Complications Using Intense Ultrasound Therapy to Treat Deep Dermal Facial Skin and Subcutaneous Tissues

BACKGROUNDIntense focused ultrasound is an FDA-approved noninvasive technology for facial/brow lifting procedures. During the course of our experience, several patients had complications with this technology, some of which have not been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Dermatologic surgery 2014-10, Vol.40 (10), p.1108-1112
Main Authors: Sabet-Peyman, Esfandiar J, Woodward, Julie A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adipose Tissue - pathology
Atrophy - etiology
Combined Modality Therapy
Cosmetic Techniques - adverse effects
Ecchymosis - etiology
Edema - etiology
Eyebrows
Face
Facial Dermatoses - etiology
Humans
Laser Therapy
Lip
Pain - etiology
Paralysis - etiology
Retrospective Studies
Skin Aging
Subcutaneous Tissue
Ultrasonic Therapy - adverse effects
Ultrasonic Therapy - methods
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Summary:BACKGROUNDIntense focused ultrasound is an FDA-approved noninvasive technology for facial/brow lifting procedures. During the course of our experience, several patients had complications with this technology, some of which have not been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to assess the spectrum and duration of complications associated with administering intense focused ultrasound at the Duke Aesthetic Center. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis retrospective IRB-approved chart review evaluates all 39 patients treated at the Duke Aesthetic Center from November 4, 2011 to October 9, 2012. Thirty-eight patients had concurrent ablative fractionated laser skin resurfacing using the Lutronic eCO2 system over the neck. The charts and photograph archive were reviewed to determine the amount and location of treatment and complications experienced by each patient. RESULTSOverall, 23% of patients had a complication. These included mandibular ecchymosis, facial edema, transient lip and brow paralysis, and pseudofacial fat atrophy. CONCLUSIONAlthough most of the complications were transient in nature, 1 patient developed persistent facial edema that became a scar and another developed pseudomelolabial fat atrophy. Furthermore, 3 patients experienced previously unrecognized transient lip and/or brow paralysis. All patients tolerated concurrent neck ultrasound and ablative fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing well.
ISSN:1076-0512
1524-4725
DOI:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000124