Skin Tightening Ultrasound Technology: Exploring the Mechanisms and Benefits 

Have you noticed your face starting to look a little droopy? As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which is a protein that gives our skin its strength and elasticity. Therefore, reduced collagen could be the culprit for the droopy and saggy skin on your face and neck.

Now, you might go for over-the-counter beauty creams that may seem to help at first. But they don't actually do much to improve the appearance of wrinkles. In fact, some of these creams can even make the problem worse. Some may go as far as getting a surgical face and neck lift that comes with tremendous list of complications and long downtime. 

However. one safer way to combat signs of aging is to delve into science-backed ultrasound technology for skin tightening. This procedure is non-invasive, so you don't have to worry about post-op care or scars. Plus, you'll be left with rejuvenated skin with less appearance of wrinkles. Keep reading to learn more about ultrasound technology for achieving younger-looking skin. 

Ultrasound Technology for Skin Tightening 

Reading the word 'ultrasound' may give you flashbacks from a doctor's appointment, but ultrasound technology for skin tightening is different from traditional machines. It is actually called High-intensity focused sound (HIFU) and is a non-surgical method to rejuvenate the skin. 

Most people may get it done around their eyebrows, eyes, neck, jowls, and chin - where wrinkles are most prominent. It results into soft and firm skin with fewer fine lines. 

How does it work: Mechanism of ultrasound technology

Ultrasound skin tightening treatment uses a HIFU device that emits high-energy waves and heat. This high-intensity ultrasound energy and intense heat kicks the collagen production in the skin. The energy penetrates up to 5 millimeters deep into the facial muscles under the skin. These layers of facial muscles enable collagen production and tightening of the skin.

When the ultrasound energy is applied to the deeper layers of skin, it causes micro-injuries and triggers the skin's healing response. As a result, it produces collagen, leading to better elasticity and firmness. 

What's fascinating is that ultrasound can reach the same muscle tissues used in surgical face lifts. Therefore, it has a similar effect on the skin. While the results may vary depending on the intensity of wrinkles and sagging, this technology has the capability to make your skin look younger. 

The scientific evidence behind ultrasound therapy for skin

Ultrasound therapy for skin tightening and cell rejuvenation may be new to some people, but many controlled trials have benn done to prove its efficacy in the past years. It is studied that ultrasound waves reach subdermal connective tissues, including the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer and (deep) dermal layers.

With controlled force, these layers produce collagen and continue to do so even after a year of skin tightening treatment. Several studies were conducted with 35-65-year-old men and women to learn about the impact of ultrasound skin rejuvenation. One Sasaki et al. study treated participants' neck and face area with a 4 MHz 4.5 mm and 7 MHz 3.0 mm transducer. Two doctors who were unaware of the procedure concluded improvement in the skin. 

Another groundbreaking research on 50 adult Indian individuals showed improvement in lower and midface sagging after six months of treatment. Furthermore, the results stayed the same after a year in 93% of participants, showing the longevity of the treatment effects. 

In a different study, 63.6% of participants had clinical improvement two months after using a new Microfosued Ultrasound (MFU) device for the submentum and cheeks. Moreover, histopathologically showed an increase in collagen fibers in the lower dermis and fat layers. 

Another MFU device treatment with 200 to 300 lines per face led to increased skin laxity in three sessions conducted 4 weeks apart. The skin laxity and improved appearance were still noticeable after a 3-month follow-up. No participants registered side effects like facial fat atrophy during or after the treatment.

What are the Benefits of Ultrasound Skin Tightening?

Here are some significant benefits of ultrasound skin rejuvenation.

Improved skin elasticity

During ultrasound therapy, the dermis is stimulated to produce collagen. This builds the fibrous tissue that imparts elasticity to the skin. Its main purpose is to hold the skin cells close to each other and prevent the appearance of saggy skin. Your face and neck skin may appear tighter after three to four weeks of consistent use. 

Reduced appearance of baggy eyelids

If you have baggy eyelids, ultrasound therapy will target the skin layers below the surface and may reduce the bulging fat. Moreover, the appearance of undereye wrinkles and droopiness may reduce with consecutive treatments. 

Firm jowls

The intense targeted temperature and sound waves may help minimize saggy jowls' appearance. Collagen and elastin stimulation in the jowl area will also contribute to firming the loose skin. 

Lifting eyebrows

Instead of getting a surgical brow lift, you may get the same lift with ultrasound technology as it works on the muscles under the skin. Lifted eyebrows indicate younger skin; hence, you may achieve a younger look after regular treatment. 

