Facial skin tightening with an 1100–1800 nm infrared device

Abstract

Background/objectives: To determine the efficacy of the 1100–1800 nm infrared device for facial and cervical skin tightening. Methods: Ten female patients, with a mean age of 56.5 years, received two treatments 1 month apart with a chilled tip infrared device (Titan; Cutera, Brisbane, CA, USA). Individuals were examined and photographed prior to treatment and at 1 and 3 months post‐treatment. Three treatment‐independent evaluators compared the photographs and graded them on a standardized scale applied to seven regions subdividing the face and neck. After evaluating the photographs, the difference in pretreatment and post‐treatment scores was expressed as a percentage. The patients also rated their results. Results/conclusion: The greatest tightening was achieved over the malar region, the upper neck and the body of the mandible. In these areas the average tightening was 10%, 10%, and 12% respectively. The patients reported a 32% improvement in the appearance of their cheeks and a 20% visible improvement in their necks. Overall, they were pleased with the result of this non‐surgical skin tightening.