Ultrasound and related radiofrequency technologies are relatively novel, effective, and noninvasive methods for body contouring and localized skin tightening, according to Dr. David J. Goldberg.
The only cosmetic ultrasound therapy currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration is the Ulthera System for skin tightening, Dr. Goldberg said at a cosmetic dermatology seminar sponsored by the Skin Disease Education Foundation in Santa Monica, Calif. The device non-specifically heats deep dermal collagen, which is thought to tighten cellulite.
Dr. David J. Goldberg
In a 2008 study led by Dr. Goldberg, director of dermatologic laser research at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, 30 female patients underwent six treatments with a unipolar radiofrequency device directed at cellulite on their upper thighs.
Following treatment, 27 of 30 patients had clinical improvements, with a mean decrease in thigh circumference of 2.45 cm (Dermatol. Surg. 2008;34:204-9).
The treatment was "fairly painless," he said. Side effects included post treatment erythema, which lasted for about 30-120 minutes; there were no blisters, scars, or pigmentary changes.
Another technology, known as UltraShape, delivers focused ultrasound to dissolve unwanted fat. In a recent multi-center, single-treatment, controlled study, 82% of 162 patients had measurable reductions in the circumference of their thighs, abdomens, and flanks. The decreases averaged 2 cm at 28 days, and were maintained at 84 days post treatment.
In the study, presented at the 2009 International Masters Course on Aging Skin in Paris, 76% of patients reported being satisfied with a single treatment, and 92% reported having no pain or discomfort.
According to Dr. Goldberg, UltraShape is currently used in over 57 countries. Approval has not yet been granted in the United States.
Dr. Goldberg disclosed receiving research grants from Alma Lasers, Thermage, Cynosure, UltraShape and Zeltiq, all makers of laser, ultrasound and radiofrequency skin-tightening and body-contouring technologies. SDEF and this news organization are owned by Elsevier.