increased in popularity. They are usually performed in combination with other treatment modalities, including lasers and energy-based devices, to enhance cosmetic results. Theoretically, HA and other filler injections should be performed after laser- or energy-based device treatments. In some instances, however, practitioners are asked to administer laser- or energy-based device treatment after HA dermal filler injection. There is a concerning possibility of HA filler degradation as a result of bulk heating generated by lasers or energy-based devices, especially radiofrequency (RF).

Aim

To evaluate the effect of RF treatment at different time points on HA degradation in vivo, using clinicohistological analysis.

Patients/methods

Fourteen volunteers were recruited and received intradermal HA filler injections in four sites on the abdomen. One site served as the control, and the other three sites were treated with monopolar RF on the same day after injection, at 14 and 28 days post-injection. Skin biopsies were performed at baseline and 56 days after HA injection. Histopathological sections were reviewed for residual filler in the tissue.

Results

The results showed that HA grading scores decreased in five (35.71%), one (7.14%), and one (7.14%) participants when RF was performed immediately, 14 and 28 days after injection, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, RF treatment after HA filler injection may affect the integrity of the HA filler in the tissue, especially if RF treatment was performed on the same day after HA injection.     

探讨高强度聚焦超声技术在治疗子宫肌瘤中的应用

目的:研究高强度聚焦超声技术对于治疗子宫肌瘤的临床治疗效果。方法:对我院收集到的20例子宫肌瘤患者实施HIFU技术治疗措施,在研究开始前、治疗后30d和60d分别使用MRI检查测定其肌瘤大小,并观察其临床症状改变和产生的不良症状情况。结果:在治疗后30d和60d,患者的肌瘤大小和研究开始前相比都没有显著差异(P>0.05);患者在经过HIFU技术治疗后与研究开始前出现的临床症状人数相比有明显的降低(P<0.05);治疗后30d有6例患者出现了不良症状,60d时出现了1例,且其均在短时间内自行康复。结论:HIFU技术能够显著减轻子宫肌瘤患者的临床症状,具有较好的效果。     

Comparison of the effects of carboxytherapy and radiofrequency on skin rejuvenation

Background: Carboxytherapy (CA) refers to the cutaneous and subcutaneous administration of CO₂ for therapeutic purposes. Radiofrequency (RF) is a method that uses electric current for heating layers of the skin. Both techniques are indicated for the treatment of skin laxity. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of CA and RF on human skin. Methods: After eight patients underwent abdominoplasty, each of them received a single treatment of CA and a single treatment of RF on the right and left infra-umbilical regions, respectively. In the infra-umbilical region, CA was performed on the right and RF was performed on the left side. Untreated skin was used as a control. The sample collection period lasted 120 days. CA was administered at a velocity of 40 mL/min, and the total quantity of CO₂ infused was approximately 20 mL. RF was carried out at a temperature higher than 40°C on the epidermis for 5 min. Results: CA and RF led to collagen remodeling; however, this result was more evident and lasted longer with RF. With CA an increase in elastic fibers was observed, whereas with RF no alteration was observed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that RF is more efficient than CA in stimulating collagen synthesis.     

A comparative study of pain perception during the microfocused ultrasound procedure between topical anesthesia and combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling

Background

The experience of pain during microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) treatment is common and crucial for dictating patient satisfaction and retention.

Objective

To compare the pain perception during the MFU-V procedure between two pain reduction methods (topical anesthesia alone versus combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling).

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A square area on the inner side of both arms of healthy volunteers was marked as an experimental site and randomly assigned to receive each pain reduction method: topical anesthesia or combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling. Thereafter, MFU-V was performed with a 4.5 MHz, 4.5 mm transducer (10 lines, 0.9 J) followed by a 7 MHz, 3.0 mm transducer (10 lines, 0.3 J). The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain was measured immediately after 4.5 mm transducer (T1a), immediately after 3.0 mm transducer (T1b), and after the entire procedure (T2).

Results

Twenty-one participants with a mean (SD) age of 34.67 (±6.18) years were enrolled. The mean (±SD) pain score of combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling-treated area was 5.40 (±1.64), 4.80 (±1.63), and 5.40 (±1.56) at T1a, T1b, and T2, respectively. The mean pain score for topical anesthesia-treated areas was 5.89 (±1.45), 5.00 (±1.72), and 5.76 (±1.67) at T1a, T1b, and T2, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the pain perception between the two methods.

Conclusion

The addition of forced air cooling is not beneficial for pain reduction during the MFU-V procedure because its temperature reduction effect cannot be delivered to the deep parts of the skin, which is the target site of MFU-V.     

Nerve injury associated with high‐intensity focused ultrasound: A case report

Skin laxity is a common cosmetic concern in middle‐aged women. High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is one of noninvasive modalities that provides safe and effective improvement in skin laxity and tightening with minimal adverse effects. Concerning an extensive use of HIFU for facial rejuvenation, dermatologists should be aware of potential adverse effects of HIFU treatment. We herein present a case of 33‐year‐old Thai female with facial nerve injury after HIFU treatment for skin laxity.