Search Results (3)

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection and micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) are becoming increasingly popular for various esthetic conditions. However, performing MFU-V subsequently to BoNT-A injection may diminish the efficacy of BoNT-A. Previous reports have indicated the impact of various energy-based devices on BoNT-A. Nevertheless, the influence of MFU-V on BoNT-A has yet to be investigated. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of MFU-V on BoNT-A injection and to determine the optimal interval between each treatment. A randomized controlled study was conducted on 15 subjects. Each participant was assigned to receive four sites of intradermal BoNT-A injection on their forehead. Following BoNT-A injection, these locations were randomized to receive either no MFU-V treatment or further treatment with MFU-V (superficial transducer, 10.0 MHz, 1.5 mm) on the same day, Day 7, or Day 14. On Day 28 following injection, the anhidrosis area was measured using the iodine starch test to objectively evaluate the result. In comparison to the control site (1.10 cm²), the anhidrotic area was significantly smaller in all MFU-V treated sites (0.74 cm² in immediate MFU-V treatment, p < 0.001; 0.90 cm² in MFU-V Day 7, p = 0.005; 0.93 cm² in MFU-V Day 14, p = 0.021). There were no serious and esthetic complications reported in our study. In conclusion, MFU-V with a superficial depth transducer significantly reduced the efficacy of intradermal BoNT-A injection, especially within two weeks following BoNT-A injection. After BoNT-A injection, we recommend MFU-V treatment should be avoided for at least two weeks. Further study is required to evaluate the optimal interval between these two treatments. Full article

Objective: to systematically review the efficacy of microfocused ultrasound (MFU) for facial skin tightening. Methods: A systematic search was performed (Pubmed, Embase) to assess the efficacy of single MFU treatments for facial skin tightening. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials, controlled trials, cohort studies and case series (n ≥ 10). Objective and subjective outcomes were assessed. Results: A total of 693 studies were identified of which 16 studies were eligible. All the studies involved female patients. MFU is capable of tightening the skin, as observed in studies measuring the results of brow lifts (0.47–1.7 mm) and submental lifts (measured as a 26–45 mm² reduction in the submental area on lateral photographs). Data from the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) were pooled, and the day 90 pooled subjective investigator reported scores (IGAIS) (n = 337) showed that 92% of the patients demonstrated an improvement in skin tightening and/or in wrinkle reduction which continued up to one year. Longer-term follow-up data are not available. The patient-reported pooled scores (SGAIS) (n = 81) showed that the skin improvements were mild and continued to increase from 42% (90 days) to 53% (360 days) post-treatment. The MFU treatment was moderately painful and caused transient erythema with or without oedema. Other adverse effects were rare (2%), including dysesthesia (numbness or hypersensitivity), bruising and stinging, mandibular burns, striations and contact dermatitis. Various device settings, treatment protocols and energies were applied. Excessive skin laxity and a BMI > 30 were posed as relative contraindications for MFU treatment because positive results declined with an increase in laxity and BMI. Conclusions: MFU treatment is effective in tightening female patients’ mildly to moderately lax facial skin. Future studies should focus on objective treatment outcomes, optimising treatment regimens and male patients. Full article

Vaginal laxity (VL) and genitourinary syndromes of menopause (GSM) create physical, psychological, and functional problem for women and their partners. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) therapy performed twice in the vaginal canal in a patients with VL and GSM. A total of 20 women with GSM and VL were treated with MFU Ultravera by Hironic. The treatment course consisted of two vaginal applications of MFU at an interval of 6 weeks. The clinical effects of the protocol were evaluated using the Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire (VLQ), the Vaginal Health Index (VHI), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The overall values of the vaginal laxity evaluation for the total subject population showed a statistically significant improvement between the baseline and the findings at 3 and 6 months after treatment. The effect of therapy was consistent across all domains of FSFI. It peaked at the 6 week follow-up visit (from 26.5 to 32) and plateaued at 12 weeks and 6 months. There was a significant VHI improvement over time, with the greatest and most significant change between the study entry and 21 days after treatment; the VHI score leveled off up to 3 months after the procedures. MFU therapy, performed twice in the vaginal canal, showed promising efficacy and safety profiles, meriting further investigation. Full article