International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery | July 2023 | Vol 9 | Issue 7 Page 577
International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
Cofré NFV et al. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Jul;9(7):577-585
http://www.ijorl.com
pISSN 2454-5929 | eISSN 2454-5937
Systematic Review
Facial Doppler ultrasound in minimally invasive procedures
Natalia Francesca Vidal Cofré
1
*, Victor Mercado Martinez
2
, Ignacio Novoa Cornejo
3
INTRODUCTION
Ultrasound (US) was first introduced in clinical
dermatology in 1979. However, its use in aesthetic
dermatology started much later, utilizing the US machine
as a clinical imaging technique.
1,2
In recent years,
dermatological US images have rapidly increased due to
the development of high-resolution multifrequency
transducers and multi-channel color Doppler equipment.
As a result, the US has moved beyond the experimental
phase and has reached a stage of daily use in different
centers worldwide. Additionally, the number of
publications in indexed literature has experienced
exponential growth in the last decade.
2
Currently, a wide variety of US devices can detect
dermatological lesions, incorporating variable frequency
transducers that work in ranges from 15 to 70 MHz and
have color Doppler, allowing the detection of the type of
capillary (arterial or venous) and blood flow velocity.
The ability to vary the frequency of the transducer allows
for penetration regulation according to the target
structure. The use of the US is operator-dependent.
3
In last decade, there has been an increase in minimally
invasive facial aesthetic procedures worldwide.
2
Therefore, this article aims to compile available
information to understand the current applications of the
US in minimally invasive facial procedures, the basic
principles of its use, and to generate a working guide.
Aim
This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive
overview of the potential applications of US as a
complementary tool for minimally invasive aesthetic
medical procedures. Specifically, this review aims to
evaluate the benefits of US imaging in these procedures
and to explore the potential uses of US technology by
different accredited health professionals who perform
such procedures. Additionally, the review aims to
describe the safety standards and guidelines for both the
operator and the patient while using the US in these
ABSTRACT
Color Doppler ultrasound (US) is an important ally in minimally invasive aesthetic procedures at the facial level. The
three-dimensional images obtained make it possible to carry out a complete vascular mapping of the face, relate the
different anatomical structures and observe the cutaneous and subcutaneous thickness. Knowing this information will
make it easier for the professional to carry out safe planning in the injection of a "filler" in different dermal structures.
Thus, this article intends to be a guide when carrying out such procedures, as well as in the management of possible
complications. Knowledge of this information will allow the professional a safer procedure, with fewer possibilities
of complications and clinical failures, making aesthetic and functional results compatible satisfactorily.
Keywords: Facial tissues, US, Hyaluronic acid, Orofacial
1
Clinica Vida In, Reñaca, Valparaíso, Chile
2
Instituto de reurorehabilitación y balance, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Chile
3
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions, State University of New
York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
Received: 13 May 2023
Accepted: 14 June 2023
*Correspondence:
Dr. Natalia Francesca Vidal Cofré,
E-mail: natalia.vidal.cofre@gmail.com
Copyright: © the author(s), publisher and licensee Medip Academy. This is an open-access article distributed under
the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits unrestricted non-commercial
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20231817