Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Microfocused Ultrasound Technology for Facial Rejuvenation

plastic surgery and reconstruction surgery

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of microfocused ultrasound (MFU) for facial rejuvenation through objective and subjective outcome measures. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 patients who underwent MFU treatment for facial rejuvenation at the Department of Plastic Surgery, between January 1 and June 1, 2025. Efficacy was assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Ultrasonography was employed to measure fat thickness at the chin, mandibular angle, inferior zygomatic border, and premasseteric region. Pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), patient satisfaction was assessed via a 5-point Likert scale, and all adverse events were documented. Results: GAIS improvement rates at 3 and 6 months were 96.7% and 93.3%, respectively, both significantly higher than the immediate post-treatment rate of 63.3%. WSRS scores at 3 and 6 months showed significant improvement compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Fat thickness at all measured sites decreased significantly at both follow-up time points (P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction increased from 76.7% immediately post-treatment to 96.7% at 3 months and remained high at 90.0% at 6 months. Pain during treatment was mild (VAS 2.60 ± 0.84), with no pain reported at 3 or 6 months. Transient edema (≤10 days) occurred in 12 patients, erythema (≤7 days) in 5 patients, and transient pain (resolved within 1 week) in 2 patients. No hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or pruritus was observed. Conclusion: Microfocused ultrasound significantly improves age-related facial appearance with favorable tolerability and safety. These findings support MFU as an effective non-invasive option for facial rejuvenation, though larger controlled studies are warranted.

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