Ultrasound rejuvenation for upper facial skin: A randomized blinded prospective study

Growing demand for facial rejuvenation drives advancements in these therapies, including laser, radiofrequency, and focused ultrasound, alongside thermal stimulation adjuncts. These methods, known for stimulating collagen regeneration, skin tightening, and lifting, have gained popularity due to their minimal side effects, low trauma, and high safety, demonstrating favorable outcomes in clinical practice.

We sought to assess the efficacy of ultrasound skin tightening for brow lift within the scope of a procedure addressing facial sagging across the entire face. Our aim was to explore a noninvasive method capable of effectively enhancing mild to moderate brow ptosis by tightening and lifting the skin in the upper facial region.

This was a rater-blinded, prospective cohort study. The upper facial region of the participants was treated with the new device, micro-focused ultrasound (MFU), in model D3.0/D2.0/M3.0. Outcomes of brow lift were measured in comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment photographs and three-dimensional (3D) vector analysis.

A total of 42 participants (37 females) were enrolled, with 2 participants withdrawing from the trial, resulting in 40 subjects who completed 180-day-follow-up and evaluation. 35 (87.5%) were deemed to have clinically significant brow elevation by two blinded assessors (experienced clinicians) at 180-day posttreatment (p < 0.01). The mean change in brow height after 90-day was 2.16 ± 0.63 mm at the frontal position (straight-ahead gaze) (p < 0.01). The 3D vector analysis reveals varying magnitudes of vector displacement in the upward and outward directions of the skin on the frontal region above the eyebrows.

Focused ultrasound appears to be a safe and effective method for upper facial skin rejuvenation. A single focused ultrasound treatment on the forehead and temple areas resulted in an average brow elevation of 2.1 mm.