Safety and efficacy of microfocused ultrasound in tightening of lax elbow skin

BACKGROUNDWith the increased popularity of minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, this study evaluates the efficacy and safety of microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) for tightening lax skin above the elbow.METHODSSubjects were treated bilaterally above the elbows with MFU-V using transducers with different focal depths. Photographs were taken before treatment and at 90- and 180-day follow-ups. Masked observer ratings and physician and subject global aesthetic improvement scales (PGAIS and SGAIS) were completed at follow-ups. Safety, based on adverse event (AE) incidence, was assessed.RESULTSMasked blinded assessment was completed at 90 days; 56% showed aesthetic improvement. Overall improvement in SGAIS was 83% and 81% at 90 and 180 days, respectively. The overall improvement in PGAIS was 94% at both 90 and 180 days. Patient satisfaction questionnaires showed that 83% noticed improvements in elbow characteristics at 90 days, with 81% still indicating improvement at 180 days. No serious AEs or treatment-related AEs were reported.CONCLUSIONThis pilot study suggests that MFU-V is a safe and promising nonsurgical option for the treatment of skin laxity above the elbow. Based on the positive results of this study, a larger trial is warranted together with testing different treatment densities to optimize this noninvasive approach.