Avaliação ultrassonográfica da derme facial em diferentes processo do envelhecimento cutâneo: uma revisão sistemática da literatura

Abstract

Skin aging is a multifactorial process characterized by structural and functional changes in the skin, which can be assessed using various imaging methods. Among these, high-frequency ultrasound allows for non-invasive analysis of the skin layers, especially the dermis. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the ultrasonographic evaluation of the facial dermis in different processes of skin aging, with an emphasis on the comparison between young and mature skin. The literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Scielo, CAPES, and BVS, using the search terms high-frequency ultrasound and skin aging, with filters applied to limit the search to publications from the past 5 years and to include only full-text articles. The selection of studies followed the PRISMA protocol recommendations. After the screening and eligibility stages, 24 articles met the criteria and were included in the review. The included studies demonstrated that skin aging is associated with reduced dermal thickness, changes in echogenicity (which may show reduction or progressive increase), and measurable changes in ultrasound signals, reflecting modifications in the extracellular matrix and the organization of dermal tissue. Thus, high-frequency ultrasound is an effective and promising tool for assessing age-related structural changes in the skin; it can serve as a complementary method to clinical examination and contribute to the monitoring of therapeutic interventions and to the advancement of research in this field.