Assessment of dual-fusion-radiofrequency effects on cheek dermis and fascia elasticity using elastography

Facial skin laxity arises from age-related loss of collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis and fascia, yet the effects of emerging dual-fusion-radiofrequency technology on these deeper layers remain poorly quantified. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the impact of dual-fusion-radiofrequency technology on skin dermal and fascial elasticity.

Thirty volunteers (6 males and 24 females) who had never received facial aesthetics or treatments were prospectively enrolled, and received a single session of dual-fusion-radiofrequency technology treatment(Alma Thermolift 2.0, Alma Lasers Ltd, Israeli). Shear-wave elastography (11 MHz linear probe, Mindray) was used to assess the mean, maximum, and minimum changes in the elasticity of the dermis and fascial layers of both cheeks, immediately after, and on day 1, day 3, day 7, day 21 of the treatment. Furthermore, the participants were classified by gender and age (below and above 40 years old) to assess the different effects of dual-fusion-radiofrequency treatment on facial elasticity.

After treatment, the elasticity values of the cheek dermis and fascia first declined and then peaked on day 7, with mean elasticity values increasing by + 44% (right dermis), + 41% (right fascia), + 43% (left dermis) and + 30% (left fascia). By day 21 the values had decreased slightly but remained above baseline. The mean and maximum values of elasticity of the fascial layer of the right cheek were significantly higher in males than in females at post-treatment day 7 (P = 0.008, 0.045, respectively). There was no significant difference in the change in elasticity values between volunteers under 40 years of age and those over 40 years of age (P > 0.05).

Elastography was useful in assessing the improvement in the elasticity of the dermal and fascial layers of the cheeks with dual-fusion-radiofrequency technology. Our research provides evidence-based treatment optimization indicators for clinicians, enabling them to adjust the subsequent follow-up intervals and laying the foundation for future comparative studies.