Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39501429›Full record

ReviewJournal of cosmetic dermatology2025

Microfocused Ultrasound in Regenerative Aesthetics: A Narrative Review on Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Outcomes.

Vasanop Vachiramon, Tatjana Pavicic, Gabriela Casabona, Jeremy B Green, Jennifer Levine, Je-Young Park, Julieta Spada, Mariana Muniz, John Akers, Matthew Jackson and 1 more

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
9citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

9 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Trial
  3. Correlation Study of Subjective Clinical Evaluation and Skin Biophysical Properties in Facial Skin among Young Korean Women; Pilot Study.Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) · 2026
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  6. Review
  7. Review
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Vasanop VachiramonDivision of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7328-939X
Tatjana PavicicPrivate Practice for Dermatology & Aesthetics, Munich, Germany.
Gabriela CasabonaOcean Clinic Marbella, Málaga, Spain.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3183-0432
Jeremy B GreenSkin Research Institute & Skin Associates of South Florida, Coral Gables, Florida, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6205-0319
Jennifer LevineLenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
Je-Young ParkApkoo-Jung Oracle Dermatology Clinic, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Julieta SpadaJulieta Spada Dermatology & Aesthetics, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Mariana MunizDermatology Private Office, São Paulo, Brazil.
John AkersGlobal Medical Affairs, Merz Aesthetics, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Matthew JacksonGlobal Medical Affairs, Merz Aesthetics, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5392-845X
Alec McCarthyGlobal Medical Affairs, Merz Aesthetics, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5063-5413

Funding

Merz Aesthetics, Global Medical Affairs, North America
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMicrofocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) is widely used in aesthetic medicine for skin tightening and rejuvenation. However, its role in regenerative aesthetics and its precise mechanism of action are not fully understood.

objectiveThis narrative review aims to contextualize and articulate the mechanism of action of MFU-V, evaluate its role in regenerative aesthetics, and assess its effectiveness based on existing clinical, histological, and skin-mechanical studies.

methodsA comprehensive literature search was performed to collect and analyze studies on MFU's biological mechanisms, clinical outcomes, and impact on extracellular matrix (ECM) regeneration. The review integrates findings from clinical trials, histological analyses, and biomechanical assessments to provide a cohesive understanding of MFU-V's role in aesthetic medicine.

resultsMFU-V emits focused ultrasound energy that penetrates multiple skin layers and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, creating localized thermal coagulation points. These points initiate biological responses that recruit fibroblasts and stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin fibers. Enhanced ECM protein synthesis leads to significant improvements in skin biomechanics and quality, reducing skin laxity and enhancing appearance. Clinical studies support these findings, showing improvements in skin firmness and texture following MFU-V treatment.

conclusionThrough analyzing the underlying biological mechanisms and the observable clinical outcomes, this narrative review sets the stage for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of action and role of MFU-V in regenerative aesthetics.

Indexed as

Cosmetic TechniquesRejuvenationSkin AgingUltrasonic TherapyEstheticsExtracellular MatrixFibroblastsHumansRegenerationSkinTreatment Outcomeenergy‐based devicesMFU‐Vmicrofocused ultrasound with visualizationregenerative aestheticsUltherapy

Identifiers

PMID39501429
PMCPMC11847762

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.