Thesis (M.Sc) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Dermatology

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of high intensity focused Ultrasound (HIFU) versus absorbable threads for face lifting. Methods: Twenty females aged from 30 to 60 with moderate facial sagging were randomized into Group A (10 patients) who received a single session of HIFU and Group B (10 patients) who underwent thread procedure. Patients were assessed by a blinded independent investigator after 1 month and 3 months of the procedures. Results:Both HIFU and threads groups showed statistically significant improvement in Merz Aesthetics Scale for jawline after 3 months (p value= 0.003, 0.007 respectively). Although the percent of improvement was higher among threads group compared to HIFU group, the difference wasn{u2019}t significant (p value= 0.349). The improvement was earlier among threads group with statistical significance at 1 month (p value= 0.020), compared to non-statistical significance for HIFU at 1 month (p value= 0.180). There was an associated improvement in the nasolabial fold, marionette lines, submental area, texture and wrinkles with no statistically significant difference between both groups (p value = 0.052, 0.632, 0.952, 0.141, 0.317 respectively). Edema as an adverse effect was statistically more frequent among threads group (p value = 0.016), still patients who underwent threads were significantly more satisfied (p value= 0.020 Among HIFU group, improvement in Merz Aesthetics Scale for jawline showed a negative correlation with baseline Merz Aesthetics Scale for jawline(R= -0.808, P=0.005) moderate facial sagging are better candidates for HIFU than patients with excessive sagging

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