The emerging role of ultrasound in facial aesthetic procedures

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound imaging is gaining increasing relevance in facial aesthetic medicine due to its real-time, non-invasive, and radiation-free nature. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore the clinical applications of ultrasonography in aesthetic medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify clinical studies evaluating the use of ultrasonography in facial aesthetic medicine. The search strategy included the following terms: "aesthetic", "facial", "ultrasound". PRISMA Extension for Scoping Review guidelines were used. RESULTS: A total of 6 studies were included in this review. Ultrasonography has been used to guide injections in facial aesthetic procedures such as filler and botulinum injection and to assess the thickness of the masseter muscle to evaluate the efficacy of masseter muscle hypertrophy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography enhances the safety of facial aesthetic procedures by guiding injections into the correct tissue layers and minimizing vascular risks. Priority should be given to the development of standardized protocols and an increase in randomized clinical trials.