Minimizing wrinkles 

With consistent use, your fine lines and wrinkles will look less pronounced. Common wrinkles such as crow's feet, smile, and forehead lines will be less prominent. You may use other skincare products to enhance these results.

Smoother skin

Ultrasound therapy works on the subcutaneous tissue for collagen building. When your skin is free from wrinkles and droopiness, it will have a smoother appearance. 

Fade mild scars

As ultrasound reduces fibroblast growth and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposits, it may reduce the appearance of scars. These results may vary depending on the scar size and appearance. 

Stimulate blood flow 

The heat from the mechanical energy of ultrasound increases blood flow in the target tissue. It aids in higher conductivity of the tissue and uniform heating. As a result, it stimulates blood flow. Moreover, this triggers fat cell destruction in the area, slimming down the face.

At-home ultrasound facial

Scheduling facial appointments and commuting is often time-consuming. Needless to say, it comes with massive bills. Since the technology has been studied in multiple trials, it's safe to use at home. The treatment works with consecutive sessions; therefore, consistency is crucial. You may achieve this at home with a device that's easy to use. 

Invest in an at-home sonic facial device for drooping eyes and saggy neck skin. EvenSkyn® Venus: Premium Eyelid Anti-Aging Device uses sonic massaging and ion-assisted absorption. It treats under-eye bags, fatigue, and puffiness with heat and LED light therapy. 

It may help in decreasing wrinkles by increasing cell rigidity. Besides, your eye muscles will be relaxed as the device has an oscillation of 12,000 times per minute.

EvenSkyn promotes collagen through thermal stimulation working at a temperature of 42°C (107.6°F). Furthermore, it may increase the nutrition uptake of the skin when you apply skin care products. This is possible by iontophoresis with a voltage gradient, transporting nourishing cream molecules to the skin. 

Are There Any Side Effects of Ultrasound Facials?

Since the ultrasound facial manipulates the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer and (deep) dermal layers, the treatment may hurt a little. However, it is nothing in comparison to getting a surgical lift. 

Many people do not register any side effects during or after using ultrasound therapy. Here are some uneasy symptoms some may experience. 

• Skin redness 
• Tenderness in application areas
• Slight swelling in the skin
• Superficial burns (rare cases)

In Conclusion

Treating fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin as soon as you observe them is ideal for preventing them from worsening with time. You may get several benefits within a few sessions with ultrasound skin-tightening technology. 

Your skin may feel rejuvenated after three to four sessions. With less visible wrinkles and droopy skin, your face and neck will appear smoother and tight, contributing to a younger look. Using an at-home facial device can be an affordable and effective solution. Use it alongside other skincare treatments and creams for glowing, radiant skin. 

References: 

1. David M. Reilly, Jennifer Lozano. “Skin collagen through the life stages: importance for skin health and beauty” 8 Jan 2021
2. Arya Namin, MD, Tom Shokri, MD, Aurora Vincent. “Complications in Facial Esthetic Surgery” 2020 Dec 24
3. Sabrina Guillen Fabi. “Noninvasive skin tightening: focus on new ultrasound techniques” 2015 Feb 5
4. Korean J Radiol. “High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy: an Overview for Radiologists” 2008 Aug 20
5. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines. “Effect of Microfocused Ultrasound on Facial Rejuvenation: Clinical and Histological Evaluation” July 2021
6. Jean-Christophe Pittet, Olga Freis. “Evaluation of Elastin/Collagen Content in Human Dermis in-Vivo by Multiphoton Tomography—Variation with Depth and Correlation with Aging” 20 August 2014
7. Zackary B. Whitney, Megha Jain; Felix Jozsa, Patrick M. Zito. “Anatomy, Skin, Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) Fascia” January 14, 2023.
8. Ubaid Khancorresponding, and Nabiha Khalid. “A Systematic Review of the Clinical Efficacy of Micro-Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation and Tightening” 2021 Dec 4
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11. Shome D, Vadera S, Ram MS, Khare S, Kapoor R. “Use of micro-focused ultrasound for skin tightening of the mid and lower face.” 2019
12. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. “Non Thermal Pulsed Ultrasound Treatment for the Reduction in Abdominal Fat” 2018 Sep
13. J Jpn Phys Ther Assoc. “Effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound on Intramuscular Blood Circulation and Oxygen Dynamics” 2014