Guidelines for ultrasound in aesthetic medicine: a narrative review

Ultrasound is becoming popular as an adjunct to aesthetic and rejuvenation medicine procedures. This needs, however, standardized protocols and specific guidelines. The purpose of this review article is to identify and to critically analyze the available guidelines on using ultrasound for the aesthetic procedures.

A PubMed and Google Scholar search was performed for the term "aesthetic" OR "cosmetics" OR "face" OR "facial" AND the term "ultrasound" OR "ultrasonography".

Applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 7981 results were obtained. These articles were screened to select guidelines, expert opinions, expert group consensus reports, position papers, and position statements. We also identified a consistent number of guidelines and similar articles dealing with aesthetics but failing to mention ultrasound.

The number of guidelines on the specific topic of ultrasound imaging in aesthetics is quite limited by now, with some of them that only deal with fillers injection, while neglecting other, relevant aesthetic topics. Updated, fulfilled recommendations are needed.