Effect of infrared technology on dermal thickness of the face compared to microfocused ultrasound using high frequency ultrasound skin imaging: a randomized clinical trial.

Energy-based devices play a crucial role in aesthetic medicine for treating facial skin aging. Non-ablative thermolifting improves skin firmness and elasticity. This randomized trial evaluates Zaffiro® infrared technology and microfocused ultrasound (MFU) on dermal thickness and facial skin rejuvenation. Thirty healthy women were randomized (1:1) into two groups: Zaffiro® (N = 15) and MFU (N = 15). Each received a single treatment session and was evaluated at 30, 60, and 90 days. High-frequency ultrasound imaging assessed dermal thickness. Wrinkle severity (Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale), Subject Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (SGAIS), patient satisfaction, and treatment tolerance were recorded. Both groups showed a ~ 40% increase in dermal thickness. Wrinkle reduction reached 52.8% in Zaffiro vs 40.5% in MFU. At 30 days, 62% of Zaffiro patients reported significant improvement vs 15% in MFU. Satisfaction was 85% (Zaffiro) and 61% (MFU) at 30 days; 92.5% in both groups at 90 days. Both technologies improved dermal thickness and wrinkle severity. Zaffiro demonstrated earlier and greater improvements in aesthetics and comfort, making it a favorable noninvasive treatment.