Sponsored by Tentech, Inc.
The dual-transducer, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in 10THERA® from Tentech, Inc. (Seoul, Korea), referred to as “2 Line HIFU”, provides a fast and powerful non-invasive facial treatment that scores high with patients and practitioners alike. With this dual irradiation, therapeutically effective levels of energy penetrate deeply, but only when the transducer inside the cartridge is moving, as a safety mechanism to prevent burns during this rapid treatment. As well, ultrasound 
can be focused from the dermis to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, creating thermal coagulation zones with relatively minimal discomfort.
According to EunSoo Park, MD, PhD, of the department of plastic surgery at Soonchunhyang University Hospital (Buncheon, Korea), the appeal to patients is high because 10THERA is fast and delivers surprising results for a nonsurgical facial treatment.
Patients who have previously undergone HIFU treatment report significantly less discomfort during sessions. “Initially I had my doubts about the two-line irradiation method, but now I’m experiencing high patient satisfaction in terms of efficacy, procedure speed and pain,” Dr. Park reported. “Many patients think that less pain means treatment will be less effective, but they are surprised it is so thorough, yet delicate and fast, providing high quality results.” Low discomfort is partially due to the even, consistent delivery of HIFU with 10THERA.
Speed is also important to physicians for increased patient throughput. “Traditional single-line HIFU takes longer and requires more concentration,” Dr. Park began, “so from a doctor’s perspective 10THERA is much better, which is why speed is the most important feature of 10THERA after safety and effectiveness. After that, the low discomfort is a major advantage as well.”
he treatment protocol is simple and effective, according to Dr. Park. “After intensively irradiating about 80 to 90 pulses on areas with sufficient skin (such as cheeks) with the 4 MHz (4.5 mm) cartridge, the 7 MHz (3.0 mm) cartridge is then used to strengthen elasticity throu
gh 2 Line HIFU irradiation,” he continued. The 7 MHz cartridge is ideal for curved and thin areas such as the periocular region.
“Some argue that the target should be the fascia underneath rather than the SMAS layer,” Dr. Park added. “I don’t think it is necessary to target the fascia, as the fascia and SMAS are not clearly separated. The fascia is simply a membrane covering the muscle. Originally the 4 MHz cartridge was developed specifically for targeting the SMAS layer because it is connected to the platysma; since the face has thin muscles, it is easy to lift there.”
For those familiar with HIFU, the learning curve is shallow because treatment protocols are similar to existing HIFU devices. “Since it is an ultrasonic energy, the contact surface is very important. The gel must be applied evenly and placed vertically to facilitate penetration to the desired depth,” Dr. Park explained.
“Safety should also be considered when selecting a device,” Dr. Park continued. “What will happen if the energy is emitted unevenly from the handpiece or if only a portion of the energy is released?” 10THERA has an auto-stop safety mechanism that halts energy emission when the transducer is motionless. “I have not yet experienced any side effects with 10THERA,” Dr. Park stated.
