Lasers and ultrasound in Aesthetic medicine: a hybrid review of efficacy, safety, and future directions

Abstract

Energy-based devices, especially lasers and ultrasound (HIFU/MFU-V), have transformed esthetic medicine, yet evidence remains scattered. This hybrid review couples systematic retrieval of quantitative studies with expert synthesis to define areas of strength and caution. Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane captured RCTs, observational series, and meta-analyses on laser- and ultrasound-guided interventions. Efficacy, downtime, satisfaction, and complications were extracted and tabulated, focusing on Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin, BMI sub-groups, and emerging AI-guided planning.