Thermistor‐controlled subdermal skin tightening for the aging face: Clinical outcomes and efficacy

OBJECTIVE: Patients are increasingly seeking nonsurgical treatment for the aging face. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and outcomes of a thermistor‐controlled subdermal skin tightening device (ThermiTight) as a treatment modality for the aging face. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 12 patients was completed on patients having undergone ThermiTight for midface and neck skin tightening. Only five patients had a greater than 1 year follow‐up and were included in the study. Two blinded reviewers assessed photographs taken pre‐procedure and 1 year post‐procedure using a standardized skin laxity scale. Patient charts were reviewed to assess for complications up to 12 months post‐treatment. RESULTS: The mean age of included patients was 57 years, and all five patients were female. One (20%) patient treated with ThermiTight was also treated with injectables (Botox, Juvéderm) simultaneously. One (20%) patient developed a wound complication. One (20%) patient complained of incisional site pain at her first postoperative visit that subsequently self‐resolved. On a five‐point scale to assess facial skin laxity, there was an average improved score of 0.85 per patient (P < .001) at one year post‐procedure. Two blinded reviewers correctly categorized photographs as either being “baseline” or “post‐procedure” 100% of the time. There was no significant difference between the skin laxity scores by the blinded reviewers (P = .05). CONCLUSION: ThermiTight is a new technology used for nonsurgical treatment of the aging face. Long‐term outcomes demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Complications are rare, but possible, in the use of ThermiTight. Level of Evidence: 3