Abstract
BACKGROUND: Micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) can be used to achieve lifting of the brow, lifting of lax submental and neck areas, improving lines and wrinkles on the décolleté, through delivery of ultrasound on tiny points at different levels of the skin. This induces a wound repair reaction, which can achieve the tension and pulling effect of deep dermis and fascia. AIMS: The objective of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes, including pain, erythema, and edema, following treatment with Ultherapy Prime and Ultherapy Legacy. METHODS: A posttreatment questionnaire was used to collect data on pain, erythema, or edema after treatment with Ultherapy Prime and Ultherapy Legacy. RESULTS: This study included 231 participants who underwent treatment with Ultherapy Legacy and Ultherapy Prime and 92 participants who underwent Ultherapy Prime as first-time treatment. Participants reported significantly less pain, erythema, and edema after treatment with Ultherapy Prime, compared to treatment with Ultherapy Legacy, regardless of whether Ultherapy Prime was performed after Ultherapy Legacy or as first-time treatment. CONCLUSION: Despite some limitations, e.g., a single-center study performing unblinded treatment of participants, in the absence of a crossover design, participants consistently reported less pain, erythema, and edema after treatment with Ultherapy Prime, supporting its efficacy and safety in nonsurgical facial lifting. However, larger studies in more diverse geographical areas are needed to confirm these findings and rule out the impact of cultural differences on pain perception and expression.