Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40995829›Full record

ReviewJournal of cosmetic dermatology2025

Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization for Body Indications: A Global Expert Consensus on Best Practices for Treatment of the Abdomen and Arms.

Frank Lin, Vasanop Vachiramon, Gabriela Casabona, Jessie Cheung, Ana Lúcia Gonzaga da Cunha, Tatjana Pavicic, Julieta Spada, Sabrina Fabi

Abstract readConsensus StatementReview
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 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–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

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
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

8 authors.

Frank LinMonash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Vasanop VachiramonDivision of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Gabriela CasabonaOcean Clinic Marbella, Málaga, Spain.
Jessie CheungCheung Aesthetics & Wellness, Willowbrook, Illinois, USA.
Ana Lúcia Gonzaga da CunhaAlbert Einstein Teaching and Research Center, São Paulo, Brazil.
Tatjana PavicicPrivate Practice for Dermatology & Aesthetics Dr. Tatjana Pavicic, Munich, Germany.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4511-8661
Julieta SpadaSpada Dermatology & Aesthetics, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Sabrina FabiUniversity of California, San Diego, California, USA.

Funding

Merz Aesthetics
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMicrofocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) is well established for noninvasive lifting of the face, neck, and décolleté. U.S. FDA clearance was recently granted for treatment of the abdomen and upper arms, supported by favorable safety data and emerging evidence of efficacy of its use to address skin and soft tissue laxity in body regions. Guidance on best practices for these additional indications is desirable.

aimsThis consensus aims to provide evidence-based and practice-informed recommendations supporting safe, effective, and reproducible MFU-V treatments for the additional body indications.

methodsAn international, multidisciplinary panel of aesthetic experts developed consensus recommendations for MFU-V treatment of additional body areas based on clinical evidence, expert experience, and structured virtual discussions.

resultsThis global expert consensus affirms MFU-V as a safe and effective noninvasive modality for treating mild to moderate skin and soft tissue laxity in the abdomen and upper arms. Three key domains were identified as critical to optimizing outcomes: patient selection, treatment planning, and expectation management. Ideal candidates are those with mild to moderate laxity and target tissues located at treatable depths. Real-time ultrasound imaging was emphasized for accurate targeting, anatomical safety, and treatment precision. The panel developed practical treatment protocols for the abdomen and upper arms, including recommended treatment zones, line densities, and transducer depths tailored to tissue characteristics.

conclusionSafe and effective MFU-V outcomes rely on real-time ultrasound visualization, thoughtful patient selection, expectation management, and anatomically guided treatment. Continued research is needed to refine protocols and guide emerging body applications.

Indexed as

Skin AgingUltrasonic TherapyAbdomenArmHumansPatient SelectionUltrasonographybody contouringconsensusenergy‐based deviceMFU‐Vreal‐time visualizationreal‐world evidenceskin laxity

Identifiers

PMID40995829
PMCPMC12461775

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.