GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Lifting / Laxity · Submental / neck laxity

HIFU lifting evidence for Submental / neck laxity

B 53.5 / 100 Supported 4 RCT/meta · 5 clinical/observational · 3 case · 36 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2019 Last 5 years 28% Positive results 44%

Known in Korea as

울핏슈링크울쎄라리프테라리프테라2바디 울쎄라울쎄라 프라임초음파 리프팅슈링크 유니버스울쎄라피 프라임

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 Prospective, Single-arm, Split-face Pain Management Evaluation of Nitrous Oxide System During Micro-Focused Ultrasound With Visualization. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2022 · PMID 36342737

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Although micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) has great cosmetic results, patients can be hesitant or decline the treatment due to the pain experienced during the treatment. The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of pain management of the nitrous oxide system during MFU-V treatment. The secondary objectives include patient satisfaction and efficacy on reducing facial laxity and...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Systematic review and meta-analysis of safety and efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for face and neck rejuvenation. Lasers in medical science · 2020 · PMID 32026164

Abstract summary (English) High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is widely used for skin rejuvenation and tightening. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of HIFU for face and neck rejuvenation. A systematic search of peer reviewed articles published before December 2017 was performed using Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus databases.

Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review

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tier1 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. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2019 · PMID 30531187

Abstract summary (English) 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.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 A Randomized Evaluator-Blinded Trial Comparing Subsurface Monopolar Radiofrequency With Microfocused Ultrasound for Lifting and Tightening of the Neck. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2017 · PMID 28902019

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Both subsurface monopolar radiofrequency (SMRF) and microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) have demonstrated the ability to lift and tighten the neck. No head-to-head comparison study exists of these 2 technologies. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of SMRF and MFU-V for the lifting and tightening of neck.

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier2 Clinical Trial Evaluating the Long-Term Efficacy of Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization for Décolleté Rejuvenation. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2020 · PMID 33196752

Abstract summary (English) Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) for treating chest wrinkles; however, those studies followed subjects for only 180 days. The objective of the following study was to assess the long-term effects of MFU-V for the treating chest wrinkles. Each subject was treated with 4-4.5 mm, 7-3.0 mm, and 10-1.5 mm transducers.

Clinical Trial, Journal Article

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tier2 Intense focused ultrasound for neck and lower face skin tightening a prospective study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2020 · PMID 32011076

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Intense focused ultrasound (IFUS) is a Nonablative skin tightening technology with good safety profile, but limited efficacy. Most clinical studies have been performed to evaluate the efficacy of the Ulthera IFUS (Ulthera, Mesa, AZ) in treating redundant skin. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with Doublo IFUS (Doublo™, HIRONIC Co.) for treating neck and lower face laxity.

Journal Article, Observational Study

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tier2 High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: A Satisfactory Noninvasive Procedure for Neck Rejuvenation. Aesthetic surgery journal · 2019 · PMID 30923813

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an advanced technology that has been developed in response to the growing demand for noninvasive face rejuvenation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the rejuvenation effects, patient satisfaction, and safety of HIFU treatment of the neck in a European population. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 20 patients.

Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Video-Audio Media

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tier2 Synergistic effect of high-intensity focused ultrasound and low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of the aging neck and décolletage. Lasers in medical science · 2016 · PMID 27766442

Abstract summary (English) High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is regarded as an effective skin-lifting device; however, literature regarding treatment of the aging neck and décolletage with HIFU is scarce. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combination with HIFU and low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG (LQSNY) laser on the aging neck and décolletage. Nineteen women were assessed.

Clinical Trial, Journal Article

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tier2 Evaluation of Micro-Focused Ultrasound for Lifting and Tightening Neck Laxity. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2016 · PMID 27168269

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: A novel device using micro-focused ultrasound with high-resolution ultrasound visualization (MFU-V) produces non-invasive lifting and tightening of lax skin on the face and neck when treatment is delivered at a single focal depth (Ulthera® System; Ulthera, Inc., Mesa, AZ).
OBJECTIVE: The following study was performed to test the hypothesis that customized application of MFU-V at two focal depths...

Evaluation Study, Journal Article

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tier0_review Patient satisfaction of microfocused ultrasound treatments on the face and neck laxity: A narrative review. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2023 · PMID 37128835

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) delivers focused ultrasound energy to heat tissue and has emerged as a fast and effective noninvasive method for treating skin laxity. After obtaining approval in 2009 by the Food and Drug Administration, satisfactory feedback was recorded using several scoring systems for MFU-V treatment for facial and neck laxity. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and...

Journal Article, Review

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Suggested interpretation

Strong evidence base

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