Microfocused ultrasound in combination with diluted calcium hydroxylapatite for improving skin laxity and the appearance of lines in the neck and décolletage

Summary

Background

Skin laxity and wrinkling on the neck and décolletage reveal age as reliably as the face.

Objective

To evaluate the combined use of microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V; Ultherapy^®) and diluted calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA; Radiesse^®) for treating the neck and décolletage.

Methods

Subjects with moderate-to-severe lines on the neck and/or décolletage were retrospectively enrolled. MFU-V was applied using 7 and 10 MHz transducers followed by subdermal injection of CaHA diluted 1:1 with lidocaine solution. Photographs at baseline and 90 days were assessed by two independent, blinded evaluators using three scales: Merz Aesthetics décolleté wrinkles, Fabi-Bolton chest wrinkle, and Allergan transverse neck lines scales.

Results

A total of 47 subjects were treated as follows: 29 (neck only), five (décolletage only), and 13 (both areas). Mean neckline score improved from 2.6 (moderate-to-severe lines) at baseline to 1.3 (mild lines) 90 days after treatment (P < .001). Mean décolletage scores improved from 2.6 and 3.3 (moderate-to-severe wrinkles) on the Merz Aesthetics and Fabi-Bolton scales, respectively, to 1.1 and 1.8 (mild wrinkles), respectively, after treatment (both P < .001). Both procedures were well tolerated with high subject satisfaction.

Conclusions

Combining MFU-V with 1:1 diluted CaHA is effective for improving the appearance of neck and décolletage lines and wrinkles.