Facial Tightening Following a Single Acoustic Wave Treatment Using Focused and Radial Acoustic Waves

Abstract

Background: Acoustic wave has been used for many medical purposes, and although it is widely applied in cosmetic procedures, it has not been conducted for facial rejuvenation and tightening. Acoustic wave has been proven to penetrate deeper than subcutaneous tissue, independent of skin color, and to be beneficial for skin tightening and body contouring. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a single acoustic wave treatment session using unique focused and radial acoustic waves for facial tightening. Participants: Sixty Asian patients were treated between the years 2016 and 2018. The single acoustic wave treatment session consists of focused long planar acoustic pulses thought to have an effect on cells and their metabolism resulting in an increased release of fat, and radial short acoustic pulses thought to have an effect on tissues activating blood and lymphatic flow. Patients did not undergo any form of medical aesthetic treatment during the study. Measurements: Digital photographs and three-dimensional imaging were used to evaluate the results. Results: Objective assessments with digital photographs and superimposed three-dimensional color images showed preferable facial tightening effects and marked volumetric reduction on the lower one-third of the face. These results were obtained without the edematous reactions observed in laser and radiofrequency therapies, and were sustained up to 12 months. All of the patients reported satisfaction with the results and convenience of the procedure. Complications were minor and transitory, consisting of a slight tingly sensation to the teeth during the treatment, and mild erythema resolving within 5 hours. Side effects were not observed. Conclusions: The advantages of the single acoustic wave treatment are the high potency of facial tightening effects, reduction of discomfort and side effects. Taken together, these characteristics facilitate the ability to give repeated treatments and provide an alternative or adjunct treatment for patients with improved results.

Histopathologic Examination Changes Observed as Mechanotransduction Following Focused and Radial Acoustic Wave Therapy

“…Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) has been applied for a variety of medical purposes and is currently receiving increasing attention [1,2]. AWT is also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and was initially used to disintegrate kidney stones.…”

Facial Tightening Effects, Following Focused and Radial Acoustic Wave Therapy Assessment, Using a Three‐Dimensional Digital Imaging

“…Demand for a noninvasive, long-lasting method to reduce sagging fat tissue and to induce facial tightening has grown dramatically over the past few decades [1][2][3]. Regardless of age, sex, and skin type, patients seeking rejuvenation and cosmetic procedures, are primarily interested in combatting the clinical signs of aging and laxity [1][2][3]. More recently, ultrasound technology has been introduced to perform various body contouring and shaping treatments [4][5][6].…”

“…Improvements in the appearance of both cellulite and skin firmness after acoustic wave treatments have been reported [18,31,32]. Most recently, acoustic wave technology has been used for body contouring and cellulite reduction; however, little is known about its effects on facial tightening or its influence on the skin and subcutaneous tissue [3].…”

“…In the author's (Y.T.) prior studies, this limitation was overcome by the addition of a superimposed three-dimensional (3D) color schematic scan to enhance the precision of the data and demonstrate results not visible on 2D imaging [1][2][3]33,34].…”

“…The treatment proceeded from bottom to upward. The arrows indicate the direction and treating area by planar-focused handpiece[1][2][3][4][5], and the orange-colored part indicates the treating area of the linear radial handpiece[1][2][3][4].…”