New perspectives in facial contouring using external ultrasonography.

The use of XUAL ultrasonic energy to "fractionate" and redistribute facial fat is a valuable adjunct in facial plastic surgery. The 59 patients enrolled in the author's preliminary evaluation of XUAL under the auspices of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Innovative Procedures Committee had in addition to the body liposculpture external ultrasonography application to "superwet" anesthetized face and neck with or without physical removal of fat or skin. When no excisions or liposuctioning were performed, there was visible and photographic improvement in facial contouring. Interview comments ranged from "I can see my cheek bones now" to questions as to whether or not a facelift had indeed been performed. Individuals who had submental resculpturing ("submental tuck") or simple "safe zone" liposuction in the submental area, jowl, and nasolabial zones also showed a remarkable degree of skin tightening and contouring beyond the area of actual fat removal. Those individuals who have been observed closely for more than 12 months still have the improvement. Redistribution of fat and skin tightening initially noted between the second and eighth weeks have persisted unchanged, often in spite of fat accumulation elsewhere from weight gain.