A novel combination regimen with intense focused ultrasound and pressure- and dose-controlled transcutaneous pneumatic injection of hypertonic glucose solution for lifting and tightening of the aging face.

Abstract

Intense focused ultrasound (IFUS) has demonstrated moderate efficacy for facial laxity of the aging face. Pressure- and dose-controlled transcutaneous pneumatic injections of hypertonic glucose solution (TPIG) are a minimally invasive way to deliver solution into the skin for therapeutic purposes. Recently, its application around temporal areas is known to exert early-onset lifting effects with facial contour rejuvenation. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this novel combination regimen with IFUS and TPIG for lifting and tightening of aging face. Twenty-two Korean subjects with mild-to-moderate facial skin laxity were evaluated after receiving a sequential single session of IFUS and TPIG treatments. Dermatologists' objective assessments for general appearance, and mid- and low faces based on photographic images were performed at 1- and 12-week post-treatment follow-ups. Patients' subjective assessments were also conducted. Skin biopsies were taken at baseline and the last visit. Among 22 subjects, twenty (91%) demonstrated improvement after 12-week follow-up. We also observed similarly improved state just after 1 week of treatments (82%: 18/22). Specifically, improvement of the mid-face was evident from the first week, while the progress of the low face improvement was observed at the twelve week. Subjective assessments paralleled these findings. No seriously adverse effect was observed during procedures. Histologic evaluation showed greater dermal collagen fibers throughout the dermis after treatments. Combination treatment with IFUS and TPIG has beneficial effects for skin lifting and tightening with early-onset time.