Combined treatment for skin laxity of the aging face with monopolar radiofrequency and intense focused ultrasound in Korean subjects

Background: Although various minimal invasive approaches are available for aging skin laxity, they alone may not lead to notably satisfactory results. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combination regimen with monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) and intense-focused ultrasound (IFUS) in facial lifting and tightening. Methods: Twenty-two Korean participants with aging face received a sequential single session of MRF and IFUS treatment. Objective and subjective assessments for improvement were performed at the 20-week post-treatment. Safety profiles were also recorded, and skin biopsies were taken at baseline and follow-up visit. Results: Based on the objective assessment for the overall facial skin tightening and laxity, 19 patients (90%) demonstrated "moderate" or better improvements (more than 25%) compared with baseline. Specifically, improvements of skin laxity and sagging, and droopy jaw line were more noticeable compared with that of superficial skin texture (P < 0.05). Subjective satisfactions were generally consistent with objective findings, and no serious adverse effect was observed. Histologic evaluation showed increased dermal collagen fibers throughout the dermis after treatments (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Combination treatment of MRF and IFUS has cumulative benefits for skin lifting and tightening with satisfactory safety profiles in Asian subjects.