Clinical Relevance of Skin Tightening with Minimally Invasive Subdermal Energy-Based (EB) Technologies

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic Medicine
• Dermatology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Skin retraction and tightening are key to facial rejuvenation and body contouring.
• Energy-based (EB) technologies like lasers, ultrasound, and radiofrequency (RF) are increasingly used for aesthetic interventions.
• Understanding their efficacy in skin tightening and retraction is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze reported outcomes of energy-based technologies for skin retraction and tightening.
• To determine the clinical relevance of these technologies in aesthetic procedures.
• To assess the evidence supporting skin tightening effects.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE databases.
• Analysis focused on studies reporting outcomes of percutaneous energy-based technologies.
• Evidence levels were considered as per journal guidelines.

Main Results:

• A limited number of clinical studies were identified for percutaneous EB technologies.
• Studies provide low-level evidence for skin tightening, with scarce objective measurements.
• Distinguishing retraction from volume reduction versus true biomechanical improvement is challenging.

Conclusions:

• Clinically evident skin tightening from EB devices is poorly measured and documented, despite histological evidence.
• Effective skin laxity correction results from reparative healing of superficial dermo-subdermal injury.
• Further research is needed to identify optimal devices for inducing healing and to select appropriate patients for minimally invasive treatments.