Contact: Lisa Doty
847-956-0900, ldoty@asds.net
CHICAGO, IL –According to the results of research presented today at the 38th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), a novel, non-invasive ultrasound device has the potential for correcting age-related sagging skin.
“This study looked into the safety and efficacy of an ultrasound device to tighten loose skin,” said Murad Alam, MD (academic title). “Therapeutic ultrasound is highly adaptable for this purpose and we wanted to explore its use.”
The device was tested on 35 adults, 32 women and three men. The device was first used to create an image of the treatment area and then to deposit energy into the skin. Photographs were taken before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at two, seven, 28, 60 and 90 days after treatment. Brow elevation of at least 0.5 mm was seen in 89 percent of subjects after 90 days. Twenty five patients experienced temporary, mild to moderate redness and swelling after the procedure.
In general, patients who are the best candidates for any type of non-invasive tissue tightening are those with loose or slightly lax skin in the mid face, cheeks, jaw line, neck and brows. The procedure is well-tolerated by most people but should be avoided by those who have collagen vascular disorders such as morphea or scleroderma. The most
common complications after tissue tightening treatments are a little bit of redness
of the skin, occasional swelling and some tenderness of the area for a couple of days. A burn or blister may occur and may create a scar or a depression in the skin.
“Many people are interested in reversing the signs of aging in a non-invasive way,” Dr. Alam said. “We will be looking into refining the treatment protocol with this particular device to enhance patient outcomes.”
Founded in 1970, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery is the largest specialty organization in the world exclusively representing dermasurgeons, board-certified physicians who are specifically trained to treat the health, function and appearance of the skin and soft tissue with both medically necessary and cosmetic procedures, using surgical and non-surgical methods. For more information on medical or cosmetic skin procedures, and referrals to ASDS members in your state, log on at asds.net.