Efficacy of artificial intelligence-based skin analysis for calculating wrinkle improvement and skin firmness after simultaneous radiofrequency and high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy: a retrospective clinical study
- Author:
Woohyuk YOON
1
;
Hea Kyeong SHIN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2025;31(2):46-54
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Quantitative skin assessments have transitioned from subjective evaluations to objective approaches. However, clinical application has remained limited due to high costs and reliance on specialized equipment. High-intensity focused ultrasound and radiofrequency are the two most widely used noninvasive modalities for skin tightening and wrinkle improvement. This study investigated investigate the efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI)-based skin analysis as a more accessible and cost-effective tool for assessing skin firmness and wrinkle improvement.
Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 34 patients treated simultaneously with high-intensity focused ultrasound and bipolar radiofrequency between January and February 2025. AI-based skin assessments, evaluating firmness and wrinkle scores, were obtained pre-treatment, immediately post-treatment, and at a 2-month follow-up. Standardized clinical photographs were independently evaluated by two blinded human raters. Logistic regression and correlation analyses were conducted to determine alignment between AI and human evaluations.
Results:AI analysis showed significant improvements in both firmness and wrinkle scores immediately after treatment and at the 2-month follow-up (P<0.05). Human evaluations demonstrated high inter-rater agreement (Cohen’s κ=0.72–0.91). Logistic regression analyses indicated that changes in AI scores significantly predicted human-rated treatment effectiveness at both time points (area under the curve [AUC] for firmness=0.86; AUC for wrinkles=0.73–0.93). Spearman correlation coefficients and the Mann-Whitney U test further supported strong alignment between AI and human assessments.
Conclusions:This study validates the clinical utility of AI-based skin analysis as a reliable quantitative measure for evaluating wrinkle improvement and skin tightening following energy-based rejuvenation treatments. Its predictive validity aligns well with expert human judgment, particularly at delayed follow-up.