Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research (대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지)

The Korean Society of Medical and Biological Engineering (대한의용생체공학회)
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A Clinical Trial-Based Efficacy Evaluation of Skin Improvement Induced by Sono and Plasma Stimulation

임상시험을 통한 초음파 및 플라즈마 자극의 피부 상태 개선 효능 평가 연구

  • Yoonho Hwang (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University) ;
  • Hyeyoun Cho (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University) ;
  • Jaehoon Ko (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University) ;
  • Somin Oh (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University) ;
  • Jaehong Key (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University)
  • Received : 2026.01.27
  • Accepted : 2026.02.20
  • Published : 2026.02.28
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Abstract

Clinical evaluations of energy-based cosmetic devices have predominantly relied on subjective outcomes, resulting in a lack of quantitative, age-stratified data to guide clinical decision-making. This study quantitatively assessed skin responses to sonophoresis (Sono) alone versus low-temperature plasma pretreatment followed by Sono (Plasma+Sono), with clarifying age-related differences relevant to practical application. Sixty-four healthy participants were enrolled and stratified by age (20~30s, n=34; 40~60s, n=30). Within each age group, individuals were evenly assigned to either the Sono-only or Plasma+Sono group, such that each treatment group comprised 32 participants with balanced age distributions. Treatments were administered once weekly for four weeks using a split-face design, with the contralateral side serving as cosmetic-only control. Relative changes in hydration, elasticity, pore condition, and skin sensitivity were calculated based on preand post-treatment measurements. Compared to Sono-only, Plasma+Sono produced significantly greater improvements in hydration and elasticity, indicating an additive effect of plasma pretreatment on ultrasound-mediated outcomes. However, the combined protocol yielded less favorable results in pore-related indices and sensitivity, particularly among younger participants. Within the Sono-only group, older participants consistently demonstrated greater improvements across all skin parameters than younger participants. In the Plasma+Sono group, hydration and elasticity increased across both age groups, whereas pore enlargement and sensitivity escalation were notably more prominent in the younger group. These findings provide objective, age-stratified evidence for both the efficacy and limitations of energy-based skin treatments, emphasizing the importance of age-specific considerations when optimizing cosmetic protocols involving sonophoresis and plasma stimulation.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 과제(결과물)는 2025년도 교육부 및 강원특별자치도의 재원으로 강원RISE센터의 지원을 받아 수행된 지역혁신중심 대학지원체계(RISE)의 결과이다(2025-RISE-10-006).

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