A Randomized, Split-Face, Evaluator-Blind Clinical Trial Comparing Monopolar Radiofrequency Versus Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization for Lifting and Tightening of the Face and Upper Neck

BACKGROUND Over the past decade, 2 major modalities for noninvasive skin tightening have emerged: monopolar capacitive-coupled radiofrequency (MRF) and microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V). Up to date, no comparative clinical trials have been performed. OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of MRF versus MFU-V for the lifting and tightening of the face and neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty subjects with mild to moderate skin laxity received MFU-V over one-side of the face and MRF over the other side of the face at the same time. Subjects were followed for 6 months. RESULTS Both MRF and MFU-V led to a decrease in the Fasil Face and Neck Laxity Grading Scale (FLR). These differences became significant at Day 30 and remained significantly improved through Days 90 and 180 in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the FLR Scale between MRF-treated and MFU-V–treated sides. Subjects' Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale showed improvement at Day 30, 90, and 180. CONCLUSION Both MRF and MFU-V led to significant improvement in face and neck laxity. There were no statistical differences between MRF and MFU-V in standardized investigator measures of face and neck laxity, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Douglas C. Wu, MD, PhD, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, 9339 Genesee Avenue, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92121, or e-mail: dwu@clderm.com Supported by financial grant from SOLTAMEDICAL as an investigator-initiated study. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. © 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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