Complex correction of age-related involutional changes in facial skin using ultrasonic skin lifting and fractional photothermolysis
Background. Modern beauty standards and rhythms of life dictate the need to optimize the process and technologies used for aesthetic correction of age-related involutional changes in facial skin to achieve the most natural, fast and long-lasting results. Despite the availability of many different tactics and techniques of rejuvenation, the search for the most effective and at the same time safe treatment combination using scientifically based methods of remodeling of the facial skin and underlying layers remains relevant.Shamsutdinova D.S., Ponomarenko I.G., Gritskova I.A., Cherkashina I.V.
Objective. Comparative analysis of the efficacy of correction of age-related involutional changes of facial skin in women aged 31–65 years using high-intensity microfocused ultrasound lifting and fractional planar photothermolysis, used as monotherapy and as a complex effect, in the early and late follow-up periods.
Methods. The study involved 82 women aged 31 to 65 years with varying degrees of severity of clinical signs of age-related involutional changes of facial skin, who were randomly divided into three groups: in the 1st group, the patients were corrected using fractional planar photothermolysis, in the 2nd – using high-intensity microfocused ultrasound lifting, and in the 3rd – a one-stage combination of these methods was used. To determine the efficacy and individualization of the exposure parameters, the initial and final indicators characterizing the dynamics of the clinical picture were assessed using digital video dermatoscopy and photofixation. To identify the initial profile and dynamic changes in the elastic properties of the skin, the transverse dynamometry method was used, and the biomechanical parameters of the skin in the middle third of the face were assessed. Satisfaction with the quality of skin remodeling and the results of correction was determined using a number of medical and sociological indicators. During 8 months after the aesthetic correction procedures, any adverse events and side effects were recorded.
Results. More significant positive dynamics of the clinical status and instrumental parameters, as well as a longer after-effect period during 7–8 months after aesthetic correction were revealed in patients who received complex treatment using high-intensity microfocused ultrasound lifting of the facial skin and fractional planar photothermolysis (p≤0.05). The effectiveness of correction of age-related involutional changes in the facial skin in the first group was 72%, in the second – 74%, in the third – 85%. No serious or long-term side effects were registered. Minor pain during treatment manipulations, erythema, xerosis and peeling, as well as rare point petechiae completely regressed by the 7th day of the postoperative period. Achieving regression of signs of photo- and chronoaging of facial skin against the background of the synergistic use of two therapeutic physical factors was associated with a more significant improvement in the quality of life of patients.
Conclusion. High and prolonged efficacy and safety of the combined effect of high-intensity ultrasound lifting and fractional planar photothermolysis allow to recommend their complex use within the framework of one procedure in patients aged 31–65 years with varying degrees of age-related involutional changes in the facial skin.
Keywords
high-intensity ultrasound lifting
fractional planar photothermolysis
complex therapy
age-related involutional changes in the facial skin
About the Authors
Corresponding author: Diana S. Shamsutdinova, Federal Scientific and Educational Center for Medical and Social Expertise and Rehabilitation n.a. G.A. Albrecht, Saint Petersburg, Russia; prokt57@mail.ruSimilar Articles
